Armored Republic Ballistic Tests
Introduction: Why Ballistic Testing Matters
When it comes to personal protection, proof is everything. At Armored Republic, we don’t just claim our body armor meets the highest performance standards — we prove it through rigorous, independent ballistic testing. These evaluations, performed at accredited laboratories, measure real-world resistance against a variety of ballistic threats under National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards.
Our results not only demonstrate compliance but also showcase the durability and reliability of our armor in the face of multiple threat types.
Understanding NIJ Standards
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the benchmark for ballistic resistance in body armor.
NIJ-STD-0101.06 – The current, widely recognized standard that defines performance levels from Level IIA to Level IV.
NIJ-STD-0101.07 (Draft) – The upcoming revision, incorporating enhanced threat categories like RF1, RF2, and RF3 for rifle protection.
Each standard is designed to simulate real-world ballistic threats, ensuring armor can withstand repeated impacts at specified velocities and distances.
Compliance List – NIJ-STD-0101.06
Our armor models have been tested and shown to meet or exceed NIJ requirements. The compliance list for NIJ-STD-0101.07 will be posted once final standards are released.
Independent Lab Testing – Proven Results
All ballistic tests were conducted by H.P. White Laboratory, Oregon Ballistics Laboratory, and National Technical Systems, recognized leaders in firearms and armor testing.
Level III – April 23, 2013
Test Specs: 6 rounds of 7.62×51 M80 Ball at 50.3 ft from muzzle
Armor Tested: AR500 Armor® 10” x 12” Flat Level III with Line-X Base Build-Up
Results: No penetration – minimal backface deformation (BFD), maintaining wearer safety.
Level III – July 22, 2013
Test Specs: Same as above
Armor Tested: Flat Level III with Base Coat
Results: No penetration – proven consistency across configurations.
Level IIIA – July 23, 2013
Test Specs: 3 rounds .44 Magnum (240gr SJHP) + 3 rounds .357 SIG (125gr TMJ) at 17.3 ft
Armor Tested: Curved Level IIIA with Base Coat
Results: No penetration – minimal BFD against high-energy handgun rounds.
Level III ASC – Dec 11, 2015
Protocol: DEA 2009
Rounds: .223 REM 60gr Partition, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, M80 Steel Jacket
Results: No penetration – multi-caliber performance.
Level III+ Curved ASC – Nov 18, 2020
Protocol: DEA 2018
Rounds: .223 Tactical Bonded PSP, M80, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, .308 Core Lokt PSP
Results: No penetration – advanced protection for modern threats.
NIJ-STD-0101.07 (Draft) RF2 – Jan 7, 2020
Rounds: 7.62×51 M80 Ball, 7.62×39 MSC, 5.56×45 M193, 5.56×45 M855
Results: No penetration – armor meets RF2 draft requirements.
Why These Results Matter
Minimal Backface Deformation (BFD): Protects against blunt force trauma after a hit.
Multi-Hit Capability: Resists multiple strikes without failure.
Diverse Threat Resistance: Tested against both common and specialized rounds.
Real-World Application
Our ballistic tests ensure that every plate leaving our facility is capable of protecting wearers in law enforcement, military, and civilian self-defense scenarios. Whether you’re facing common rifle threats or high-velocity specialty rounds, our armor stands ready.
Closing Statement
Ballistic testing is more than a compliance checkbox — it’s the proof behind our promise: Your protection is our mission. We’ll continue to publish results as new NIJ standards emerge, ensuring transparency and trust with every customer.
Ballistic Test Summary Table
| Test Date | NIJ Level / Protocol | Test Specs / Rounds Fired | Armor Model Tested | Result Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2013 | Level III – NIJ-STD-0101.06 | 6× 7.62×51 M80 Ball @ 50.3 ft | 10”×12” Flat Level III w/ Line-X Base Build-Up | No penetration, minimal BFD |
| Jul 22, 2013 | Level III – NIJ-STD-0101.06 | 6× 7.62×51 M80 Ball @ 50.3 ft | 10”×12” Flat Level III w/ Base Coat | No penetration, minimal BFD |
| Jul 23, 2013 | Level IIIA – NIJ-STD-0101.06 | 3× .44 Magnum (240gr SJHP) + 3× .357 SIG (125gr TMJ) @ 17.3 ft | 10”×12” Curved Level IIIA w/ Base Coat | No penetration, minimal BFD |
| Dec 11, 2015 | Level III ASC – DEA Protocol 2009 | .223 REM 60gr Partition, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, M80 Steel Jacket (3 rounds each) @ 50 ft | 10”×12” Level III Patented Advanced Shooters Cut (ASC) | No penetration, minimal BFD |
| Nov 18, 2020 | Level III+ Curved ASC – DEA Protocol 2018 | .223 Tactical Bonded PSP, M80, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, .308 Core Lokt PSP (3 rounds each) @ 50 ft | 10”×12” Level III+ Curved ASC | No penetration, minimal BFD |
| Jan 7, 2020 | Level III+ RF2 – NIJ-STD-0101.07 (Draft) | 7.62×51 M80 Ball, 7.62×39 MSC, 5.56×45 M193, 5.56×45 M855 (separate plates tested, 6 rounds total each caliber) | 10”×12” Flat Level III+ w/ Build-Up Coat ASC | No penetration, minimal BFD |