NIJ Threat Levels

There's no such thing as a 'bullet-proof' vest. Any vest hit enough times, or by a high-velocity penetrating round, can fail. To help you determine how much stopping power you need against various weapons and bullets, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) developed its Threat Level Matrix (see chart below). NIJ Certification tests are performed at approved independent labs like H.P.White Laboratories, Inc. in Maryland.

THREAT LEVEL I

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

Velocity mps

 .22 Cal. 40 Grain LR

 6

 1050

 320

 .25 Cal. Auto 50 Grain FMC

 2

 810

 247

 .32 Cal. Auto 71 Grain FMC

 4

 905

 276

 .380 Cal. Auto 88 Grain JHP

 4

 990

 302

 .28 Cal. Special Lead 158 Grain

 6

 850

 259

 .38 Cal. Special 158 Grain SWC

 6

 850

 259

THREAT LEVEL II-A

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

Velocity mps

 .22 Mag. 40 Grain Solid Point

 6 ½

 1180

 360

 .38 Cal. Special 125 Grain SJHP+P

 6

 1028

 314

 .38 Cal. Special 158 Grain Lead +P

 6

 1090

 332

 .38 Cal. Special 110 Grain JHP+P

 6

 1235

 377

 .45 Cal. Auto 230 Grain M.C.

 5

 810

 247

 .357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP

 4

 1250

 381

 .357 Mag. 158 Grain Lead

 4

 1250

 381

 .357 Mag.158 Grain Lead SWC

 4

 1253

 382

 .41 Mag. 210 Grain Lead

 8 3/8

 1080

 329

 9MM 95 Grain JSP

 4

 1250

 381

 9MM 100 Grain JSP

 4

 1250

 381

 9MM 124 Grain FMJ

 4

 1090

 332

 9MM 115 Grain JHP

 4

 1160

 354

 9MM 147 Grain Subsonic JCE

 5

 1050

 319

 9MM 147 Grain JHP

 5

1050 

 319

 10MM 170 Grain JHP

 5

 1172

 357

 10MM 200 Grain Full Jacket TC

 5

 1072

 327

THREAT LEVEL II

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

Velocity mps

 .41 Mag. 210 Grain SP

 4

 1300

 397

 .44 Mag. 240 Grain SJSP

 4

 1180

 360

 .44 Mag. 240 Grain Lead

 4

 1200

 366

 .357 Mag. 125 Grain JHP

 4

 1450

 442

 .357 Mag. 110 Grain JHP

 4

 1550

 473

 .357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP

 6

 1395

 425

 .357 Mag. 158 Grain JSP-Hornady

 6

 1445

 441

 .357 Mag. 158 Grain Lead

 8 3/8

 1410

 430

 9MM 124 Grain FMJ

 5

 1175

 358

 9MM Lapua 123 Grain FMC

 4

 1200

 366

 9MM Norma 116 Grain FMJ

 4

 1150

 351

 9MM Geco 123 Grain GMC

 4

 1200

 366

 9MM Canadian 116

 5

 1250

 381

 9MM Israli

 4

 1200

 366

 9MM Cavim-FMJ

 4

 1110

 339

THREAT LEVEL III-A

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

Velocity mps

 .44 Mag. 240 Gr. SWC (Gas Checked)

 6

 1400

 427

 9MM 124 Grain FMJ

 9 ½

 1400

 427

 9MM Canadian 116 Grain FMJ

 16

 1400

 427

 9MM Norma 116 Grain FMJ

 16

 1325

 404

 9MM Geco 123 Grain FMC

 16

 1310

 400

 9MM Lapua 123 Grain FMC

 16

 1445

 441

 9MM Israeli

 16

 1300

 397

THREAT LEVEL III

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

 7.62 NATO Ball 150 Grain FMJ (308)

 28

 2750

 30.06 PSP 180 Grain

 24

 2700

 .30 Carbine 110 Grain FMJ

 18

 1950

 12 Gauge Rifled Slug

 18

 1550

 .223 55 Grain FMJ (5.56 MM)

 20

 3075

 7.62 x 39 150 Grain FMJ

 22

 2400

 THREAT LEVEL IV

Barrel Length (inches)

Velocity fps

  30.06 A.P. 166 Grain

 26

 2850

 N.I.J. Standards

The most widely recognized federal certification test for body armor has been established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Nearly all domestic law enforcement agencies require that the body armor they are going to purchase meet or exceed "NIJ STANDARDS." The test requires the vest model being considered, to successfully stop a sequenced pattern of six bullets shot, (Soft Armor) at specific velocities. Additionally, the vest model being tested cannot exceed the maximum allowable backface of 44mm. This portion of the test has been instituted to help reduce the possible incapacitation and/or injury from the impact force of the bullet to the body, Known as "blunt trauma." Copies of the entire testing procedure can be obtained by contacting the technology assessment program information center (NLETC) located in Rockville, MD. (800) 248-2742.

Picking the right Threat Level

The first step in selecting appropriate body armor is to establish the level of protection that meets the need of the user based on the realistic weapon threat. It is impossible to completely protect a law enforcement officer from all possible threats with body armor worn continuously. It is therefore necessary to select a reasonable level of ballistic protection accepting some risk of injury even when the armor is worn.