MachIVshooter
Member
Probably not the best idea. I got a little bored this evening, so I decided to put a Hollywood myth to the test. I can't think how many films I've seen where a guy takes cover behind a computer desk and/or hard drive tower during a firefight. The test subject was an antiquated Emachines 333. Handguns used were an EAA Witness Compact 10mm, Helwan Brigadier 9mm (didn't feel like dirtying a nice 9mm for the test), a Llama Max-1 .45 and a S&W 4006. Each shot is numbered in the order it was fired, 1-8.
All were factory loads except for the 10mm (both) and the JHP .40 load. The 10mm's were both 180 grain slugs that clock ~1340 FPS from the 3.5" Witness. The .40 JHP load was a 155 grain XTP at 1245 FPS (pretty warm stuff).
Conclusion: You might be reasonably safe if your opponent has a 9mm or smaller. You might survive if he has a .40 or .45, as the machine slowed them down enough that they only got about half way through the phone book on the backside. If he's shooting full power 10mm, you're screwed (both the FMJ and JHP continued through the phone book behind the tower and then put decent dents in the 1/8" steel backstop).
I know this test isn't scientific, as there are many variables inside the PC tower, and integrity was further compromised with each round fired. But it was entertaining!
All were factory loads except for the 10mm (both) and the JHP .40 load. The 10mm's were both 180 grain slugs that clock ~1340 FPS from the 3.5" Witness. The .40 JHP load was a 155 grain XTP at 1245 FPS (pretty warm stuff).
Conclusion: You might be reasonably safe if your opponent has a 9mm or smaller. You might survive if he has a .40 or .45, as the machine slowed them down enough that they only got about half way through the phone book on the backside. If he's shooting full power 10mm, you're screwed (both the FMJ and JHP continued through the phone book behind the tower and then put decent dents in the 1/8" steel backstop).
I know this test isn't scientific, as there are many variables inside the PC tower, and integrity was further compromised with each round fired. But it was entertaining!