What Calibers Can Body Armor Stop?

Published on June 17, 2024
Duration: 1:00

This video from GUNBROS provides an expert-level breakdown of body armor ratings according to NIJ standards. It clarifies that ratings are not a 1-10 scale and details the specific threats each level is designed to stop, from handgun calibers with Level 3A to armor-piercing rifle rounds with Level 4. The presentation highlights the distinction between official NIJ ratings and industry terms like Level 3+.

Quick Summary

Body armor is rated by NIJ standards, not a 1-10 scale. Level 3A stops handguns, Level 3 stops .223/5.56 rifle rounds, Level 3+ stops M855 green tips, and Level 4 stops armor-piercing .30-06 M2AP rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Body Armor Ratings Explained
  2. 00:06Level 3A Armor: Pistol Threat Protection
  3. 00:20Level 3 Armor: Rifle Threat Protection
  4. 00:30Level 3+ Armor: Special Rifle Threats
  5. 00:39Level 4 Armor: Armor-Piercing Rounds
  6. 00:51Product Examples: Agilite & Spartan Armor

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different NIJ body armor levels and what do they stop?

Body armor follows NIJ standards: Level 3A stops most handgun rounds. Level 3 stops rifle rounds like .223 and 5.56. Level 3+ stops special threats like M855 green tips. Level 4 is the highest, stopping armor-piercing .30-06 M2AP rounds.

Can Level 3 body armor stop M855 green tip rounds?

Typically, standard Level 3 body armor is not rated to stop M855 green tip ammunition. For protection against these specific 'special threats,' Level 3+ armor or higher is generally required.

What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 3+ body armor?

Level 3 armor is designed for common rifle threats like .223 and 5.56. Level 3+ is an industry term indicating enhanced protection, specifically designed to defeat 'special threats' such as M855 green tip rounds, which standard Level 3 may not stop.

What is the highest level of body armor protection discussed?

The highest level discussed is Level 4. This rating signifies the most robust protection, capable of stopping all threats that lower levels can, plus specialized armor-piercing rounds like the .30-06 M2AP.

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