The Myths and Reality of Stopping Bullets with Cold Beverages and Water

It's a common curiosity to wonder what could stop a bullet, especially in scenarios of self-defense or emergencies. One such fascination involves using a glass of cold tea or even water to stop a bullet. However, the reality is quite different from the fantasy. Let's delve into this intriguing question, backed by scientific understanding and practical tests.

Why a Glass of Cold Tea Won't Stop a Bullet

The concept of using a glass of cold tea to stop a bullet, especially a powerful one used by military or law enforcement, is practically non-existent. Such a scenario would be more akin to a science fiction plot. Even if we consider a relatively smaller, common bullet, the outcome would not be beneficial.

At best, a glass of cold tea (assuming it's liquid at room temperature) might deflect the bullet, but it would inevitably be destroyed in the process. This would leave the subsequent attacker with an unobstructed path to shoot. The small size of the glass compared to the human body means that the bullet can easily be re-routed by simply aiming slightly to the sides or above or below the glass. The chances of stopping the bullet or causing fatal injury are extremely low.

A Robust Solution: Water and Its Tests

For a more effective solution, much more substantial materials are needed. Water, for example, has been tested and found to be much more capable of slowing down a bullet. A test conducted years ago (more than 30 years ago) found that several feet of water could significantly reduce the velocity of a bullet. The exact depth required is somewhere around 12 to 14 feet of water. This test underscores the truth that a substantial barrier is necessary to alter the trajectory or halt a bullet's progress.

The Myth of Ice: Using Ice to Disorient an Attacker

To add another layer of intrigue, at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, a glass of "cold tea" would indeed freeze and become a solid block of ice. While this might offer a glancing blow or slightly disorient the attacker, it is not a practical method for stopping a bullet. Instead, using the ice to hit the attacker right between the eyes could disable them sufficiently to take their gun away. Once the attacker is subdued, it would be crucial to move away from the immediate danger and ensure safety.

Conclusion and Safety Tips

In conclusion, the idea of using a glass of cold tea or even water to stop a bullet is purely fictional and not reliable in real-life scenarios. For effective self-defense, it is crucial to rely on scientific and tested methods. Water barriers, though effective, require a substantial build-up, making it impractical for everyday situations.

Always prioritize safety and knowledge in situations where you need to defend yourself. Preparedness, awareness, and the use of proven tactics are the keys to staying safe. Utilizing ice or other non-bulletproof methods, such as blocking an attacker, can provide a temporary escape or advantage, but always aim to leverage more robust and practical solutions when possible.