NIJ Level 3a (IIIA) body armor is manufactured to defend the wearer against types of handgun ammunition. This type of armor will also offer protection against blunt force, and reduces the risk of injury from falls and other blows to the torso.
In our latest guide from the team at Sarkar Tactical, we will focus specifically on NIJ level 3a body armor – what exactly it protects against, its capabilities in the field, and how it compares to armor with different NIJ levels of protection.
Table of Contents
- What Caliber Rounds Can Level 3a Body armor Stop?
- What Can’t Level 3a Body armor Stop?
- All Body armor Levels
- Level 3a Body armor FAQs
- Conclusion: What Does Level 3a Body Armor Stop?
- Level 3a Body armor Plates and More At Sarkar Tactical
What Caliber Rounds Can Level 3a Body armor Stop?
Level 3a body armor is designed to stop and protect against damage from handgun caliber bullets, such as high-velocity 9mm and .44 magnum ammunition.
Typically made from flexible materials like Kevlar, Spectra, or Dyneema, level 3a body armor is made to provide higher levels of protection than level 2a armor. Level 3a armor plates stop everything level 2a plates protect against, in addition to more powerful pistol rounds with increased penetration.
When is Level 3a Body armor Typically Worn?
Level 3a body armor is primarily worn by law enforcement officers and security personnel because of how effectively it stops lower caliber ammunition from handguns. Depending on where they operate and their specific roles, these are the types of firearms they are more likely to face on the streets. Level 3a body armor is also suitable for concealment, ideal for plain clothes or undercover forces.
How does the NIJ Rate Body armor?
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) tests body armor vests that claim to be “bulletproof” rigorously to determine how resistant they are to different ammunition types and calibers. These tests determine if a wearer would still be ‘alive’ after impact by judging the depth of bullet impact, the degree of deformation, and whether significant injury would be sustained – just stopping a bullet doesn’t ensure that the life is saved.
What Can’t Level 3a Body armor Stop?
Whilst Level 3a body armor is a useful and effective defense against a wide variety of ballistic threats, it is important to recognise its limitations and where you might need to consider a higher rated option.
Level 3a body armor will not offer suitable protection against rifle rounds or any type of armor piercing ammunition. To defend against these types of threats, you will need body armor rated at NIJ level 3 or above. These are typically encountered in war zones or areas of conflict.
There is a common misconception surrounding NIJ Level 3a vs Level 3 rated body armor, with some people thinking that level 3a armor is stronger because of the nomenclature. In actuality, level 3a body armor can be considered as ‘level 2.5’, providing an upgrade on level 2 rated plates.
All Body armor Levels
Body armor is categorized into levels determined by its effectiveness in shielding against different ballistic dangers. The NIJ establishes the standards for these armor levels.
Read our full guide to the different levels of body armor to learn more.
Body armor Levels Chart
Here is the current body armor levels chart from the NIJ:
| Former Threat Level | New Threat Level | Notes |
| NIJ Level II | NIJ HG1 | HG = handgun |
| NIJ Level IIIA | NIJ HG2 | |
| NIJ Level III | NIJ RF1 | RF = rifle |
| NA | NIJ RF2 | NIJ RF2 is a new intermediate rifle protection level that includes all the threats at the NIJ RF1 protection level plus an additional threat |
| NIJ Level IV | NIJ RF3 |
Level 3a Body armor FAQs
Will level 3a armor stop a knife?
Depending on the specific fabric and materials making up the composition of level 3a armor, these plates can provide effective protection against knives and spike injuries, reducing the risk of injury. For the most accurate information, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer.
Will level 3a armor stop shotgun rounds?
Level 3a armor can stop many shotgun rounds, including buckshot and birdshot. However, it might struggle to stop a slug. If an individual wearing Level 3a body armor is hit by a shotgun round, they will likely survive but may be incapacitated due to the significant force of the impact.
Does level 3a armor expire?
Like other types of armor, level 3a armor does have an expiration date that should be included within the manufacturers documentation. Factors like environmental exposure, wear and tear, and ageing can weaken materials and reduce effectiveness overtime.
Conclusion: What Does Level 3a Body Armor Stop?
NIJ Level 3a (IIIA) body armor is designed to protect against all high-powered pistol ammunition, including high-velocity 9mm and .44 magnum rounds, excluding armor-piercing rounds. This type of body armor is suitable for law enforcement and security personnel due to its effectiveness against threats from handguns. These plates are not suitable for protection against rifles and other higher caliber ammunition types – Level 3 + rated armor should be worn in scenarios where these threats are anticipated.
Level 3a Body armor Plates and More At Sarkar Tactical
Sarkar Tactical are a leading manufacturer and provider of tactical gear and protective armor. Browse our level 3 body armor plates, level 3a plates, or level 4 plates. As well as our armor plates, we also offer an extensive range of helmets, EOD and demining equipment, and tactical communications gear.
Get in touch with our helpful team for a bespoke quotation on any of our products, or visit our factory shop to make a quick purchase on available stock.
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