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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