The Strength of USGI Steel Pots circa 1960's

Published on March 5, 2012
Duration: 2:49

This video from Iraqveteran8888, featuring established firearms experts, conducts a rigorous durability test on a circa 1960s USGI Steel Pot Helmet. The helmet is subjected to explosive, shotgun, and various 9mm handgun rounds, demonstrating its limitations against modern ammunition. The expert assessment highlights knowledge of ballistics and historical gear, providing valuable insights into the protective capabilities of vintage military equipment.

Quick Summary

Expert testing reveals that a circa 1960s USGI Steel Pot Helmet offers limited protection against modern firearms. While it can stop shotgun pellets and initial 9mm impacts, it is easily penetrated by contemporary 9mm handgun ammunition like USGI ball and PowerBall rounds, demonstrating its inadequacy for current threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Explosive Test
  2. 01:00Shotgun Durability Test
  3. 01:269mm Handgun Testing
  4. 02:18High Velocity 9mm and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How durable is a 1960s USGI Steel Pot Helmet against modern firearms?

Testing shows a circa 1960s USGI Steel Pot Helmet can withstand some impact from shotgun pellets and initial 9mm rounds, causing dents but not full penetration. However, modern 9mm handgun ammunition, including ball and PowerBall rounds, easily penetrates the helmet, demonstrating its inadequacy against contemporary threats.

What ammunition was used to test the USGI Steel Pot Helmet?

The helmet was tested against an explosive charge, a 12-gauge shotgun using Remington Premier Nitro Sporting Clays (#8 shot, 1300 fps), and various 9mm handgun rounds including USGI ball and PowerBall ammunition fired from Glock and Springfield Armory models.

What were the key findings regarding the helmet's protection?

The primary finding is that while the vintage steel pot offers some resistance to fragmentation and lower-velocity projectiles, it fails to stop modern handgun rounds. This highlights the significant advancements in firearm technology and ammunition lethality since the helmet's era.

Can a 9mm round penetrate a vintage USGI steel helmet?

Yes, modern 9mm handgun ammunition, particularly higher velocity rounds like USGI ball and PowerBall, can easily penetrate a circa 1960s USGI Steel Pot Helmet, as demonstrated in ballistics testing. Initial impacts may only cause dents, but sustained fire or more powerful rounds will breach it.

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