Bulletproof Backpacks Do Not Stand Rifle Test

Bulletproof Backpacks Do Not Stand Rifle Test

An OfficeMax in Dallas is offering bulletproof backpacks, but they might not be as helpful in a school shooting as parents might think.

  • By Kaitlyn DeHaven
  • August 09, 2019

An OfficeMax in Dallas recently began offering bulletproof backpacks by Guard Dog. Two different bulletproof backpacks are available, and while the backpack says it has Level III-A protection, it did not pass the test against rifles.

The WFAA had John Coulton, who is an NRA Certified Instructor, test these backpacks to see if they were actually bulletproof, or just a fear tactic that hopes to target nervous parents.

The first gun Coulton shot at the backpack was a .45 caliber firearm from 21 feet away. While it pierced a hole through most of the backpack’s contents, the back of the backpack withstood the shot.

The second gun Coulton fired at the backpack was a .44 Magnum. This gun did a good amount of damage to the back of the backpack, but did not break through the back.

"As you can see it put a lot of energy through the target. It bowed the back of the backpack," Coulton said.

The last gun Coulton used against the backpack was an AR-15 with .223 caliber rounds, and it easily broke through the back of the backpack. While the product description does not say that the backpack will withstand this type of weapon, this is often the type of weapon the shooters are using.

The bulletproof backpacks range from approximately $120 - $300.

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Door Hardware and Campus Security: Enhancing Safety in Schools

    The importance of investing in school safety cannot be overstated, but knowing where to start implementation of school safety features can be a challenge. A recent survey by the National Center on Education Statistics found that a quarter of U.S. public schools have classrooms with doors that can't be locked from the inside. Even among schools with doors that do lock, recent legislation reflects a common misconception that simply keeping the doors locked all day will eliminate the potential for an attack, in direct violation of PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) Guidelines. Read Now

  • Brigham Young University Strengthens Campus Security With Genetec Operations Center

    Genetec Inc, a provider of enterprise physical security software, announced that Brigham Young University's (BYU) has optimized its security operations with the Genetec™ Operations Center work management system. Read Now

  • AI-based Risk Mitigation: The Next Advancement in Video Surveillance and Public Safety

    Safety is at the forefront of every organization and covers a gamut of scenarios, not just weapon-fueled lethal threats. It also includes smaller-scale and everyday situations like slipping hazards, fallen persons, unauthorized vehicles, and more. These issues cause disruptions in daily operations and cost companies and facilities money and downtime, so a fully realized security plan must involve actions that facility personnel should take once a hazard of any size occurs. Informing everyone that a hazard exists, where it’s located, and what actions to take is imperative for maintaining personal safety. Read Now

  • Fort Worth ISD Strengthens Event Safety

    The issue of concealed weapons being introduced into school extracurricular activities, including sporting events and graduations, became a growing concern in communities across the nation. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there were at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2024 across the United States, resulting in 56 deaths and 147 injuries, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols. Read Now

Most   Popular