What Calibers Can Body Armor Stop?

Published on June 17, 2024
Duration: 1:00

This guide breaks down the NIJ standards for body armor, explaining the capabilities of Level 3A, Level 3, Level 3+, and Level 4 armor. It clarifies what common handgun and rifle calibers each level is designed to stop, including specific ammunition types like M80 Ball, M855 Green Tip, and M2AP. The information is presented with an authoritative tone, drawing from the expertise of a GUNBROS representative knowledgeable in NIJ standards and specific ammunition designations.

Quick Summary

Body armor is rated by NIJ standards, not a 1-10 scale. Level 3A stops handguns, Level 3 stops standard rifle rounds (.223, 5.56, .308 M80 Ball), Level 3+ stops special threats (M855 Green Tip), and Level 4 stops armor-piercing rounds (.30-06 M2AP).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Body Armor Ratings
  2. 00:06Level 3A Armor Explained
  3. 00:20Level 3 Armor Explained
  4. 00:30Level 3+ Armor Explained
  5. 00:39Level 4 Armor Explained
  6. 00:51Product Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Level 3 body armor is rated to stop standard rifle rounds like .223, 5.56, and .308 M80 Ball. Level 3+ armor, an industry term, adds protection against 'special threat' rounds such as M855 Green Tip, which Level 3 typically does not stop.

Can Level 4 body armor stop armor-piercing rounds?

Yes, Level 4 armor is the highest standard rating and is specifically designed to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds, including the .30-06 M2AP, in addition to all threats stopped by lower armor levels.

What handgun calibers can Level 3A body armor stop?

Level 3A armor is soft armor designed for pistol threats and is effective against almost any realistic handgun caliber you might encounter, offering broad protection against common and less common pistol rounds.

Are there official NIJ ratings for Level 3+ body armor?

No, Level 3+ is not an official rating established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It is an industry term used by manufacturers to denote plates that offer enhanced protection beyond standard Level 3, specifically against certain rifle threats like M855 Green Tip.

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