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 DateNIJ Level / ProtocolTest Specs / Rounds FiredArmor Model TestedResult Summary
Apr 23, 2013Level III – NIJ-STD-0101.066× 7.62×51 M80 Ball @ 50.3 ft10”×12” Flat Level III w/ Line-X Base Build-UpNo penetration, minimal BFD
Jul 22, 2013Level III – NIJ-STD-0101.066× 7.62×51 M80 Ball @ 50.3 ft10”×12” Flat Level III w/ Base CoatNo penetration, minimal BFD
Jul 23, 2013Level IIIA – NIJ-STD-0101.063× .44 Magnum (240gr SJHP) + 3× .357 SIG (125gr TMJ) @ 17.3 ft10”×12” Curved Level IIIA w/ Base CoatNo penetration, minimal BFD
Dec 11, 2015Level III ASC – DEA Protocol 2009.223 REM 60gr Partition, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, M80 Steel Jacket (3 rounds each) @ 50 ft10”×12” Level III Patented Advanced Shooters Cut (ASC)No penetration, minimal BFD
Nov 18, 2020Level III+ Curved ASC – DEA Protocol 2018.223 Tactical Bonded PSP, M80, SS109/M855, M43 MSC, .308 Core Lokt PSP (3 rounds each) @ 50 ft10”×12” Level III+ Curved ASCNo penetration, minimal BFD
Jan 7, 2020Level 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 ASCNo penetration, minimal BFD