Are Private Citizens in the U.S. Adequately Armed to Face Modern Threats?

In an era of advancing technology, the ability of the average U.S. citizen to defend themselves against modern threats is becoming a growing concern. This discussion centers around a critical question: Are we equipped to handle opponents wearing advanced body armor, like the Russian 6B45 Granet? Let’s dive into the reality of our current arms, ammunition, and training.

Modern Body Armor: A New Battlefield Equalizer

Modern body armor has advanced significantly, with plates like the 6B45 Granet demonstrating the ability to stop high-velocity rounds from some of the most common rifles. This is a stark challenge for private citizens relying on non-military-grade rifles and ammunition. Unless you’re carrying a specialized setup, most standard civilian firearms won’t defeat these protections.

But this raises a bigger question: What should private citizens consider in terms of weapons, ammunition, and strategy to level the playing field?

The Current State of American Preparedness

The average American gun owner faces several challenges when considering their readiness for combat or self-defense situations:

• Lack of Physical Fitness: Combat scenarios demand endurance, strength, and agility. Unfortunately, many Americans are not in peak physical condition, limiting their ability to carry heavy loads or maintain prolonged engagements.
• Ammunition Shortages: Many gun owners have more firearms than ammunition, leaving them unprepared for extended situations.
• Limited Training: Without consistent practice, the ability to place accurate shots under pressure diminishes significantly.
• Deficient Equipment: Few private citizens own body armor, let alone armor that can withstand modern rounds.

In essence, while many are armed, the tools and preparation often fall short in the face of contemporary threats.

Options for Defeating Modern Body Armor

To address the gap in effectiveness against modern body armor, private citizens must consider specific weapons and ammunition designed to penetrate armor. Here are some viable options:

1. Rifles Chambered in 338 Lapua Magnum and 50BMG

• Why It Works: Designed for long-range precision, the 338 Lapua Magnum and 50 BMG deliver tremendous energy and can defeat body armor when using ball and AP ammunition.

So you don’t own a 338LM or a 50BMG. What do you own? Are you sure your rifle can do the job? Keep reading and see the test results when shooting less than 20 feet from the Russian Body armor.

Improving the Odds Without Specialized Equipment

Even if high-powered rifles and advanced ammunition aren’t accessible, some strategies and tools can improve your odds in a defensive situation:

1. Training and Accuracy: If defeating armor isn’t an option, precise shots to unarmored areas (e.g., head, neck, or lower extremities) become critical. Training under stress is essential.
2. Situational Awareness: Knowing your environment and using terrain or obstacles for an advantage can be a game-changer. Ambush tactics and surprise engagements can mitigate disadvantages in firepower.
3. Upgraded Ammo: For standard calibers, investing in barrier-blind or bonded ammunition can improve effectiveness against partial armor or soft targets.
4. Body Armor: Equipping yourself with Level IV plates offers protection against rifle rounds, reducing vulnerability in engagements.

America’s Advantage: Numbers and Resourcefulness

Despite these challenges, there is one undeniable advantage: the sheer number of armed citizens in the U.S. This creates a decentralized defense network that would be difficult for any adversary to overcome. However, to maintain this edge, individuals must focus on:

• Physical Fitness: Strength and endurance improve mobility and stamina in high-stress scenarios.
• Stockpiling Ammunition: Ensuring a sufficient supply of effective rounds is critical for sustained engagements.
• Advanced Training: Regular practice with dynamic drills builds confidence and accuracy.
• Community Coordination: Local militias and training groups can provide support and strategy.

Modern threats demand modern solutions. While the average American is armed, many are not adequately prepared to face adversaries equipped with advanced body armor. The solution lies in upgrading both equipment and training. High-powered rifles, specialized ammunition, and a focus on physical fitness and marksmanship are necessary steps.

The Bottom Line: If you can’t defeat modern armor, you’ll need to outthink and outmaneuver your opponent. Preparation, strategy, and resilience will ultimately determine success in any conflict.

Russian Body Armor Tested:

How the 6B45 Granet Stacks Up Against Modern Ammunition

The effectiveness of modern body armor is critical in evaluating military forces’ preparedness. Today, we look closely at the 6B45 Granet body armor, a standard issue for the Russian military. With its thin, lightweight design and GOST 5A rating, it claims to handle threats such as 7.62x39mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds. But how does it perform in rigorous, real-world testing against various modern ammunition?

To evaluate its true capabilities, we subjected this armor to various ballistic threats, including NATO-standard rounds, large-caliber handguns, and historical cartridges.

What Is the 6B45 Granet Body Armor?

The 6B45 Granet body armor is a part of the Russian Ratnik military system. Introduced in the early 2010s, it includes ceramic and aramid fiber layers to provide protection against high-velocity rounds. Rated at GOST 5A, it is designed to stop one round of 7.62x39mm armor-piercing ammunition while offering reduced weight and increased mobility compared to earlier designs.

The Testing Process

Our testing involved firearms and ammunition ranging from handguns to rifles, each with distinct historical significance. Here’s how the armor performed:

1. Desert Eagle (.50 AE)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: .50 Action Express (AE), 325-grain hollow point.
• Velocity: ~1,400 ft/s.
• Energy: ~1,900 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The Desert Eagle, first introduced in the 1980s by Magnum Research, became iconic for its immense size and powerful calibers. Originally designed as a hunting and target pistol, its .50 AE variant is one of the most powerful semi-automatic handgun rounds available.

Result:
The armor absorbed the impact effectively, with less than an inch of backface deformation. The ceramic layer shattered on impact, but the underlying aramid fibers stopped the slug completely.

2. Benelli M1 Super 90 (Sabo Slug)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: Steel-core Sabo slug, ~385 grains.
• Velocity: ~1,600 ft/s.
• Energy: ~2,200 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The Benelli M1 Super 90 is an Italian-made semi-automatic shotgun introduced in the late 1980s. Its inertia-driven action made it reliable and popular among military, law enforcement, and civilian users worldwide.

Result:
The Sabo slug caused significant surface damage to the ceramic layer but was fully contained. The armor’s multilayer construction proved effective, stopping the high-velocity slug with minimal deformation to the rear layers.

3. AKM (7.62x39mm Mild Steel-Core)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: 7.62x39mm mild steel-core, ~123 grains.
• Velocity: ~2,350 ft/s.
• Energy: ~1,525 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The AKM, a modernized version of the AK-47, was introduced in 1959 by the Soviet Union. Known for its durability and widespread use, it became the standard rifle for Soviet forces and remains a common sight in conflicts worldwide.

Result:
The armor withstood multiple hits from steel-core rounds. The ceramic layer degraded with each impact, but the aramid backing layers effectively captured the projectiles, showcasing impressive durability.

4. HK416 (5.56 NATO, M855 Green Tip)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: 5.56 NATO M855 (SS109), ~62 grains.
• Velocity: ~3,100 ft/s.
• Energy: ~1,300 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The HK416, developed by Heckler & Koch, is an upgraded version of the AR-15 platform. Adopted by military and special forces worldwide, it gained fame for its reliability and modularity. The M855 “green tip” ammunition includes a steel penetrator for improved armor penetration.

Result:
The M855 round failed to penetrate the armor, even after repeated strikes. The minimal backface deformation highlighted the armor’s ability to absorb the kinetic energy of high-velocity projectiles.

5. M14 EBR (7.62 NATO, M80 and M80A1 Rounds)

Ballistic Data:

• M80 Ball: 149 grains, ~2,750 ft/s, ~2,450 ft-lb.
• M80A1 Enhanced: 130 grains, ~3,000 ft/s, ~2,600 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) is an updated version of the M14, introduced in the mid-2000s for designated marksman roles. Chambered in 7.62 NATO, it offers superior range and stopping power compared to 5.56 rifles.

Result:
Both the M80 and M80A1 rounds were stopped by the armor. The M80A1 caused greater backface deformation due to its higher velocity, but the armor’s ceramic and fiber layers maintained their integrity.

6. M1 Garand (30-06 Armor Piercing)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: 30-06 AP (M2), 165 grains.
• Velocity: ~2,850 ft/s.
• Energy: ~2,900 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The M1 Garand, introduced in 1936, was the first semi-automatic rifle widely adopted by a military force. Its use in World War II and the Korean War cemented its reputation as one of the most influential firearms in history.

Result:
The 30-06 AP round was stopped, though with significant backface deformation. While the plate technically failed under NIJ standards due to deformation, it succeeded in preventing full penetration—a testament to its advanced design.

7. Mark 13 Mod 5 (300 Winchester Magnum)

Ballistic Data:

• Bullet Type: 300 Win Mag FMJ, 190 grains.
• Velocity: ~2,850 ft/s.
• Energy: ~3,500 ft-lb.

Historical Background:
The Mark 13 Mod 5 sniper rifle, chambered in 300 Winchester Magnum, is a precision weapon used by U.S. Navy SEALs and other elite units. Its high velocity and energy make it effective for long-range engagements.

Result:
The armor contained the non-armor-piercing 300 Win Mag round, though with substantial deformation and surface damage. The result underscores the armor’s ability to handle extreme forces.

Conclusion

The 6B45 Granet body armor demonstrated exceptional performance across all tests. Despite its lightweight design, it consistently stopped high-velocity projectiles, even under multiple-hit conditions. While not flawless, the armor’s capabilities place it among the best in its class.

Key Takeaways:

• The 6B45 Granet matches or exceeds many NATO and U.S. standards.
• It is lightweight, durable, and capable of stopping high-powered ammunition, making it a formidable component of the Russian military kit.
• Historical firearms like the AKM, M1 Garand, and HK416 highlighted its resilience against modern and legacy threats.

For military enthusiasts and professionals, this test serves as a reminder: understanding your adversary’s technology is as important as mastering your own.