Ballistic Protection Military Armor Plates and Shields

Ballistic shields stop firearm rounds. It is important to note that not all ballistic shields can stop all firearms. Other ballistic shields can stop shotguns, pistols, rifles, and other large-caliber bullet rounds. Some shields can stop only handguns, while others can stop shotguns, pistols, rifles, and other large-caliber rounds. It is crucial to understand NIJ ballistic shield ratings if you want to determine what type of firearm your shield can stop. 

In a report published by the National Institute of Justice, known as the NIJ, ballistic protection is divided into six levels based on how much ballistic protection is offered. Approximately 99% of handgun rounds, including 45 ACP, 9mm, .40 s&w, and .357, will be stopped by Level II barriers. The soft armor plates used for these might be made of cloth or leather. Compared to Level II armor, Level II is lighter, more comfortable, and easier to conceal. The impact resistance is better, however, against blunt force trauma.

As far as handgun rounds go, Level IIIA reflects nearly all of them up to .44 magnum, 9mm submachine gun rounds, and even 12-gauge shotgun slugs. Soft armor is most found at Level IIIA. Occasionally, rigid armor plates and ballistic shields are rated at level IIIA.  Soft armor and hard armor plates are both possible. 

 Level III ballistic shields are hard armor plates designed for rifle protection. This level of armor provides 147 grains of mass and a velocity of 2780 feet/second, making it capable of withstanding 7.62 mm FMJ (US military M80) rounds. Also known as rifle or hard armor plates, ballistic body armor plates protect the wearer from airstrikes. These plates stop six-spaced 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ rounds (U.S. Military designation M80) if hit at a velocity of 27,80 feet per second.

According to NIJ 101.06 standards, ballistic plate Level IV is the highest quality. A rifle capable of piercing armor-piercing plates could take just one hit from these hard armor plates. Defending against armor-piercing rifle threats requires Level IV. Armor-piercing bullets (AP) calibrated for 7.62MM are tested to pass through these rifle plates.

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