Penn & Teller's Magic Bullet

[HeyLeroy]

After seeing P & T perform the magic bullet live twice, and repeatedly on DVD, and with my knowledge of firearms and ballistics, I think I know how to do it.

Testing to begin soon.

Yes, I know the dangers, I've been studying conjuring and illusion for 30 years. I don't plan on having my head blowed off.

[Terry]

Be careful!

[BPSCG]

I don't plan on having my head blowed off....the president said, as he and Mrs. Kennedy boarded the flight to Dallas...:duck:

BTW, if you think you have a way of actually catching the bullet in your teeth, the Mythbusters completely busted this one.

[wahrheit]

Be careful!

Yeah, mom :rolleyes:


HeyLeroy, don't forget to tape everything with a high-speed camera for us. That is, in case it works, of course.

[jsfisher]

Be very sure the laser sights are properly adjusted.

Er, I mean improperly adjusted.

No, I mean adjusted properly to make the trick work.

Sigh. Just remember the movie, A Christmas Story.

[HeyLeroy]

Be careful!

This will go through very extensive testing at the pistol range before I even think of trying it live!

HeyLeroy, don't forget to tape everything with a high-speed camera for us. That is, in case it works, of course. Not a chance!:D

I'm pretty certain I understand the principle; like I said, testing, testing and more testing.

Be very sure the laser sights are properly adjusted.

Er, I mean improperly adjusted.

No, I mean adjusted properly to make the trick work.

Sigh. Just remember the movie, A Christmas Story.


I've got a laser on my .22 rat-wrecker; the laser'll be very carefully adjusted!

[Terry]

Yeah, mom :rolleyes:


You'll put your eye out with that thing, you know!

[fuelair]

You'll put your eye out with that thing, you know!

No you won't, the icecicles will get you first!!:D

[HeyLeroy]

Let me clarify: I'm not going to be testing with the .22, I made that comment to explain that I know how to zero a laser or a scope.

I'll be testing with a .357 Magnum, just like P & T.

[jsfisher]

I'll be testing with a .357 Magnum, just like P & T.
Excellent!!! You will then have two channels for possible success: either in the realm of dramatic stage magic or with the Darwin Awards. Good luck, either way.

[HeyLeroy]

:D It won't be luck. Proper prior preparation prevents poor performance.

[jsfisher]

Actually, one of the "too bad" things, here, is we are not allowed to discuss how magic tricks are down. Personally, I find how well the trick is done far more interesting. I can throughly enjoy a seasoned master stepping flawlessly through a classic, like the Chinese linking rings, while most of the "big-prop" stage effects bore me. I'd rather know how the trick works and be stunned by the magicians skill instead of misdirected by unexpected antics.

I have even seen Teller perform the cups and balls routine, and it was a joy to watch. By the way, the cups where clear plastic.

But that's just me.

[HeyLeroy]

Yup, them doing the trick with the clear cups is a real treat to watch.

[wahrheit]

You'll put your eye out with that thing, you know!

HeyLeroy will be fine as long as he can find a partner other than the trigger-happy kitten in his avatar to perform the stunt ;)

[Beady]

Whatever happened to "Don't try this at home"?

[Hal Bidlack]

After seeing P & T perform the magic bullet live twice, and repeatedly on DVD, and with my knowledge of firearms and ballistics, I think I know how to do it.

Testing to begin soon.

Yes, I know the dangers, I've been studying conjuring and illusion for 30 years. I don't plan on having my head blowed off.

Sorry if I am the guy who doesn't get the joke, and am a party pooper, but as this is on our forum, I feel I must reply on behalf of the JREF, very seriously.

The bullet catch is an extraordinarily dangerous trick. A number of magicians have died over the years. Penn and Tellers version is particularly brilliant, and I shall not give anything away here, other than to say you don't always see what you think you see.

This trick is not simply potentially lethal, it has been proven lethal. The JREF can not condone anyone attempting this illusion, nor can it accept serious discussion of this on our forum. Please, please, PLEASE do not attempt this trick, and please do not carry on a discussion about method or training here.

again, it's possible this is all a big joke, and I'm missing the point, and if so I apologize, I often miss the point of jokes.

But if not, please don't do it, and please don't involve our forum. Just say no to bullet catches.

Hal

[WildCat]

I have even seen Teller perform the cups and balls routine, and it was a joy to watch. By the way, the cups where clear plastic.
Is this the one?

wI8PC3hUIEc

[jsfisher]

Is this the one?

wI8PC3hUIEc
Very similar only much longer a schtick, and the cups were plastic if I recall correctly.

[WildCat]

The bullet catch is an extraordinarily dangerous trick. A number of magicians have died over the years.
Is this actually true? I always thought that was just part of the spiel, the trick (and I don't think I'm giving anything away here) doesn't actually involve catching a bullet w/ your teeth. Does anyone have a list of the magicians who have died doing this trick?

[wahrheit]

I think you mean this one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPyvAtQYVok

First they use red plastic cups, and then transparent ones.

[Jeff Wagg]

Is this actually true? I always thought that was just part of the spiel, the trick (and I don't think I'm giving anything away here) doesn't actually involve catching a bullet w/ your teeth. Does anyone have a list of the magicians who have died doing this trick?

While not terribly authoritative, Wikipedia has this to say: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_catch

Anyone who saw the movie "The Prestige" saw how one version was done.

Is the trick dangerous? Yes. Would I or the JREF recommend anyone attempt this trick? No. Is there hype about how many people have died trying to peform this trick? Probably.

I don't know HeyLeroy personally, but if he has 30 years of conjuring experience, I'll have to assume he knows what he's doing.

At any rate, please keep in mind that the explicit exposure of how illusions are performed is not allowed here.

[Mercutio]

At any rate, please keep in mind that the explicit exposure of how illusions are performed is not allowed here.

Um...you are aware that your wikipedia link contains exactly such an exposure:Spoiler warning: The following section reveals a magic secret.

[Azrael 5]

Sorry if I am the guy who doesn't get the joke, and am a party pooper, but as this is on our forum, I feel I must reply on behalf of the JREF, very seriously.

This trick is not simply potentially lethal, it has been proven lethal. The JREF can not condone anyone attempting this illusion, nor can it accept serious discussion of this on our forum. Please, please, PLEASE do not attempt this trick, and please do not carry on a discussion about method or training here.

again, it's possible this is all a big joke, and I'm missing the point, and if so I apologize, I often miss the point of jokes.

Hal

Whose gonna tell him? :D

Chunng Ling Soo is the only person(without checking Wiki article)I know who died doing bullet catch(although he wasn't catching it between his teeth).

[Beady]

Chunng Ling Soo is the only person(without checking Wiki article)I know who died doing bullet catch(although he wasn't catching it between his teeth).

Only one person has died doing the Bullet Catch? Oh, well, that's different. I'm convinced.

:id:

[jsfisher]

I think you mean this one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPyvAtQYVok

First they use red plastic cups, and then transparent ones.
Yep, that's the routine. Beautiful, no?

[jsfisher]

Only one person has died doing the Bullet Catch? Oh, well, that's different. I'm convinced.

:id:
Well, there are more than one way to do the trick. If I recall correctly, the one death involved a muzzle-loaded flint-lock rifle, and there was an "equipment malfunction" involving the ramrod.

Penn and Teller's method is different and of negligible risk (and considering it is performed nightly, it had better be of very low risk).

[Azrael 5]

P & T's routine is brilliant,the so many "convincers" to the audience.Ive no idea on it.

[Beady]

P & T's routine is brilliant,the so many "convincers" to the audience.Ive no idea on it.

FWIW, P&T's Bullet Catch was actually developed by Banacheck (http://www.banachek.org/), who is yet another protege of Randi.

[HeyLeroy]

Alright, I'll shuddup about trying it.

At least six illusionists have died performing this stunt. In one incident, an audience member poured a handful of nails down the barrel of the rifle; in another, the performer successfully performed the stunt when an audience member stood, produced a pistol, and shot him dead.

I can look up the others.

It is an extremely deadly stunt.

[Azrael 5]

Hal will sleep soundly Hey Leroy :)

[wahrheit]

Hal will sleep soundly Hey Leroy :)

Absolutely. HeyLeroy, maybe consider checking out that transparent cups trick instead ;)

[HeyLeroy]

There are two rules for handling firearms:
ALWAYS assume ANY firearm is loaded, and
NEVER point a firearm at ANYTHING you don't wish to destroy.

I discourage anyone from violating these rules.

Apologies to the JREF.

[Jeff Wagg]

Um...you are aware that your wikipedia link contains exactly such an exposure:

Yes, I am.

[Jeff Corey]

Sorry if I am the guy who doesn't get the joke, and am a party pooper, but as this is on our forum, I feel I must reply on behalf of the JREF, very seriously.

The bullet catch is an extraordinarily dangerous trick. A number of magicians have died over the years. Penn and Tellers version is particularly brilliant, and I shall not give anything away here, other than to say you don't always see what you think you see.

This trick is not simply potentially lethal, it has been proven lethal. The JREF can not condone anyone attempting this illusion, nor can it accept serious discussion of this on our forum. Please, please, PLEASE do not attempt this trick, and please do not carry on a discussion about method or training here.

again, it's possible this is all a big joke, and I'm missing the point, and if so I apologize, I often miss the point of jokes.

But if not, please don't do it, and please don't involve our forum. Just say no to bullet catches.

Hal

Yes mein furrier. But the arrow through the frontal cortex is not verboten, ja?

[Azrael 5]

Yes mein furrier. But the arrow through the frontal cortex is not verboten, ja?

Hans Moretti,mein freund,guten tag! ;)

[WildCat]

At least six illusionists have died performing this stunt. In one incident, an audience member poured a handful of nails down the barrel of the rifle; in another, the performer successfully performed the stunt when an audience member stood, produced a pistol, and shot him dead.
I don't see how audience members murdering the magician has any bearing on the actual stunt. And the nails thing would only work w/ a muzzle loading firearm.

[WildCat]

Yes mein furrier. But the arrow through the frontal cortex is not verboten, ja?
Dozens of people have been killed attempting this stunt (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/a/a7/250px-Tv_muppet_show_steve_martin.jpg). :p

[HeyLeroy]

I don't see how audience members murdering the magician has any bearing on the actual stunt. And the nails thing would only work w/ a muzzle loading firearm.

The stunt's been around since the 17th century. The guy who died from the nails was using a muzzle-loader.

[Azrael 5]

Saw Hans Moretti performing this on an old tape today.But he was crazy anyway.Allowed by his wife to fire a crossbow-blindfold-at her head!!

[NeilC]

It's seems apparant that there are loads of way of performing a bullet catch. Many of them need not be dangerous. The whole gun thing is pretty superfluous really - nobody believes a man can catch a bullet. It's about apparantly getting the marked bullet across the stage to the other person.

I would have thought your choices are to secretly move the bullet, secretly move the mark, or secretly reproduce the mark on a different bullet. The latter would be the cleanest.

[DiskoVilante]

P&T bought their bullet catch from Banachek and then modified it to make it into P&T's bullet catch.

[Brown]

P&T bought their bullet catch from Banachek and then modified it to make it into P&T's bullet catch.Actually, according to Banachek, he gave Penn & Teller the bullet catch, and after they made a success of it, they paid him a generous amount to show their gratitude.

[Azrael 5]

For your delicatation,I have uploaded this and other P&T vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwbQvv87ssI

[Dark Jaguar]

I'm pretty sure there's just a second bullet or a tradeoff. My understanding is the trick is only "dangerous" because of accidentally using a real fire arm during the process.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I can understand the liability issue, but am I the only one who finds just a smidgen of condesention in telling people to be careful with loaded firearms. To me it's almost as if there's a suggestion they might not realize the trick NOT done by firing a .357 magnum slug at someone's face.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Saw Hans Moretti performing this on an old tape today.But he was crazy anyway.Allowed by his wife to fire a crossbow-blindfold-at her head!!

Sounds to me like she was the crazy one. ;)

[HeyLeroy]

I can understand the liability issue, but am I the only one who finds just a smidgen of condesention in telling people to be careful with loaded firearms. To me it's almost as if there's a suggestion they might not realize the trick NOT done by firing a .357 magnum slug at someone's face.

The admins stated they didn't want any further discussion by me regarding my possible testing of methods I may think are employed for this stunt; I clarified my position on the handling of firearms.

It's not condescention. There are plenty of people who forget how dangerous a firearm can be:

However, on October 12th, 1984 after a long and draining day's shooting on the set of Cover Up (1984) (TV), [Jon-Erik] Hexum became bored with the extensive delays and jokingly put a prop .44 magnum revolver to his temple and pulled the trigger. The gun fired, and the wadding from the blank cartridge shattered his skull, whereupon the mortally injured Hexum was rushed via ambulance to hospital to undergo extensive surgery. Despite five hours of work, the chief surgeon Dr David Ditsworth, described the damage to Hexum's brain as life ending, and one week later on October 18th, he was taken off life support and pronounced dead. However, Hexum's commitment to organ donation, meant five other lives were assisted or saved with organs harvested from him. The youthful & charming Hexum was dead at only 26 years of age.
Source (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382149/bio)

[Azrael 5]

That clip isn't complete so I am uploading again and will post URL.

[Beady]

There are plenty of people who forget how dangerous a firearm can be:

There are plenty who just plain don't know. Went out plinking with a city boy, once. Our group would be walking single-file through the woods and, every time I'd look back, the idiot was strolling along with his (on loan) rifle at trail arms, the muzzle pointed at someone's head (usually mine). We kept repeating the mantra to him, "There's no such thing as an unloaded gun," and he kept opening the breach and saying, "Yes there is, see? And all of yours are empty, too!" We finally took turns carrying his rifle, only handing it to him when we stopped to fire a few rounds.

[UnrepentantSinner]

The admins stated they didn't want any further discussion by me regarding my possible testing of methods I may think are employed for this stunt; I clarified my position on the handling of firearms.

It's not condescention. There are plenty of people who forget how dangerous a firearm can be:

Yes, sorry about that. I was going to post my comments two days ago but didn't get around to it until I posted above.

I do disagree with you about some of the replies not being condescending. I don't think anyone on this forum has any misconceptions about the dangers of firearms and while the replies had a certain context about general handling, I still couldn't help but get the sense they might have thought people still considered the "trick" to actually be a bullet fired at the face of an individual. That was just my sense though and I'll drop it as of this period ending this sentence.