Movie Cover

posted on November 21, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (3)

I’m always amazed at how Hollywood seems to believe that couches, plank walls and interior doors can serve as cover for the hero and stop bullets. Don’t they have anyone who understands even the basics of ballistics, or the different between cover and concealment? I’m assuming not since heroes and heroines never get hit when hiding behind concealment, while the villain gets blown away when crouching behind cover.

My biggest fear in most of these situations is that Hollywood has convinced some people that concealment is cover. You can hide behind both concealment and cover, but only cover protects you from being hit by an attacker’s bullets.

And while concealment is better than nothing in a dangerous situation, cover is always better because it hides and protects you. However, you must know what can be cover. Here are a few items that should not be used as cover that seems to stop bullets in the movies.

• Doors
• Sheetrock walls
• Couches
• Car doors
• Appliances (these might stop a bullet, but most are just sheet metal)

Finding complete cover can be difficult, which is why you should always be looking for better cover in a fight. And, when the opportunity arises, head for the exit.

Latest

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.