---
title: "This Odd Piece Of Glass Was Virtually Indestructible. Then It Met An AK-47"
date: "2017-05-02"
modified: "2017-05-02"
authors:
  - name: "Jared Keller"
    job_title: "Former Managing Editor"
    link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/jaredkeller.md"
url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/prince-ruperts-drop-ak-47-video/"
categories:
  - "Guns"
  - "Tech & Tactics"
  - "Weapons"
---

# This Odd Piece Of Glass Was Virtually Indestructible. Then It Met An AK-47

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/19040135-1.png>)

The “Prince Rupert’s Drop” may sound like a silly moniker for a piece of glass, but don’t let the name fool you: These strange baubles are almost indestructible.

Created by plunging molten glass into freezing water, the bulbous ends of these unusual tear-dropped shapes are supposedly [nearly impossible to break](<https://www.businessinsider.com/the-physics-of-prince-ruperts-drop-glass-smashing-2015-6>).

That’s not an unfair assessment: PRDs have been shown to withstand not just blows from a hammer or an impact on a concrete sidewalk, but a straight shot from a .38 Special loaded with some custom-made full metal jackets, thanks to the inquisitive Destin Sandlin at [Smarter Every Day](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3FkAUbetWU>).

GIF via SmarterEveryDay

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-6.gif>)

Unfortunately, the Prince Rupert’s Drop isn’t *totally* indestructible. As part of his quest to test the true strength of the PRD, Sandlin opted for a something a bit more intimidating for his test this past Sunday: the legendary AK-47.

Here’s the interesting thing about this video: While the first AK round completely disintegrates against the PRD, the second shot completely shatters the solid glass teardrop into dust.

GIF via SmarterEveryDay

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-7.gif>)

The moral of the story: Everything is “indestructible” until it meets an AK-47.

## Author
Jared Keller is the former managing editor of Task & Purpose. His writing has appeared in Aeon, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the New Republic, Pacific Standard, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post, among other publications.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/jaredbkeller>)  
[Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/jaredbkeller>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbkeller/>)  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/jaredbkelller/>)