John WickBusters: Sciencing Whether Shotguns Can Pierce Body Armor

Published on December 6, 2022
Duration: 16:20

This video details a test to determine if off-the-shelf 12 gauge shotgun ammunition can perforate Level IIIA soft body armor, inspired by a scene in John Wick. The test involved firing a 300-grain Sabo slug at a Spartan Armor Systems Level IIIA panel backed by ballistic gel. The results indicated that while significant backface deformation occurred, the slug did not fully penetrate the armor, suggesting soft armor can reliably stop common 12 gauge slugs.

Quick Summary

Tests indicate that Level IIIA soft body armor, while not rated for 12 gauge shotgun slugs, can reliably stop them from fully perforating. A 300-grain Sabo slug caused significant backface deformation but did not penetrate the armor, suggesting it can prevent critical injury from such rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & John Wick Reference
  2. 00:42Shotgun Slug vs. Armor Setup
  3. 01:10John Wick Armor Scene Discussion
  4. 02:02Armor Piercing Shotguns?
  5. 02:36Real World Tactics
  6. 03:05Soft Armor Capabilities
  7. 03:52High-Speed Camera Test
  8. 04:25Safety First
  9. 04:28Sponsor: Spartan Armor Systems
  10. 04:51The Test Firing
  11. 05:43Post-Shot Analysis
  12. 06:14Did it Penetrate?
  13. 06:34Surprising Results
  14. 07:01Penetration Depth Analysis
  15. 07:21NIJ Level IIIA Rating
  16. 07:35Dr. Roberts' Experience
  17. 08:12Survivability Discussion
  18. 09:30Examining Projectile Components
  19. 10:38Ballistic Gelatin Accuracy
  20. 11:26Total Penetration Depth
  21. 11:38Two Dudes Sitting On A Verb
  22. 11:44Key Takeaways
  23. 12:12Did Not Penetrate
  24. 12:30Andrew's Thoughts
  25. 12:48Surprising Test Results
  26. 13:40Best Chance for Penetration
  27. 14:08Off-the-Shelf Limitations
  28. 14:18Shotgun vs. Rifle for Armor
  29. 14:25Carbine Training Recommendation
  30. 14:31Thanks to Sponsors
  31. 14:43YouTube Engagement
  32. 15:04Post-Test Interaction
  33. 15:32Encountering Security
  34. 15:44Science vs. Authority
  35. 16:05Conclusion & Applause

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 12 gauge shotgun slug penetrate Level IIIA body armor?

In a test inspired by John Wick, a 12 gauge Sabo slug fired at Level IIIA soft body armor caused significant backface deformation but did not fully perforate the armor. While not rated for such impacts, Level IIIA armor can reliably stop common 12 gauge slugs, preventing critical penetration.

What is the effectiveness of soft body armor against shotgun rounds?

Level IIIA soft body armor is not officially rated to stop 12 gauge shotgun slugs or buckshot. However, tests show it can prevent full perforation, significantly reducing the risk of fatal injury from such rounds by stopping them before they reach vital organs.

What are the tactical recommendations when facing armored opponents?

If encountering fully armored opponents, the primary tactical advice is to avoid the situation if possible. If avoidance is not an option, focus fire on exposed areas such as the face, as body armor may offer significant protection against common handgun and even some shotgun rounds.

How does ballistic gelatin simulate real-world penetration?

Real ballistic gelatin, made from porcine collagen, provides penetration measurements that correlate strongly with real-world observed results in humans and porcine tissue, especially when bone is not involved. Clear ballistic gel's accuracy can vary significantly.

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