Can Plate Carriers stop shot guns?

Modern plate carriers often have high-level ballistic resistance against most of the common ballistic threats – including shotguns. For instance, most Level IIIA armor should stop most shotgun rounds, including slugs and buckshot. However, we cannot deny that the impact would be utterly disabling. It might even take the armor-wearer out of the fight. But the threat would be stopped.

There are soft body armors and plate carriers that are able to absorb shotgun pellets well enough to negate its power. Sure, blunt impact varies between vests and carriers. However, a good plate carrier should be able to provide a good level of protection even against blunt impact. Sure, hard armor might negate it outright. However, you can also get specialized AP slugs to challenge it.

You should know that there are a wide variety of shotgun loads. These loads include a variety of armor-piercing slugs. The thing about these loads is that some of them are designed to penetrate and disable engine blocks. Hardened steel slugs and .50 AP bullets are a great example of these tough loads.

When it comes to slug ammunition, the performance against plate carrier is a different story. It looks like a large heavy round with actually decent pen. And you see, it is quite possible that these types of shells will penetrate even level IV armor with ease when shot from a great distance.

You should know that plate carriers are majorly meant to protect the torso particularly against slugs and other shotgun loads. Additionally, another major concern is getting shot with buckshot from a farther distance. This is because of the spread which could hit your head, arms, legs, or anywhere else that is not protected by the plate carrier. So, although your chest maybe protected, your nuts won’t be!

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