diff --git a/3d_armor/init.lua b/3d_armor/init.lua
index e589867..1a4028a 100644
--- a/3d_armor/init.lua
+++ b/3d_armor/init.lua
@@ -394,15 +394,16 @@ end
 if armor.config.punch_damage == true then
 	minetest.register_on_punchplayer(function(player, hitter,
 			time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities)
+		if hitter == nil then
+			return
+		end
 		local name = player:get_player_name()
-		if hitter ~= nil then
-			local hit_ip = hitter:is_player()
-			if name and hit_ip and minetest.is_protected(player:get_pos(), "") then
-				return
-			elseif name then
-				armor:punch(player, hitter, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities)
-				last_punch_time[name] = minetest.get_gametime()
-			end
+		local hit_ip = hitter:is_player()
+		if name and hit_ip and minetest.is_protected(player:get_pos(), "") then
+			return
+		elseif name then
+			armor:punch(player, hitter, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities)
+			last_punch_time[name] = minetest.get_gametime()
 		end
 	end)
 end