A3 2 Clint Eastwood, Dead or Alive

Abstract

In this paper we evaluate the physical plausibility of the boilerplate armour scene in the film A Fistful of Dollars. By applying a shear-force model, we analyse whether improvised boilerplate armour could protect the wearer from a Winchester 1892 rifle. Our analysis reveals that, using a rigid projectile model, the work required to pierce the armour is 216 J, increasing to 433 J when substantial projectile deformation is considered. Since the projectile has an estimated kinetic energy of 933 J, both models predict sufficient energy for penetration. However, the simplified model cannot account for the full dynamics of projectile deformation or fragmentation.