Why do protesters in Russia throw rocks and sticks at armoured tanks?

Question

Do they think there accomplishing anything?

Also, can a .50 Calibur bullet fired from a Barrett rifle penetrate an armoured tank?

Answer 1

It's to show defiance and unrest.

Answer 2

yes to the rifle question...... But...... why are you asking????

Answer 3

Probably because they are familiar with the quality of Russian manufacturing, and realize that a well-placed rock could very well disable their tank.  

Answer 4

They throw rocks because they won't get killed over it, rather than attacking with rifles.  And depending on the range, yes a .50 cal round could possibly penetrate an armored tank.

Answer 5

Protesters are generally in the business of expressing their anger and frustration by doing things to anger and frustrate those on the other side.

You probably need to define 'tank' and 'penetrate'.  For any modern REAL TANK, then your .50 cal, even with armor piercing ammo, will not penetrate the crew compartment.

BUT -- it could well penetrate into the engine compartment and shut the power plant down.  Or crack a roadwheel hub, causing some very annoying and heavy maintenance if the oil drips out and the bearings burn.

AND -- many civilians see lots of armored cars or armored personnel carriers and call the 'tanks'.  And some countries are still using very, very old tanks (the Serbs used WW II era soviet tanks....).  Your .50 cal with AP rounds could well penetrate many parts of these smaller and much lighter vehicles.  Dont count on front slope penetration, but turret top armor is light, as is rear / side armor.

Of course just being ABLE to, does not mean WILL.  With that light of a round you would have to hit at just the right angle or location.  Most rounds would deflect off.  And of course getting one round thru the armor and actually into the crew compartment does not mean you will actually kill people.  

In summary the only thing you are guarenteed to do if you use your Barrett against a tank (or most of the smaller vehicles that you could lump into that category) is that you will p**s off the crew.  Who -- even with the older, smaller versions -- has many more, larger, and better weapons to reach out and touch you with.  And you dont have armor.  :)