Didn't think it was possible. - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

KYDoc · 03-31-2006, 07:32 PM

I was at the range today and there was a guy in the lane next to me shooting a Kimber Custom II 1911 (nice gun!) with WWB .45 ACP ammo.

Anyway, between my own reloads I was watching him shoot because he was pretty good. I thought I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye between him and the target. After a few shots, I was sure. I could see the bullets flying into the target.

I've never taken the time to look before, but is this unusual? I didn't think I'd be able to see them in the air, but I could see every one as a streak of silver on the way to the target -- it was wild.

Must be a slow round?

tec · 03-31-2006, 07:37 PM

I think I read or saw somewhere that if there is medium to high levels of humidity, then the vapor trail of the bullet is visible.

But then again, I could be wrong. Yea, I think I am wrong. What the heck do I know?

KYDoc · 03-31-2006, 07:43 PM

I dunno.

It didn't look like a vapor trail.. more like a silver thing flying at a piece of paper. Really wierd.

Although it was pouring rain outside a poorly climate controlled indoor range (pretty much a corrugated steel garage)

Anyone else ever see this, or is this an x-files episode?

tec · 03-31-2006, 07:46 PM

Alright Alright,

I got my info from history channel the other night. They were discussing thermal nuclear devices being set off, and if the air is humid enough, then you will see the concussion wave coming at you.

Krackels · 03-31-2006, 07:58 PM

Believe it or not I've actually seen my bullets for a really brief period of time mid-flight.

Cuda · 03-31-2006, 08:30 PM

Bullet in flight pic....

ArmedFerret · 03-31-2006, 08:30 PM

with as "slow" as a .45ACP typically flies, i wouldn't be surprised if you were able to catch a fleeting glimpse of the bullet as it went from barrel to target.

*by slow, obviously i'm speaking relative to other calibers.

chupacabrachus · 03-31-2006, 11:51 PM

I've seen this with some frequency during the summer. The range (outdoors) that I shoot at faces east. So, later in the evening, when the sun is bright, but still above the tree line, it makes it possible to see the bullets. I don't know if the humidity factor helps as some have mentioned (it gets pretty sticky here in the summer), but I'm pretty certain the light hitting the rear of the bullet just right causes it to reflect. Kinda cool effect.

Wilvoeka · 04-01-2006, 02:36 AM

I was shooting with my buddy one day(he has a service 40 XD) and While facing my target I could see his rounds going down range.

Your periphial version catches movement alot better than a straight on view. Have you ever noticed a flourescent light flicker in your periphial vision but it looks fine head on?

abnrgrcol · 04-14-2006, 09:56 AM

I'm positive it's a matter of where the light source is and where you're standing. I often see bullets fly at my PD range, but only if the sun's shining and if I change my position the flying bullets often disappear.

03-31-2006, 07:32 PM	#1
KYDoc XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 1,025	Didn't think it was possible. I was at the range today and there was a guy in the lane next to me shooting a Kimber Custom II 1911 (nice gun!) with WWB .45 ACP ammo. Anyway, between my own reloads I was watching him shoot because he was pretty good. I thought I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye between him and the target. After a few shots, I was sure. I could see the bullets flying into the target. I've never taken the time to look before, but is this unusual? I didn't think I'd be able to see them in the air, but I could see every one as a streak of silver on the way to the target -- it was wild. Must be a slow round?

03-31-2006, 07:58 PM	#5
Krackels XDTalk 15K Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Southeastern PA Posts: 19,588 Blog Entries: 5	Believe it or not I've actually seen my bullets for a really brief period of time mid-flight. __________________ "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." --Benjamin Franklin PA Roll Call

03-31-2006, 08:30 PM	#6
Cuda XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Alabama Gulf Coast Posts: 328	Bullet in flight pic.... __________________ XD9 Service "Black" CZ 75B/SA 9mm Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum 4" Blued CZ 82 Makarov Springfield 1911 SS GI Ruger MarkII Stainless Target 5 1/2" Bull Barrel Colt Mustang .380

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03-31-2006, 07:37 PM	#2
tec XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Holland Ohio Posts: 8,707 Blog Entries: 1	I think I read or saw somewhere that if there is medium to high levels of humidity, then the vapor trail of the bullet is visible. But then again, I could be wrong. Yea, I think I am wrong. What the heck do I know?

03-31-2006, 07:43 PM	#3
KYDoc XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 1,025	I dunno. It didn't look like a vapor trail.. more like a silver thing flying at a piece of paper. Really wierd. Although it was pouring rain outside a poorly climate controlled indoor range (pretty much a corrugated steel garage) Anyone else ever see this, or is this an x-files episode?

03-31-2006, 07:46 PM	#4
tec XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Holland Ohio Posts: 8,707 Blog Entries: 1	Alright Alright, I got my info from history channel the other night. They were discussing thermal nuclear devices being set off, and if the air is humid enough, then you will see the concussion wave coming at you.

03-31-2006, 08:30 PM	#7
ArmedFerret XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 92	with as "slow" as a .45ACP typically flies, i wouldn't be surprised if you were able to catch a fleeting glimpse of the bullet as it went from barrel to target. *by slow, obviously i'm speaking relative to other calibers.

03-31-2006, 11:51 PM	#8
chupacabrachus XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,431	I've seen this with some frequency during the summer. The range (outdoors) that I shoot at faces east. So, later in the evening, when the sun is bright, but still above the tree line, it makes it possible to see the bullets. I don't know if the humidity factor helps as some have mentioned (it gets pretty sticky here in the summer), but I'm pretty certain the light hitting the rear of the bullet just right causes it to reflect. Kinda cool effect.

04-01-2006, 02:36 AM	#9
Wilvoeka XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 11	I was shooting with my buddy one day(he has a service 40 XD) and While facing my target I could see his rounds going down range. Your periphial version catches movement alot better than a straight on view. Have you ever noticed a flourescent light flicker in your periphial vision but it looks fine head on?

04-14-2006, 09:56 AM	#10
abnrgrcol XDTalk Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 51	I'm positive it's a matter of where the light source is and where you're standing. I often see bullets fly at my PD range, but only if the sun's shining and if I change my position the flying bullets often disappear.