Homemade Body Armor

Published on October 25, 2015
Duration: 11:08

This video demonstrates an experimental approach to testing homemade body armor materials against professional-grade armor and various ballistic threats. Lead Firearms Instructor Matt Carriker, known for his extensive testing experience, humorously evaluates the effectiveness of DIY armor constructed from t-shirts, duct tape, and paper against shotgun birdshot and handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. The results highlight the significant difference in protection offered by professional body armor compared to improvised materials.

Quick Summary

Firearms Instructor Matt Carriker experimentally tested homemade body armor made from t-shirts, duct tape, and paper. While some DIY materials stopped shotgun birdshot, they failed against common handgun rounds like .45 ACP and .44 Magnum, highlighting the critical need for professional-grade ballistic protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Homemade Armor Concept
  2. 01:12T-Shirt Armor vs. Birdshot Test
  3. 01:47T-Shirt Armor vs. Handgun Rounds
  4. 02:56Paper Armor Test (200 Sheets)
  5. 04:52Duct Tape Armor Test
  6. 06:59Paper Armor vs. .44 Magnum Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials were tested for homemade body armor?

The video tested homemade body armor constructed from t-shirts with silicone caulk, layers of duct tape, and stacks of standard copy paper against various ballistic threats.

How effective was homemade body armor against handgun rounds?

Homemade body armor, including t-shirt and duct tape versions, proved largely ineffective against handgun rounds like .45 ACP and .44 Magnum, with only a 500-sheet paper stack showing some limited success.

What is NIJ Level 3A soft armor?

NIJ Level 3A soft armor is a professional standard designed to protect against most handgun calibers, including threats up to .44 Magnum, offering significantly more protection than improvised materials.

What firearms were used in the homemade body armor test?

The testing involved a 12-gauge shotgun with birdshot, a .45 ACP 1911 pistol, and a Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum revolver to simulate different ballistic threats.

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