How to Test a Bulletproof Vest

Use a .44 caliber rifle to test a bulletproof vest.

Some jobs can be just plain dangerous, and certain professions require employees to put themselves in the line of fire. Such jobs typically require the use of a bulletproof vest. If you want to make sure a vest works properly, various tests can be done. Unfortunately, the only way to truly test the quality of a vest is to shoot it, which ultimately ruins the specific vest, but at least it lets you know the make and model of a good bulletproof vest.

Things You'll Need

• Bulletproof vest
• .44 caliber rifle
• 200 lbs. of modeling clay
• Use of a firing range

Instructions

1. Create a model from the clay to resemble the upper half of a human body. There is no need to include a head or arms for this model. Just a torso should be formed. Mount the clay in a firing range a safe distance away from where you will be.

2. Load the rifle with .44 caliber rounds. These are the standard rounds the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) uses to test vests. Shoot six rounds into the vest. Try to space the hits apart to test various areas of the vest.

3. Remove the clay model with the vest still attached from the mount. There are intricate formulas that would allow you to calculate exactly how effective the vest is, but they are extremely difficult to use. Instead, pay close attention to the indents in the clay and any pressure marks around the clay.

4. Take note of any areas where bullets were able to pass all the way through the vest and clay. These are either areas that are questionable with the vest or areas where two bullets hit near each other. Find out whether the model in question is registered with the NIJ and whether there is a review available through the NIJ.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out as much as you can from information available from the National Institute of Justice. It will help with testing tips and finding the right vest.

• Never put yourself or others in harm's way while testing a bulletproof vest. Make sure the firing range used is notified of a test in progress.

References

• High Tech: Bulletproof Vest Testing

Resources

• National Institute of Justice