Various NIJ level bulletproof equipment to protect against various weapons

• International school shootings, racially or ethnically motivated attacks, and terrorist attacks are numerous and deeply troubling and frightening.

  
  

  You never know what might happen in the next second. More and more people are paying attention to their own safety and labor protection.

  
  

  However, there is a variety of ballistic equipment on the market, and levels of ballistics vary.

  Do you know which product and NIJ level to choose when purchasing protective equipment ? The following article will tell you how to choose the right product when choosing your NIJ level .

  
  

  What is NIJ and what can it offer you?

  The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is a research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the understanding of crime and justice issues through science.

  
  

  What does this mean to you?

  NIJ is the department responsible for establishing, testing, and promoting body armor standards associated with body armor purchased. These standards provide a certain level of safety from ballistic protection - if used correctly - and assist in choosing the best protection for your needs.

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  How are NIJ ratings created and tested?

  The various ratings set by the NIJ refer to the ballistic performance of a body armor or the ability to handle a bullet without penetration and also without blunt trauma to the body.

  
  

  The NIJ sets different levels of protection depending on the caliber and velocity of the bullet that a piece of body armor can handle. The larger and faster the bullet a piece of armor can handle, the higher the NIJ level it will achieve.

  
  

  How does NIJ test its standards? 

  The respective testing departments take several samples from each commercial body armor, allow them to wear out, and then continue to retest months and years later.

  
  

  If a body armor is rated by the NIJ, then its product integrity will be very high.

  
  

  What are the different NIJ ballistic levels?

  Listed below are the five major NIJ ballistic protection ratings along with their proven capabilities and the types of armor they are most commonly associated with.

   

  
  

  Level IIA

  The NIJ IIA rating is designed to effectively absorb low cal velocity bullets. 9mm or .40 Smith & Wesson (S&W), which are typically chambered in a lightweight pistol. Body armor rated to the NIJ IIA standard are typically lightweight ballistic vests, often weighing less than 10 pounds, due to their thin layer of aramid fibers. Level IIA protection is excellent for use by law enforcement agencies seeking protection against low velocity munitions.

  
  

  Level II

  Like the IIA rating, armor with a short-term NIJ II rating can handle the impact of a 9mm or .40 SW bullet, but is slightly thicker and can handle higher velocity 9mm ammunition—as well as a .357 Magnum bullet. This means that a body armor rated NIJ II will be heavier and bulkier than one rated IIA. Rating II is usually found on ballistic vests.

  
  

  Level IIIA

  Although the materials used to construct IIIA -rated protection are thicker and more resistant than Level II, they are still soft and somewhat flexible. Protection with this rating can protect against a .44 Magnum or 9mm pistol bullet. Body armor rated IIIA continues to grow in size than lower rated body armor. This level is often offered in vests, but is also used in other ballistic protection, such as the Kevlar deployable shield.

  
  

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  Level III

  With the transition to Level III, the body armor is now able to cope with small-caliber projectiles - for example, 7.62 mm bullets fired from an AK-47 assault rifle or an SKS rifle. It is important to note that Level III body armor is equipped with durable armor-piercing plates, which also significantly increases the weight of the protection. This type of protection is designed specifically for tactical situations and encounters with more serious weapons.

  
  

  Level IV

  The highest level of NIJ rating, Level IV, can withstand up to a .30 armor-piercing rifle bullet. Level IV is the most common ballistic protection currently available, and what is issued to soldiers in the army. The high weight associated with the IV rating makes it difficult for those who have not received appropriate training to use it.

  
  

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  How to Choose the Right NIJ Non-Destructive Evaluation for You?

  First consider where you might need it and how you plan to use it. Of course, a higher level of NIJ provides greater protection. Typically, a higher rated body armor will be thicker and heavier than a lower rated one, which can make it more difficult to use and store. It's usually not worth skimping on protection for something lightweight. As you can see, balance is key. Considering that the majority of gun crimes in the United States involve pistols .38 caliber and smaller, as well as 9mm semi-automatic pistols, choosing body armor with an NIJ Level II rating should suffice.

  
  

  However, if you are looking for more protection without too much weight or complexity, buy a body armor rated NIJ IIIA. The IIIA rating provides better protection against larger, faster bullets and is offered in more comfortable applications than a typical vest. Either way, it's important to choose an NIJ-rated product that suits your needs . Each person is responsible for their own health and safety.

  
  

  Various NIJ level bulletproof equipment to protect against various weapons

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