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Choosing Concealable Body Armor
- I've had a few questions regarding
concealable body armor lately, especially what type and what level
of protection. So I
thought it would be best to discuss it here. I firmly believe
that going home to my family every night is a GOOD THING and body
armor has saved many lives in the field.
-
- Body armor is classified by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) as
Levels I, IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV. Each level has been
tested and certified by the NIJ to stop the penetration of a
particular ammunition caliber and mass, traveling at various muzzle
velocities at an industry standard 5 meters (for types I thru IIIA)
and 15 meters for III and IV. (I'm not going to go into angle
of penetration of fired test rounds, backing material or
construction.) Some materials are also submitted for stab
resistance (using the "California Ice Pick Method")
Here is a basic outline for the minimum standards for each:
Type I (22 LR; 38 Special)
- This armor protects against 22 Long Rifle High Velocity lead bullets,
with nominal masses of 2.6 g (40 gr) impacting at a velocity of 320
m (1050 ft) per second or less, and 38 Special round nose lead
bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) impacting at a
velocity of 259 m (850 ft) per second or less. It also provides
protection against most handgun rounds in calibers 25 and 32.
Type II-A (Lower Velocity 357 Magnum; 9 mm)
- This armor protects against 357 Magnum jacketed soft point bullets, with
nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) impacting at a velocity of 381 m
(1250 ft) per second or less, and 9 mm full metal jacketed bullets,
with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) impacting at a velocity of 332
m (1090 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against
threats such as 45 Auto., 38 Special +P and some other factory loads
in caliber 357 Magnum and 9 mm, as well as the threats mentioned in
lower levels.
Type
II (Higher Velocity 357 Magnum; 9 mm)
- This armor protects against 357 Magnum
jacketed soft point bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr)
impacting at a velocity of 425 m (1395 ft) per second or less, and 9
mm full jacketed bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr)
impacting at a velocity of 358 m (1175 ft) per second or less. It
also provides protection against most other factory loads in caliber
357 Magnum and 9 mm, as well as the threats mentioned in lower
levels.
Type III-A (44 Magnum; Submachine Gun 9 mm)
- This armor protects against 44 Magnum, lead
semi-wadcutter bullets with gas checks, nominal masses of 15.55 g
(240 gr) and impacting at a velocity of 426 m (1400 ft) per second
or less, and 9 mm full metal jacketed bullets, with nominal masses
of 8.0 g (124 gr) impacting at a velocity of 426 m (1400 ft) per
second or less. It also provides protection against most handgun
threats, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type III ( High-Powered Rifle)
- This armor protects against 7.62 mm full
metal jacketed bullets (U.S. military designation M80), with nominal
masses of 9.7 g (150 gr) impacting at a velocity of 838 m (2750 ft)
per second or less. It also provides protection against threats such
as 223 Remington (5.56 mm FMJ), 30 Carbine FMJ, and 12 gauge rifled
slug, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type IV (Armor-Piercing Rifle)
- This armor protects against 30 caliber
armor-piercing bullets (U.S. military designation APM2), with
nominal masses of 10.8 g (166 gr) impacting at a velocity of 868 m
(2850 ft) per second or less. It also provides at least single hit
protection against the threats mentioned in lower levels.
SO
in answer to your question, you must consider several factors.
a) Many police departments choose the type and level of vests
by what type and caliber of handgun their officers carry! If
someone takes your weapon from you, your vest should provide
protection against it.
b) Typically, the higher the classification level (greater
protection) the heavier the vest will be. Heavy bulky vests
become a burden and you will eventually just stop wearing it because
it is uncomfortable to wear. Types IIIA, III and IV clearly
cannot be worn for a full day.
c) What threats do you expect to encounter and at what distances?
In this business, and someone correct me if I am wrong, hazardous
situation will typically be at close range involving a wide range of
calibers.
d) Fit. An improperly fitted vest is dangerous (and damn
uncomfortable). If you must purchase one on-line, first- go to
a "Cop Shop" and get fitted in various brand name vests
and get the sizes. Then order one online. www.galls.com
has some good prices and even some specials from time to time.
Safariland, Pointe Blank, and Second Chance are all reputable name
brands.
e) Personally, I am more scared that I will be attacked with a knife
or a blunt object; when I looked at armor, I wanted penetration
protection as well, which was very expensive. (but worth my life)
Since I only wear my vest for short periods, I decided on a level II
vest made of a fabric that provides some resistance to cuts and
stabs (though not to the CIPM standards).
-
- I
hope this helps you make the right decision when choosing
concealable soft body armor!
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