diff --git a/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_defense.dm b/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_defense.dm
index 607cdbb1c33..39419ce47b2 100644
--- a/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_defense.dm
@@ -115,13 +115,17 @@
 	return ..()
 
 /obj/vehicle/sealed/mecha/bullet_act(obj/projectile/hitting_projectile, def_zone, piercing_hit) //wrapper
-	//allows bullets to hit the pilot of open-canopy mechs
-	if(!(mecha_flags & IS_ENCLOSED) \
+
+	// Determine our potential to shoot through the mech and into the cockpit, hitting the pilot
+	var/kill_the_meat = clamp(hitting_projectile.armour_penetration - get_armor_rating(hitting_projectile.armor_flag), 0, 100)
+
+	//allows bullets to hit the pilot of open-canopy mechs, or if the bullet penetrates to the pilot, or the bullet can pass through structures
+	if((!(mecha_flags & IS_ENCLOSED) || kill_the_meat && prob(kill_the_meat) && !(mecha_flags & CANNOT_OVERPENETRATE) || hitting_projectile.pass_flags & (PASSSTRUCTURE|PASSVEHICLE)) \
 		&& LAZYLEN(occupants) \
 		&& !(mecha_flags & SILICON_PILOT) \
 		&& (def_zone == BODY_ZONE_HEAD || def_zone == BODY_ZONE_CHEST))
 		var/mob/living/hitmob = pick(occupants)
-		return hitmob.projectile_hit(hitting_projectile, def_zone, piercing_hit) //If the sides are open, the occupant can be hit
+		return hitmob.projectile_hit(hitting_projectile, def_zone, piercing_hit) //If we've passed any of the above conditions, the pilot can be hit
 
 	. = ..()