Body Armor Ratings

US Military Standard
The in-house rating standard of the US Military. Consult each item for multi-hit and maximum BFD tolerance information


 * USA-A: 7.62x51mm M80.
 * USA-C: 5.56x45mm M855.
 * USA-B: 7.62x54mm LPS.
 * USA-F: 7.62x39mm BZ API
 * USA-D: .30-06 M2AP
 * USA-Y: 5.56x45mm M995
 * USA-X: 7.62x51mm M993
 * USA-Z: 7.62x54mm 7N37

NIJ 0101.03:
The third revision of the nearly-universal body armor standard for American civilians and Law Enforcement since the 1970s. Used between 1987 to 1999. All ratings with the exception of NIJ-IV are six-hit minimums.


 * NIJ-I: .22LR and .380 ACP.
 * NIJ-IIA: 9x19mm FMJ and .45 ACP FMJ.
 * NIJ-II: 9x19mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JHP.
 * NIJ-IIIA: Increased velocity 9x19mm as well as .44 Magnum SWC
 * NIJ-III: 5.56x45mm M193 and 7.62x51mm M80
 * NIJ-IV: 30-06 M2AP

Additional Ratings from the 1989-1990 Jane's Security CO-IN Handbook:

 * NIJ-IVA: 9x19mm THV, .45 ACP THV, .357 Magnum THV, and .357 Magnum KTW
 * NIJ-IVB: 7.62x39mm FMJ, .30 Carbine FMJ, 7.62x51mm M80, 12 Gauge 'Blondeau Slug', and 5.56x45mm M193 / M855.
 * NIJ-IVC: 7.62x39mm FMJ, .30 Carbine FMJ, 7.62x51mm M80, 12 Gauge 'Blondeau Slug', and 5.56x45mm M193 / M855. All threats at increased velocity compared to NIJ-IVB.
 * NIJ-V: 7.62x39mm AP, 7.62x51mm Nammo AP8, .30-06 M2AP, and 5.56x45mm M857 / SS111 WC-core AP.

NIJ 0101.04:
The fourth revision of the nearly-universal body armor standard for American civilians and Law Enforcement since the 1970s. Used between 2000 to 2005. All ratings with the exception of NIJ-IV are six-hit minimums.


 * NIJ-I: .22LR and .380 ACP.
 * NIJ-IIA: 9x19mm FMJ and .45 ACP FMJ.
 * NIJ-II: 9x19mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JHP.
 * NIJ-IIIA: Increased velocity 9x19mm as well as .44 Magnum SWC
 * NIJ-III: 5.56x45mm M193 and 7.62x51mm M80.
 * NIJ-IV: 30-06 M2AP.
 * Additional Ratings:
 * NIJ-IIIA+: Most 5.7x28mm.
 * NIJ-IIIB: 9x19mm KTW Steel-Core.
 * NIJ-IIIB+: 7.62x25mm Steel-Core armor piercing at 1500ft/s.
 * NIJ-IIIC: 7.62x39mm MSC.
 * NIJ-V: 7.62x51mm M993 WC-Core Armor-Piercing.

NIJ 0101.06:
The sixth revision of the nearly-universal body armor standard for American civilians and Law Enforcement since the 1970s. Used since 2008.


 * NIJ-I: .22LR and .380 ACP, 6 Shots
 * NIJ-IIA: 9x19mm FMJ and .45 ACP FMJ, 6 Shots
 * NIJ-II: 9x19mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JHP, 6 Shots
 * NIJ-IIIA: 9x19mm FMJ (SMG) and .44 Magnum JHP, 6 Shots
 * NIJ-III: 7.62x51mm M80, 6 Shots
 * NIJ-IV: 30-06 M2AP, 1 or mor e shots.
 * NIJ-IV+: 7.62x54R B-32 API, 1 shot minimum.

Additional Ratings:
Note that these may indicate


 * NIJ-III+: Protection from varying rifle threats.
 * Steel: Commonly M193
 * UHMWPE: (when XTEK drops it) M855
 * Ceramic: M193, M855, possibly 7n1 or the like.
 * NIJ-III++: Further varying protection from various rifle threats. May imply protection against 5.56x45mm M995 with certain models.
 * NIJ-IV-: Two hits of 7.62x39mm BZ API or 5.56x45mm SS109.
 * NIJ-III/IV: Combination rating that certifies the standalone plate is both Level III and Level IV rated.
 * NIJ-III/IV+: Combination rating that states the plate is rated at III and IV+ levels.
 * NIJ-IV++: 7.62x54mm B-32 API / 7.62x39mm BZ API. May also refer to 7.62x51mm Swiss P AP protection.
 * NIJ-V: 7.62x51mm M993 at 3100ft/s.
 * NIJ-V+: 7.62x51mm M948 SLAP at over 3900ft/s.
 * NIJ-V++: .50 BMG M33 FMJ.

NIJ 0101.07:
The yet-to-be-adopted successor standard to NIJ 0101.06. Modernizes the lower end of the scale and eliminates ratings for low-powered threats. All levels permit a maximum BFD of 44mm.


 * HG1: .357 Magnum JHP and 9x19mm FMJ at slightly higher velocity requirements than 0101.06 NIJ-II, 6 Shots
 * HG2: .44 Magnum JHP at slightly higher requirements than 0101.06 NIJ-IIIA, 6 Shots
 * RF1: 7.62x51mm M80, 6 Shots
 * RF2: 5.56x45mm M855, 5.56x45mm M193, and 7.62x39mm MSC, 6 Shots
 * RF3: .30-06 M2AP, 1 Shot

GOST R 50774-95 ADD. 2014:
Replacement for the original GOST R 50774-95 Standard. Identical emphasis on multi-hit protection and low BFD. Maximum BFD of 17mm.


 * GOST-BR1: 9x18 projectiles
 * GOST-BR2: 9x21 7N28 AP handgun ammunition
 * GOST-BR3: 9x19 7N21 AP handgun ammunition
 * GOST-ะก1: 12-Gauge buckshot
 * GOST-ะก2: 12-Gauge buckshot, 00 or 000
 * GOST-BR4: Multiple impacts of 5.45x39mm 7N10 semi-armor-piercing ball or multiple impacts of 7.62x39mm 57-N-231 Steel-core.
 * GOST-BR5: Multiple impacts of 7.62x54mm 7N13 Steel-Core AP or multiple impacts of 7.62x54mm B-32 API.
 * GOST-BR6: Multiple impacts of 12.7x108mm B32 API.

GOST R 50774-95:
Body armor standard of the Russian Federation. Replaced by the ADD. 2014 extension as of 2014. Maximum BFD of 17mm.


 * GOST-1: 9x18mm FMJ, 5 Hits
 * GOST-2: 5.45x39mm 7N7 and 7.62x39mm 57-H-134C, 5 Hits
 * GOST-2A: 12-Gauge Slug, 5 Hits
 * GOST-3: 5.45x39mm 7N6 and 7.62x39mm 57-H-231, 3 Hits
 * GOST-4: 5.45x39mm 7N10, 3 Hits
 * GOST-5A: 7.62x39mm 57-B3-231, 3 Hits
 * GOST-6: 7.62x54R 7N13, 3 Hits
 * GOST-6A: 7.62x54R B32 API, 3 Hits. Additionally provides .338 LM FMJ protection at 300 Meters

Additional ratings:

 * GOST-6A+: 5.45x39mm 7N24, 3 hits
 * GOST-6A++: 7.62x54R BS40, 3 hits

PVS/P 036/08:
The body armor standard of Sweden. Consult each insert for multi-hit information.


 * RPS1: 9x19mm DM11A1B2 at 360m/s and .357 Magnum R357M3 at 385m/s.
 * RPS2: 9x19mm DM11A1B2 at 425m/s and .357 Magnum R357M3 at 450m/s.
 * RPS3: 9x19mm M39/B at 420m/s.
 * RPS4: 5.56x45mm SS109 at ~940m/s.
 * RPS5: .30-06 M2AP at ~870m/s.

PN-V-87000:
The body armor standard of Poland. Consult each insert for multi-hit information.


 * K1A: 9x19mm FMJ at 365m/s.
 * K1B: 9x19mm FMJ at 400 m/s.
 * K2: 7.62x25mm FMJ at 420m/s.
 * K3S: 4.6x30mm DM31 at 680m/s.
 * K3A: 7.62x39mm MSC at 720m/s.
 * K3C: 7.62x51mm M80 at 840m/s.
 * K3B: 5.56x45mm SS109 at 950m/s.
 * K4: 7.62x39mm BZ API at 735m/s.
 * K5A: 7.62x51mm P80 AP at 820m/s.
 * K5B: 7.62x54mm B-32 API at 860m/s.

HOSDB 39/07/A:
British Home Office standards for Ballistic Armor.


 * HG1/A: 9x19mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JSP, 44mm BFD
 * HG1: 9x19mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JSP, 25mm BFD
 * HG2: 9x19mm and .357 Magnum at increased velocity, 25mm BFD
 * HG3: 5.56x45mm LE223T3, 25mm BFD
 * RF1: 7.62x51mm L2A2, 25mm BFD
 * RF2: 7.62x51mm L40A1, 25mm BFD
 * SG1: 12-Gauge Slug, 25mm BFD

VPAM APR 2006:
Comprehensive Body Armor Standard of Germany and of the European Union, utilized for both military and police applications in the fields of body, vehicle, and structural armor. All ratings require a minimum of three hits.


 * VPAM-1: Winchester .22LR Round Nose at 360m/s.
 * VPAM-2: DAG DM41 9x19mm FMJ at 360m/s.
 * VPAM-3: DAG DM41 9x19mm FMJ at 415m/s.
 * VPAM-4: Geco .357 Magnum Coned Bullet Soft Core FMJ at 430m/s as well as Speer .44 Magnum Soft Core FMJ at 440m/s.
 * VPAM-5: DAG Special .357 Magnum Coned Bullet FMJ at 580m/s.
 * VPAM-6: 7.62x39mm PS at 720m/s.
 * VPAM-7: 5.56x45mm SS109 Steel-Core Penetrator at 950m/s as well as 7.62x51mm DM111 FMJ at 830m/s.
 * VPAM-8: 7.62x39mm BZ API at 740m/s.
 * VPAM-9: 7.62x51mm MEN P80 Steel-Core Armor-Piercing at 820m/s.
 * VPAM-10: 7.62x54R B-32 API at 860m/s.
 * VPAM-11: 7.62x51mm Nammo AP8 / M993 WC-Core Armor-Piercing, at 930m/s.
 * VPAM-12: 7.62x51mm RUAG Swiss P AP, WC-Core Armor-Piercing, at 810m/s.
 * VPAM-13: 12.7x99mm / .50 BMG Swiss P Penetrator Steel-Core Armor-Piercing at 930m/s.
 * VPAM-14: 14.5x114mm B-32 API at 911m/s.
 * VPAM APR Anschluss: Extension of the VPAM APR 2006 threat table. This is not a linear standard and should only be used to reference additional ratings.
 * AN-A: Soft-Core 7.62x25mm Tokarev at 450m/s.
 * AN-B: Iron-Core 7.62x25mm Tokarev at 530m/s.
 * AN-C: Iron Core 9x18mm, DDR, at 350m/s.
 * AN-D: 9x19mm DAG Action 4 at 460m/s.
 * AN-E: 9x19mm MEN QD-PEP II/s at 460m/s.

TR Schutzweste 2008:
The military body armor standard of Germany.


 * SKL: 9x19mm at 360 m/s
 * SK1: 9x19mm at 460 m/s.
 * SK2: .357 Magnum at 580 m/s.
 * SK3: 5.56x45mm SS109 at 950 m/s and DM111 7.62x51mm at 830m/s.
 * SK4: Steel-core 7.62x51mm P80 at 820 m/s.
 * SK4+: Tungsten-core M993 / FFV WC or 7.62x54mm B-32 API.

GA141-2010:
The body armor standard of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.


 * GA-1: 7.62mm pistol ball at 320m/s.
 * GA-2: 7.62x25mm Tokarev at 445m/s.
 * GA-3: 7.62x25mm Tokarev at 515m/s.
 * GA-4:7.62x25mm Steel-Core AP at 515m/s.
 * GA-5: 7.62x39mm MSC at 725m/s.
 * GA-6: 5.8x42mm DBP10 at muzzle velocity.
 * Special Class: 7.62x54R API, steel-core, at muzzle velocity.

Additional ratings:

 * GA-7: Unknown .338 or WC 7.62x54R rating.
 * GA-8: 12.7x108mm B-32 API from 100 meters.
 * GA-9: 23x115mm API from 100 meters.
 * GA-10: 30x165mm API from 100 meters.

AEP-2920 C:
Internal body armor standard of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that covers traditional steel-core threats. Consult each armor system to determine multi-hit capacity.


 * C4: 7.62x39mm API BZ
 * C5: 7.62x51mm FN P80
 * C6: 7.62x54mm B32 API
 * C7: 30-06 M2AP
 * C8: 12.7x108mm B-32 API
 * C9: 14.5x114mm B-32 API


 * C-Special (C-S): Undetermined, Emerging Threat

AEP-2920 D:
Internal body armor standard of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that covers Tungsten AP threats. Consult each armor system to determine multi-hit capacity.


 * D1: 9x19mm MEN AP
 * D3: 5.56x45mm M995 / 5.56x45mm MEN AP DM31
 * D5: 7.62x51mm M993
 * D6: 7.62x54mm 7N37
 * D7: 7.62x54mm UKR Stiletto
 * D8: 12.7x99mm C-44 WC-Core AP
 * D9: 14.5x114mm BS41 WC-Core API
 * D-Special (D-S): Undetermined, Emerging Threat

HP WHITE 0500.2:
Independent testing standard of body armor that competes with NIJ 0101.06 / 0101.07 to some degree.


 * Level A: .38 Round Nose, 3 Shots
 * Level B: 9x19mm FMJ, 3 Shots
 * Level C: .44 Magnum FMJ, 3 Shots
 * Level D: 7.62x51mm M80, 3 Shots
 * Level E: .30-06 M2AP, 3 Shots

UL 752:
Rating system for building reinforcement against ballistic threats.


 * L1: 9x19mm FMJ, 3 Shots
 * L2: .357 Magnum JSP, 3 Shots
 * Shotgun: 12-Gauge Slug, 3 Shots
 * L3: .44 Magnum Semi-Wadcutter, 3 Shots
 * L4: 30-06 Soft Point, 1 Shot
 * L5: 7.62x51mm FMJ (M80), 1 Shot
 * L6: 9x19mm FMJ, 5 Shots
 * L7: 5.56x45mm FMJ, 5 Shots
 * L8: 7.62x51mm M80, 5 Shots
 * L9: 30-06 M2AP, 1 Shot
 * L10: .50 BMG M2 Ball, 1 Shot

Notes: STPs and Special Ratings: The term STP or Special Threat Plate refers to a insert that is designed to tackle specific threats while also meeting certain challenges in the fields of weight and durability.

In addition, there are also special designations that will give you further insight into an insert's ability.

XSAPI Compliant:
Indicates that an insert meets US Armed Forces requirements for the XSAPI program (M993, M995)

ICW:
Indicates that an insert will only function In-Conjunction-With Level II or IIIA soft armor, as in a vest or a backer.