Surviving an AK-47 Bullet: How Body Armor Can (and Can’t) Protect You
When faced with the prospect of being shot with an AK-47, the question arises: what kind of protection can effectively safeguard an individual? Body armor, such as ballistic resistance tank tops, can provide varying levels of protection, but the effectiveness depends on several factors.
Understanding the AK-47 and Its Aiming
The AK-47, with its .30 caliber bullet, can deliver a significant amount of energy and velocity. To understand how body armor might interact with this threat, it's important to know the bullet’s initial speed and penetration capabilities. The 5.45x39mm round from the AK-47 travels at approximately 715 meters per second, giving it substantial momentum. This is significantly faster than most pistol rounds, which typically travel below 500 meters per second. Interestingly, higher velocity rounds from weapons like a 9mm Luger, when sufficiently accelerated, can still pose a threat to body armor.
Ballistic Resistance and Protection Levels
The level of protection offered by a ballistic resistance tank top or vest is typically classified based on specific standards. Level IIIA, the highest quality civilian protection offered, is designed to stop common pistol rounds, such as the 7.62x39mm. However, these vests may struggle with higher caliber rounds like the 7.62x39mm. After about 200 yards, the effectiveness of Level IIIA vests begins to decline, and it might feel like being hit with a heavy bat.
While Level IIIA vests can provide some protection, they are not guaranteed to stop an AK-47 round at close range. For optimal protection, military or law enforcement-grade armor, such as Level IV steel or ceramic plates, is recommended. These plates are designed to resist larger rounds, such as the 7.62x51 NATO, which offer better penetration and stopping power than the 7.62x39mm. Military-grade armor is heavier and more expensive, but it offers a higher level of assurance in life-threatening situations.
DIY Solutions: Managing Rifle Shots
For those who cannot invest in military-grade body armor, there is still a DIY approach to managing rifle shots. Sheet metal and cork board can be used to create improvised armor that can help deflect certain types of projectiles. Sheet metal can serve as a barrier, and cork board can absorb the impact of smaller, less penetrating rounds. This setup might offer some protection against shrapnel and even act as a Faraday cage to guard against electromagnetic pulses from electrical weapons. However, for high-velocity rounds like those from an AK-47, these DIY solutions are unlikely to provide sufficient protection, and one should consider the risks.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Defense
The answer to whether you can survive an AK-47 shot depends largely on the type of body armor you use and the distance at which the shot is fired. While Level IIIA vests provide some protection, especially against pistol rounds, they fall short when facing larger, faster rounds like those from an AK-47. Military-grade or law enforcement-grade armor, with their superior ratings and protection, offer the best chance of survival.
Ultimately, the best defense is to avoid being shot altogether. As a rule of thumb, if you find yourself in a situation where AK-47s are a potential threat, prioritize escaping the situation and seek out the highest-quality body armor available.