Can A Ballistic Shield Stop A Bullet: Mobile Ballistic Shields
Ballistic shields come in several levels. Each level stops certain projectiles at certain speeds. Choosing the wrong level of protection means that someone could get severely injured or killed. The level you choose depends on what type of situations you find your officers in on a regular basis. However, more protection denies maneuverability. If you need maneuverability, you sacrifice protection.
Levels of Protection
Are ballistic shields bulletproof? When determining which ballistic shield is best for your officers or soldiers, you must take several things into consideration, including the type of weapons you are up against. If you are frequently up against rifle rounds, a ballistic shield rated for a 9mm will not stop the rifle round.
When purchasing shields, you want something that is certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The organization breaks down protection by levels as follows:
- Level II stops 9mm, 45acp, .357, .40 and other common handgun rounds.
- Level IIIA stops most handgun rounds, including .44 magnum and 9mm submachine gun rounds. It can even stop 12-gauge shotgun slugs.
- Level III stops rifle rounds with up to 147 grains and 2,780 ft/s velocity.
- Level IV stops armor-piercing rifles rounds.
The higher the level, the stronger the armor used. The stronger the armor, the heavier it is and the more difficult it is to move. So, yes, a ballistic shield can stop a bullet, but you must have the proper level for what's being slung your way by the bad guys. If you need to stop the big stuff, you'll need ballistic shields Level 4.
Get the Best of Both Worlds
If you often find yourself in situations requiring Level III or IV shields, you already know that the shield's weight could slow you down, which could also cost injuries or death. Our solution for that is the Mobile Response Shield (MRS). This shield features a gun port and a viewport. You can steer it with one hand. The center of the shield is 36 inches, so it fits through most doors.
However, if you have a team, it's not wide enough for a team. Our answer to that problem was to add side panels. They stay open until you have to maneuver through a tight spot. The spring-loaded side panels fold in until you get through the door or out of a narrow hallway.
The gun port is configurable for the weapons your team uses. Should you decide to change your weapons down the road, it's a simple matter of removing the old gun port and inserting a new one.
NIJ Level Protection
Ballistic shields, including the mobile ballistic shield, have come a long way. Back in the day, they were nothing but a sheet of metal that was awkward to carry around. As technology advanced, the shields advanced, though they still remained heavy. We at Kontek Industries keep up with innovations – and make many ourselves! Our newest ballistic shields are much lighter than others'.
When we create our armor, we follow NIJ certification requirements and keep it as light as possible for the level of protection you need. If you order NIJ-IV armor, you can bet that our ballistic shield and other products will stop armor-piercing rounds.
Contact Kontek Industries
If you are looking for ballistic shields for all levels, including our Mobile Response Shield and tactical ballistic shield, contact Kontek Industries for more information and pricing.
