Can 9mm defeat IIIA body armor?
This guide details a test procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of NIJ Level IIIA body armor against various 9mm ammunition types. It demonstrates that while standard and high-velocity 9mm rounds are stopped, specialized armor-piercing (AP) ammunition can penetrate this level of protection. The testing methodology involves ballistic gel and firearms like the HK VP9 and IWI Tavor, providing practical insights into real-world ballistic performance.













