Can Soft Armor Stop a Rifle Bullet?

This video from MuzzleBroke tests the durability of the Maxilla Face Mask by Tardigrade Industries against various firearm calibers, including .500 AutoMax. The mask, rated 3A, demonstrated impressive resilience, with only the most powerful round causing significant damage while maintaining full integrity and preventing backside penetration. The testing highlights the mask's capability to withstand substantial ballistic impact.

This video from Tap Rack Bang, LLC, led by Chief Instructor Ernie Medina, tests the ballistic performance of soft body armor that expired in 2006. Despite its age, the ABA Xtreme Armor vest, manufactured in 2001, demonstrated a surprising ability to stop initial handgun rounds. However, repeated impacts in a tight grouping eventually led to some projectile penetration, highlighting the degradation of materials over time. Medina advises that while expired armor may offer some residual protection, it should not be relied upon for primary duty use.

This YouTube video features a test of Premier Body Armor's Fortis Level III+ GT armor. The title and description suggest an in-depth evaluation of the armor's performance. The video is produced by Iraqveteran8888, a known entity in the firearms community, and links are provided for the product and their social media channels. The disclaimer emphasizes the educational and documentary nature of the content, stressing safe practices on approved ranges and adherence to all laws.

This video tests a Chinese ballistic face shield's ability to stop various handgun rounds. While it successfully deflected birdshot, .22 LR, .380 Auto, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and 5.7x28mm rounds, it ultimately failed against the powerful .460 S&W Magnum. The test highlights the mask's limitations against extreme calibers, despite its initial impressive performance.

This video from GBRS GROUP features a close-range body armor test. The description provides links to various GBRS GROUP social media channels and individual crew members' profiles, including DJ Shipley, Cole Fackler, and Joey Hahn. It also promotes their Patreon for exclusive content and their presence on TikTok, Facebook, and X. The content focuses on testing the effectiveness of body armor against firearms at close distances.

This video appears to be a ballistic test comparing the effectiveness of body armor against 7.62x54R PKM rounds. The title explicitly mentions "Coletes à prova de bala vs munição perfurante 7,62 PKM" (Bulletproof vests vs 7.62 PKM armor-piercing ammunition) and promises a "surprising result." This suggests a demonstration and analysis of penetration capabilities, likely featuring live-fire testing.

This video features a former Navy SEAL, Jeff Gonzales, providing expert feedback on a home defense AR-15 build. He critiques the rifle's accessories, particularly the sling, and emphasizes the importance of reliable optics and the benefits of a suppressor for indoor use. The discussion highlights practical considerations for effective home defense firearms.

The Beretta ARX-160, showcased at SHOT Show 2011, is a modular, piston-driven rifle featuring ambidextrous controls and tool-less disassembly. Its design emphasizes adaptability with multiple sling points, interchangeable magazine releases, and a quick-change barrel system. While currently limited to military/defense use, future law enforcement and civilian variants are planned.

Fostech unveiled a 20-round .50 BMG drum magazine for Barrett M107 and 82A1 rifles, constructed from billet machined aluminum. They also introduced the Fostech Rader, a lightweight .308 rifle featuring a proprietary magnesium aluminum alloy and ambidextrous controls. The drum mag is priced at $1599 with a Q3/Q4 availability, while the Rader rifle is expected around $3000 with a Q4 release.

Testing a Remington 158gr SJHP .357 Magnum load from a 16-inch Rossi M92 reveals impressive performance, achieving 1709.6 fps. The round exhibited significant fragmentation and penetration of 20.1 inches in ballistic gel, behaving more like a rifle cartridge due to its velocity. This challenges typical handgun round terminal ballistics expectations.