The Bullet Catch

The bullet catch is a conjuring illusion in which a magician appears to catch a bullet fired directly at him. Often caught with the mouth the trick has been performed by catching the bullet in the hand.

The Trick

The trick usually involves a gun which is loaded and operated by someone with a knowledge of firearms to give the illusion that no deception is being used. In most instances, the bullet is marked by an audience member so that it can be identified later. Great efforts are made to show that the person firing the gun does not come in contact with the person catching the bullet.

How

There are many methods. The gun used can fire blanks or wax bullets etc. The performer who is meant to catch the bullet will already have the bullet in their mouth. In a case where the bullet is marked by an audience member, the bullet will usually be transferred to the performer's mouth by sleight of hand.

A fairly simple version shown in the first part of this video.