Punching a hole in RMA Armor?

Published on October 4, 2023
Duration: 16:45

This video tests RMA Level IV armor plates against various rifle rounds, including .30-06 M2 AP and 5.56 M855A1/M855, following news of the armor losing its NIJ certification. The testing demonstrates that the armor successfully stops multiple rounds, including M2 AP, even after its ceramic structure is compromised, suggesting it exceeds its certification requirements. The presenter, a firearms instructor, expresses continued confidence in RMA armor based on these results.

Quick Summary

RMA Level IV armor plates, despite news of lost NIJ certification, demonstrated the ability to stop multiple .30-06 M2 AP rounds and several 5.56 rounds (M855A1 and M855) in testing. Even after significant structural compromise, including cracked ceramic, the RMA Level IV plate continued to prevent penetration from M2 AP rounds, suggesting it exceeds its certification requirements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: RMA Armor NIJ Certification News
  2. 01:00Understanding the NIJ Level IV Certification Test
  3. 02:01Gunsmithing Career Opportunity: Modern Gun School
  4. 02:44Test Setup and Methodology
  5. 03:47First Shot: .30-06 M2 AP vs RMA Armor
  6. 06:04Second Shot: .30-06 M2 AP vs Compromised Armor
  7. 07:40Testing with 5.56 M855A1
  8. 09:31Testing with 5.56 M855 Ball (Steel Core)
  9. 11:27Final Shot: M2 AP vs Severely Compromised Armor
  10. 12:59Conclusion: RMA Armor Performance and Confidence
  11. 14:18Post-Test Examination of Armor Damage
  12. 15:40Viewer Questions and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Did RMA Level IV armor plates fail their NIJ certification?

News broke that RMA Level IV plates lost their NIJ certification. However, this video's independent testing shows the armor successfully stopping multiple .30-06 M2 AP rounds and several 5.56 rounds, even after significant damage, suggesting it exceeds certification standards.

What is the NIJ Level IV certification test for body armor?

The NIJ Level IV certification test involves shooting a single .30-06 M2 AP round at the armor plate. If the plate stops the round without penetration, it passes the test. This video tests the armor against multiple rounds to assess its performance beyond the basic requirement.

How did RMA armor perform against .30-06 M2 AP rounds in testing?

In this test, the RMA Level IV armor plate successfully stopped two .30-06 M2 AP rounds fired at close range (7 yards). Even after the first shot compromised the ceramic, the second shot did not penetrate, indicating robust performance.

Can RMA armor stop 5.56 rifle rounds like M855A1 and M855?

Yes, the RMA Level IV armor plate in this test stopped two rounds of 5.56 M855A1 and two rounds of 5.56 M855 ball ammunition. This was performed on a plate that had already sustained hits from .30-06 M2 AP rounds.

What is backface deformation and how did it affect the RMA armor test?

Backface deformation is the bulge on the back of the armor after impact. While some deformation was observed on the RMA plate, it was minimal and not considered lethal by NIJ standards, even after multiple hits on compromised ceramic.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Military Arms Channel

View all →