How Many 2x4s to Stop a 9mm?

Can drywall and 2x4s really protect you from incoming gunfire? The answer might surprise you. In this First Person Defender Bonus Tip, we dive deep into the critical difference between cover vs. concealment, and test whether a standard residential wall can actually stop a bullet. Spoiler: most can’t.

Using a Ruger RXM and common ball ammo, we simulate real-world home defense scenarios with layered drywall and 2x4s to demonstrate penetration potential—and the importance of proper use of cover in a gunfight.

We also talk about:
What spalling is and why it can still injure you behind cover
How secondary projectiles from hard surfaces can slow you down
What materials in your home might offer actual protection
Why understanding your environment is key in a defensive encounter
How bad guys are likely using ball ammo, not hollow points

If you’ve ever wondered what parts of your home are actually safe to hide behind in a gunfight—or if anything in your house is truly cover—this is a must-watch.

This First Person Defender Bonus Tip is brought to you by Ruger.

First Person Defender Season 14 is brought to you by CCW Safe, Colt, Crimson Trace, HK-USA, Ruger, and Umarex/T4E.

About First Person Defender
Gun Talk’s First Person Defender puts regular people into force-on-force self-defense scenarios. Putting you inside the fight to defend your life or the lives of your loved ones, FPD shows you what can go wrong…and how fast it can happen.

For more content from Gun Talk Media, visit guntalk.com or subscribe on YouTube, Rumble, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Catch First Person Defender on the new Official FPD YouTube channel. Catch Gun Talk Hunt on the new dedicated YouTube Channel. Listen to all Gun Talk Podcasts with Spreaker, iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.

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