What does NIJ level IIIA mean?

NIJ LEVEL IIIA BODY ARMOR Level IIIA is the most common protection level you’ll see when browsing for soft body armor. Found in everything from ballistic vests to bulletproof backpacks, it’s a bit heavier than Level IIA or II but still largely concealable.

What does IIIA armor stop?

Level IIIA armor is rated to be able to stop Magnum rounds fired from handguns and everything from a . 38 Special to a 9mm. Level III armor is specifically designed to defeat rifle caliber rounds fired from a . 308 (7.62mm), a 5.56mm, and all other handguns.

Is a Level 3a vest stab proof?

Tactical Alert Vest – The Best Body Armor For Your Work. Front and Back Dual Protection Panels Included. Body Armor Made In USA.

What does NIJ 3a stop?

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Level IIIA NIJ Level IIIA is designed to stop . 357 Sig FMG FN bullets traveling at a velocity of ~1470 ft/s and . 44 Magnum SJHP rounds at a velocity of ~1430 ft/s.

Will IIIA stop 223?

357 Magnum ammunition fired from short barrel handguns. Does not include rifle ammunition protection. Level IIIA: Tested to stop . 223 JHP ammunition with lead cores typically used for hunting and target shooting can be stopped with Level III hard body armor.

What is IIIA body armor?

Level IIIA is a type of soft armor. The level IIIA body armor will provide protection from many small arm weapons. The 9 mm, 44 magnums, and just about any other handgun will not be able to cause serious injury to someone that is shot in the chest, while wearing one of these types of body armor.

What level armor does the military use?

Level III armor is normally used by military personnel and law enforcement officers. This body armor level is currently always hard and in the form of ballistic plates that can be inserted into vests or carriers.

What can a 5.56 penetrate?

The Famed 5.56x45mm NATO Round The NATO ball — U.S. designation M855 — can penetrate 3 mm of steel at a range of 600 meters. The M995 will penetrate 12 mm of steel at 100 meters.

What caliber can Kevlar stop?

Kevlar has been improved and otherwise refined to the point that it is now capable of stopping large-caliber handgun bullets. Other armor types include ceramic body armor and ultra-high density polyethylene, or plastic capable of stopping bullets up to armor-piercing . 30-06 rifle rounds.

Is Level 3 armor good enough?

All soft armor is level IIIa (i.e. “3 minus”) or below, and all hard armor is III, III+, or IV. Level III is not good enough because it can’t stop common AR-15 rifle rounds. Level III+ is the sweet spot for most people….Most common threats and armor piercing ammo.

Armor class Survival chance
Level 3+ 95%
Level 4 98%

What armor do Navy Seals wear?

Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor
Interceptor Body Armor

Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 2000–present
Used by United States Navy U.S. Army Reserve U.S. Army (historical) U.S. Marine Corps (historical) U.S. Air Force (historical) See Users for other foreign military/law enforcement users

Can civilians own Level 4 body armor?

The quick answer is yes, it is legal for a law-abiding civilian to buy Level IV (4) body armor. However, those with a felony record are prohibited from purchasing or using body armor like bulletproof vests and plate carriers.

What kind of body armor does a NIJ IIIa have?

NIJ Level IIIA is enough protection to stop handgun rounds up to a .44 Magnum. It can provide the user with front, back ballistic protection.The lightweight carrier houses soft armor panels and offers extra SAPI plate pockets on both the front and the back, just in case you need to upgrade your body armor vest.

What do the NIJ protection levels mean for ballistic vests?

The threat levels for ballistic vests are set by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice). There are currently five levels in use – Level IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV – and each covers a different caliber of bullet. We’ll help you understand all the NIJ levels so you can assess which level defeats the range of threats most likely to come your way.

What’s the difference between NIJ Level III and III +?

Like Level IIIA+, III+ isn’t an official NIJ rating. However, it’s used by some manufacturers to indicate that this armor has the same protective capacity as Level III but can handle extra threats like M855 “green tip” ammo or M193. Level III+ is becoming a popular option for those who face additional threats. NIJ LEVEL IV BODY ARMOR

What’s the difference between Level II and IIA bulletproof vests?

Level II vests are still relatively light, flexible, and easily discrete under clothes, but can defeat a higher range of ammunition than Level IIA. They also offer more blunt force protection than IIA. Level II protects against: all handgun rounds, up to and including.357 magnum jacketed soft point (JSP)