Defense Take cover? Shooting at – and through – vehicles Recoil Staff September 17, 2014 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Most vehicles should be considered concealment, not cover. This excellent video from KOTAC is an excellent example of why that is. What's interesting is that this doesn't appear to always hold true, particularly when it comes to handgun rounds. Several of our writers were on the range with Graham Combat recently. They shot 9mm, .40 and .45 into a car from many different angles and several ranges (nothing further than about 30m – and note, all pistol caliber). Of those rounds, a surprisingly high percentage did not penetrate sufficiently to have injured or killed any passengers. One .45 round was stopped by a headrest and several of different calibers failed to go through the open trunk at all. Most of the rounds would go through one door (from inside, shooting out) to hit a target – few went through both. Of course, those were handgun rounds. As you can see, rifle rounds are an entirely different proposition. In the end, as Alex mentions in the video description, you should educate yourself. You might also remember that accurate, returned fire placed center mass to discourage an assailant can be a very effective form of “cover.” Do you spend as much with your weapon as you do with your putter or your X-Box? Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
