Improvised Body Armor Made From Amazon UHMWPE?

Published on March 17, 2020
Duration: 6:53

This video from Mrgunsngear tests the ballistic resistance of commercially available UHMWPE sheets from Amazon, evaluating their potential as improvised body armor. The expert reviewer demonstrates that neither 3/8-inch nor 1/2-inch solid UHMWPE sheets, nor a combination of both, can reliably stop common 9mm handgun rounds, concluding they are not a substitute for certified ballistic protection.

Quick Summary

Expert reviewer Mrgunsngear tested Amazon-sourced solid UHMWPE sheets for improvised body armor, concluding they are ineffective. Even 1/2-inch thick sheets and layered combinations failed to stop standard 9mm handgun rounds, highlighting the critical need for certified ballistic protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Improvised Armor
  2. 02:09Testing 3/8" Sheet
  3. 02:58Testing 1/2" Sheet
  4. 03:59Stacked Sheet Test
  5. 05:31Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solid UHMWPE sheets from Amazon be used as improvised body armor?

No, testing by Mrgunsngear shows that solid UHMWPE sheets, even when layered, fail to stop common 9mm handgun rounds. They are not a viable substitute for certified ballistic armor designed to meet NIJ standards.

What are the limitations of using UHMWPE for ballistic protection?

While UHMWPE is a strong material, solid sheets lack the layered construction and specific properties required for effective ballistic resistance. Testing revealed easy penetration by standard 9mm ammunition, rendering them unsafe for personal protection.

What type of ammunition was used to test the UHMWPE sheets?

The testing involved 115-grain 9mm rounds from a Grey Ghost Precision pistol and 147-grain Winchester Ranger bonded hollow points. Both types of ammunition easily penetrated the 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch thick UHMWPE sheets.

What is the expert's conclusion on improvised UHMWPE body armor?

The expert reviewer, Mrgunsngear, strongly advises against using commercially available solid UHMWPE sheets for body armor. His extensive testing demonstrates a clear failure to provide adequate protection against common handgun threats.

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