Surviving a Point Blank Range 12-gauge Shotgun Blast: The Role of Body Armor

The 12-gauge shotgun is known for its powerful and wide-ranging shells, capable of causing significant injury. But what body armor is necessary to survive a direct hit from a 12-gauge round fired at point blank range? This article delves into the effectiveness of different levels of armor against 12-gauge shotgun blasts.

Survival Rate for Gunshot Wounds

The survival rate for gunshot wounds is around 80% if you receive medical attention within an hour of being shot. However, the type and location of the wound significantly impact the chances of survival. Rapid medical intervention can greatly improve these odds.

Understanding 12-gauge Shotgun Rounds

A typical self-defense load of a 12-gauge shotgun has a muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second, with a 00 pellet weighing 3.5 grams. The power and spread of these rounds make them highly dangerous, especially in close quarters.

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Armor Standards

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets standards for body armor, but it does not explicitly test against 12-gauge shotgun rounds. Informal testing has shown that a NIJ Level IIIA vest may deflect or absorb energy from such rounds, but the impact on the wearer can still be severe. The deformation of the armor panel and the potential for serious injury or death cannot be underestimated.

Testing the Effectiveness of Armor Against 12-gauge Rounds

Extensive testing has been conducted to gauge the effectiveness of various types of armor against 12-gauge rounds. Different rounds and loads have varying penetrative and shock capabilities:

No penetration was observed against a wooden telephone pole, any 18-inch Maple or Alder tree, a hollow core cement light pole, or a hollow core steel light pole. A slug penetrated a hollow core cement light pole but not the pellets, while it could penetrate a 11-gauge hollow core steel light pole but not the pellets. Nothing penetrated a 7-gauge cold rolled steel traffic light pole, but all rounds were stopped by a 14-gauge steel dumpster. A 55-gallon drum of 15-gauge steel stopped all the rounds, but shrapnel was produced from the backside. A metal mailbox was easily penetrated by the slug but not by the pellet rounds, while a metal garbage can was also easily penetrated. Standard 1/4-inch laminated store glass and standard clay brick stopped all rounds, except that the slug damaged the brick, causing subsequent rounds to produce shrapnel. Nine inches of dirt barely stopped the slug but stopped the pellet rounds. Nine inches of water in a plastic bucket stopped all the rounds.

Survival in the Face of a 12-gauge Threat

The type of round used significantly affects the chances of survival. Double O Buck is effective on soft targets but has a short range and declining stopping power due to spread. In scenarios where shotguns are employed, the factor of pellet spread increases the terror and danger, impacting the effectiveness of other protective measures.

Conclusion

Surviving a 12-gauge shotgun blast requires robust body armor and an understanding of the specific threat. NIJ Level IIIA armor may provide some protection, but the impact on the body cannot be ignored. Test results highlight the unpredictability of the situation, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and the need for rapid medical intervention.

Understanding the dynamics of 12-gauge shotgun rounds and the role of body armor in survival scenarios is crucial for anyone facing such a threat. Late medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death, underlining the importance of preparedness.