Now that you understand the basic levels and facts about body armor (see above) let's talk about who can shop for body armor. The military armor and military equipment that we offer are available to both civilians and government clients.

It is legal to own our gear privately. However, if you are a felon or not a US citizen, you will need to check or ask our staff which item you want to purchase. We can then confirm clearance for you.

When you are searching for a tactical store near me, we're always there. Online support is available 5 days a week and the website is up 24/7/365.

The NIJ rating (National Institute of Justice) classifies ballistic protection by protection levels. It's important to know which level your tactical gear vest, mask, helmet, or other accessory meets before you buy.

Some companies take advantage of the NIJ's confusing names to sell you military equipment that fails to meet your tactical needs. We put in extra work to avoid doing that. So, what should you look for when getting a body armor product? There are only three "levels" of body armor that we recommend.

Our body armor undergoes testing and certification in two places. In-house testing and then independently certified by an NIJ Certified laboratory to confirm that it falls into one of these categories.

3A (IIIA) level is the lowest level of protection you should consider.

Our IIIA bulletproof vests and inserts will stop shotgun slugs, 9mm, .44 mag, .40 cal, 45 ACP/Auto, .357 Sig, .357 Magnum, shrapnel, knives, various hollow points, and other pistol ammunition.

NIJ labs test IIIA equipment with .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose rounds to ensure a maximum depth of 44mm upon impact at a straight angle.

When wearing body armor, shotguns and handguns are some of the most common firearms. IIIA is the lightest and most valuable of the three, and it can come in hard or soft body armor.

3 (III) is a step above IIIA and can stop more types of bullets from assault rifles, i.e. AR-15, AK-47, and sniper rifles.

Level III bulletproof inserts and panels come in plate armor, which means they are hard body armor. It can stop all the bullets that IIIA can, plus 5.56 NATO, .308, 30-30, 7.62, and more.

The NIJ's tests ensure these higher-level products stop four straight-on rifle rounds at a depth no deeper than 44mm. Our level III armor gives customers the protection that law enforcement and military special forces have. For example, dangerous active shooter situations in schools.

4 (IV) body armor is the highest and most capable body armor panel available anywhere in the world. It will stop all the high-velocity ammunition that III can. It will also stop armor-piercing "AP" and armor-piercing incendiary "API" rounds from most weapons, including 5.56 NATO, .308, 30-30, 7.62, and greater.

Body armor that is level IV offers civilian, police, and military customers mil-spec protection when SHTF. Our level 4 will stop multiple hits from AP or API rounds with a deformation depth of less than 44mm. A huge improvement compared to the industry standard of just one hit.