Meanwhile, at the Rio, the metamagic performers Penn & Teller do a trick known as the bullet catch. The feat, in which an illusionist seems to use his mouth to catch a bullet shot from a gun, has led to the death of at least 14 performers, said Ben Robinson, who has written a book on the subject.
What is the bullet catch, and how is it performed?
I've seen it performed by Penn & Teller as a show closer, and perhaps, you have too. Penn has audience member sign a bullet and slug, which is then loaded into a handgun. The gun is aimed directly at the Teller's head, through a pane of glass. The gun fires, the glass shatters and Teller "catches" the bullet with his teeth, presenting it to the audience with the same markings to prove yes, indeed, it was the same one loaded in the gun across the stage. It's a long buildup, filled with Penn's typical huckster patter, and the payoff is nice.
Robinson describes his experience of performing the trick here, but he doesn't say how it's done.
Thankfully, Eric Magai is willing to break the magician's code and reveal the secret of the bullet catch. He does so right here, but be wary. According to Magai, even the slightest screw-up means "if you don't kill yourself you will probably maim or disfigure yourself. If you are lucky it will only be you that gets hurt. "
So, seriously, don't try this one at home. Or anywhere else.
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