Does initial speed of a gun affect bullet velocity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the initial speed of a gun, such as when firing from a moving position or while lurching the hand forward, affects the maximum velocity of the bullet. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications related to firearms and projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that lurching the hand forward while firing a pistol would affect the bullet's maximum velocity.
  • Another participant agrees that shooting from a moving vehicle would similarly affect bullet velocity, referencing an experiment from Mythbusters.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that while there is an effect on bullet velocity, it would be negligible in terms of the round's effectiveness, even at high speeds like 80 mph.
  • One participant recalls a historical discussion about whether pursuing riders would have a range advantage over retreating rustlers, implying that the initial speed could influence range.
  • Another participant counters this by suggesting that air resistance would negate any advantage in range for the pursuing riders.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the initial speed's effect on bullet velocity and range, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the conditions under which the bullet is fired, such as the speed of the vehicle or the type of round used, are not fully explored. The impact of air resistance on projectile motion is also mentioned but not elaborated upon.

Matthew Siefring
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My brother and I were having an argument so I decided to make an account on this forum. Say you were to lurch you hand forward while firing a pistol. Would that affect the max velocity of the bullet?
 
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It would indeed, just like shooting a gun from a moving vehicle will also affect the velocity of the bullet. The idea is similar to this experiment done by mythbusters:

 
Thanks
 
Would it have an effect on the max velocity of the bullet? yes, but it would be negligible when talking about the effectiveness of the round. Even if you were in a car going 80 mph and shot a bullet directly behind you (or in front of you) it would be negligible in all but the slowest rounds.
 
HA. I remember having this conversation when I was in secondary school ( about 1959). It was about cowboys and rustlers. The question was would the pursuing riders have an advantage of range with their guns over the retreating rustlers. Nothing new under the Sun. :smile:
 
sophiecentaur said:
The question was would the pursuing riders have an advantage of range with their guns over the retreating rustlers.
Rather the opposite, if you consider air resistance.
 
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