Month: September 2022

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) recommends that the level 4 body armor plate is the highest attainable classification for body armor. The level 4 body armor plates are tested to withstand a single hit from large-caliber rounds. Large Caliber rounds such as the .30-06 M2AP have a mass of 166 grains and a velocity of 2,880 feet per second. Ceramic composites are the most common material used to construct level 4 body armor plates. However, some manufacturers use steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). These materials are efficient for a high level of protection because they are more resilient than most bullets.

Users can lessen the force of a bullet even more by combining Kevlar with ceramic level 4 body armor plates in the right proportions. The combination will result in fewer collapsed lungs, ribs, and sternal fractures. Ceramics’ superior hardness allows them to successfully defend against armor-piercing ballistics like “Black Tip” 30-06 M2AP rounds. Ceramic level 4 body armor plates are also very effective against many other types of ballistics.

Although steel body armor can also protect against the incredibly hard penetrator in these rounds,  it is still not enough. A ceramic level 4 body lasts longer than other types. It has less potential of destruction because of its deforming and eroding effects on the bullet. In contrast to steel, monolithic ceramics may be molded and curved in various ways, making them a better fit for a much broader spectrum of body forms. Ceramics is also better than steel in energy dispersal and its ability to absorb it. Ceramics are superior to steel in protecting against explosive projectiles that can penetrate armor. In recent years, manufacturers have developed a new technology that enables them to produce armor plates that are incredibly lightweight while still giving the same amount of protection as their heavier forebears did.

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AK-47 is probably the deadliest and most sophisticated combat weapon today. This is the major reason why we need to consider the possibilities of protection in case we find ourselves on the other side of the gun. I mean the prey part.

Naturally, plate carriers are designed in levels and each level can only stop certain designated number of rounds. A plate carrier setup with a NIJ Level IIIA ballistic rating, when used with Level IV hard armor panels, should be capable of stopping AK-47 rounds, including other armor-piercing bullet rounds. The carriers and the hard armor panels are used by military officers most exposed to AK-47 threats. However, the use of this plate carrier setup is not limited to just military personnel. But considering the heavy-duty weight of such armory, an untrained civilian might injure the spine if care is not taken.

Here’s what I mean. One single Level IV plate or hard armor panel weighs between 6 to 7 lbs. That’s pretty heavy! It’s not meant to be worn for long-term use, or all day long.

Choosing between protection and comfort is an unending dilemma in the military world. A standard ball round for most AK assault rifle in a 7.62×39 mm is a nominal 123-124 grain jacketed lead bullet. These bullets are designed to have a pointed nose and a flat base. They are modeled in such a way that they would become unstable once they strike an object to increase damage on targets. When a pointed rifle bullet strikes a ballistic panel sideways or backward, there are chances that it cannot take advantage of the sectional density of the bullet point. Being list by an AK-47 round is that last thing you want to have on your bucket list. So, if you want to be protected, you might have to put up with the weight of the plate carrier setup.

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