AR-15 vs. Backpack. Is it bulletproof?

Published on September 13, 2018
Duration: 10:01

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a backpack filled with books against various common firearm calibers. The presenter demonstrates that while books can stop some handgun rounds like 9mm, they are less effective against rifle rounds such as 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm, and even a .308 Winchester round penetrates a significant amount of book material. The video emphasizes that relying on a backpack or books for ballistic protection is unreliable and strongly advises against it, promoting the 'Run, Hide, Fight' mantra for active shooter situations.

Quick Summary

A ballistic test shows that while books can stop 9mm handgun rounds, they offer limited protection against rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm. A .308 Winchester round easily penetrated 11 inches of books. Experts strongly advise against relying on backpacks or books for ballistic protection and recommend the 'Run, Hide, Fight' strategy in active shooter events.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Shooting a Backpack
  2. 00:12Body Armor Backpacks vs. Book Shields
  3. 00:38Test Setup: Mesh Backpack & Books
  4. 01:159mm Test: Glock 34 vs. Books
  5. 02:069mm Bullet Recovery
  6. 02:405.56 NATO Test: AR-15 vs. Books
  7. 03:105.56 NATO Entry & Penetration
  8. 04:057.62x39mm Test: AK-47 Variant vs. Books
  9. 04:217.62x39mm Penetration Results
  10. 05:027.62x39mm Bullet Stop Analysis
  11. 06:09.308 Winchester Test: M1A vs. Books
  12. 06:31.308 Winchester Penetration Results
  13. 06:59Test Results Summary
  14. 07:079mm Stopped by Books - Amazement
  15. 07:24.308 Winchester Requires Body Armor
  16. 07:32Active Shooter: Run, Hide, Fight
  17. 08:02Gun-Free Zones & Self-Defense Limitations
  18. 09:13Critical Safety Warning: Do Not Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a backpack filled with books stop a 9mm bullet?

Yes, in this test, a 9mm Luger round (124-grain ball ammo) was stopped by approximately 1.5 inches of book material, specifically a 1000-page hardcover book. This demonstrates that books can offer surprising resistance to handgun rounds.

Will a backpack filled with books stop rifle rounds like 5.56 NATO or 7.62x39mm?

Rifle rounds show significantly less resistance. A 5.56 NATO round penetrated through multiple books, fragmenting within the last one. A 7.62x39mm round also penetrated through approximately 9 inches of books, stopping in the final book. Neither fully penetrated the entire stack, but they were not stopped by the first few inches.

Is it safe to rely on a backpack full of books for protection in a shooting?

Absolutely not. The presenter strongly warns against trusting any object, including books or backpacks, for ballistic protection. Numerous variables affect bullet performance, and testing these scenarios is extremely dangerous. Always prioritize 'Run, Hide, Fight'.

What is the recommended response to an active shooter situation?

The accepted mantra for active shooter situations is 'Run, Hide, Fight,' in that order. If possible, escape the area. If escape is not an option, find a secure place to hide. As a last resort, if your life is in imminent danger, fight back.

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