NIJ Level II Body Armor (ArmorShield Puma Vest) Testing (HD)

Published on October 29, 2013
Duration: 9:33

This video tests the ballistic performance of the ArmorShield USA Level II Puma vest against various handgun and rifle calibers. The reviewer demonstrates that while the vest stops common handgun rounds like .40 S&W and 9mm FMJ (with a caveat for steel-jacketed 9mm), it is not rated for or capable of stopping rifle rounds like 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm. The testing highlights the importance of understanding armor ratings and the potential for blunt force trauma even when penetration is prevented.

Quick Summary

NIJ Level II body armor, like the ArmorShield Puma vest tested, is rated for 9mm handgun rounds but not rifle calibers. While it stopped .40 S&W FMJ and 9mm JHP, it was penetrated by steel-jacketed 9mm FMJ and all rifle rounds. Blunt force trauma remains a significant concern even when penetration is prevented.

Chapters

  1. 00:27Introduction and ArmorShield Puma Vest Review
  2. 00:44NIJ Level II Armor Rating Explained
  3. 01:06Testing .40 Caliber FMJ
  4. 02:08Testing 9mm FMJ
  5. 03:08Testing 9mm Hollow Point
  6. 03:50Testing .22 LR Hollow Point
  7. 04:34Testing 12 Gauge Buckshot
  8. 06:18Testing 7.62x39mm Rifle Round (Not Rated)
  9. 07:05Testing 5.56x45mm Rifle Round (Not Rated)
  10. 07:55Summary of Level II Armor Performance
  11. 08:33Comfort and Concealability of the Vest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NIJ Level II body armor rated to stop?

NIJ Level II body armor is generally rated to stop 9mm rounds traveling at approximately 1200 feet per second. It is designed for handgun threats and is not intended to stop rifle rounds.

Did the ArmorShield Puma Level II vest stop all tested handgun rounds?

The vest successfully stopped .40 S&W FMJ and 9mm hollow point rounds. However, it was penetrated by a steel-jacketed 9mm FMJ round, highlighting ammunition type as a critical factor.

Can NIJ Level II armor stop rifle rounds like 7.62x39mm or 5.56mm?

No, NIJ Level II armor is not rated for rifle calibers. This test demonstrated that both 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm rounds easily penetrated the ArmorShield Puma vest.

What is blunt force trauma in the context of body armor testing?

Blunt force trauma refers to the impact energy transferred to the body even when a projectile is stopped. This can cause significant internal injuries, broken ribs, or bruising, as seen when the .40 S&W round pushed through the sand backstop.

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