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Understanding Bulletproof Vest Type I Rating

Bulletproof vests provide protection up to the rating of the body armor.  If you are concerned about the level of protection you desire, then you should understand what a Type 1 rating means.

Type I Rated Bullet Proof Vests

The National Institute of Justice has created the rating system that is used to explain the protection afforded by particular bulletproof vests.  Each bullet proof vest manufacturer is required to have their body armor tested to ensure that it has the applicable rating.

A Type I rated bulletproof vest are light in weight and is considered to be the least amount of protection any law enforcement official should wear.  This vest will stop the following bullets:

• .22LR – A long rifle lead round nose bullet with a caliber of .22 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1050 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 40 gr.
• .380ACP – A full metal jacket round nose bullet with a caliber of .380 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1025 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 95 gr.

Vests with these types of ratings are not typically worn these days because they do not provide enough protection from some of the common handguns that are carried by individuals today.  If you are looking for more protection, then you should consider a bulletproof vest with a higher rating.

Selecting a Bulletproof Vest

When making the decision to purchase body armor, you should take the time to research the proper type of vest.  While you may want the best protection possible, you may find that the highest rated body armor will not suit your needs because of the sheer weight of the vest.  Therefore, you should keep in mind a few points when purchasing a new bullet proof vest:

• Select a vest that has a rating that matches the kind of firearm you currently carry
• Make sure the vest fits your properly
• When purchasing body armor, make sure the tag on the inside of the vest clearly displays the rating from the National Institute of Justice
• Determine if you want a concealable vs. a tactical bullet proof vest

Since you are going to be wearing this personal body armor every day, you should make sure that you are confident and comfortable with it.  When searching for the right bulletproof vest, it is important to note that not all bulletproof vests and manufacturers are alike so you should consult with your colleagues to find out what works for them.  Visit www.bulletproofvestshop.com for the best selection in body armor.