If you’ve been seeing unfamiliar terms like HG or RF on armor spec sheets and wondering what they mean - don’t worry, you’re not alone. These abbreviations are part of the new NIJ 0101.07 standard, the latest update to the National Institute of Justice’s ballistic testing protocols.
This article breaks it all down; what HG and RF mean, the full list of new levels (yes, there are 5 now), and how RTS Tactical Gear fits into the updated classification system.
The Basics: NIJ 0101.07
The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) sets the benchmark for ballistic resistance in the U.S. body armor market. The previous standard, NIJ 0101.06, used levels like II, IIIA, III, and IV.
The updated NIJ 0101.07 standard replaces those with more specific threat groupings and tighter performance standards. The new categories are divided into two types:
- HG = Handgun Threats
- RF = Rifle Threats
New NIJ 07 Ballistic Protection Levels
|
Level |
Stands For |
Protects Against |
Rough Equivalent (Formerly NIJ 06) |
|
HG1 |
Handgun 1 |
Lower-velocity handgun rounds (e.g., 9mm FMJ, .357 Mag) |
Level II |
|
HG2 |
Handgun 2 |
Higher-velocity handgun rounds (e.g., HG1 + .44Mag) |
Level IIIA |
|
RF1 |
Rifle 1 |
Intermediate rifle rounds (e.g., HG1 + HG2 + 5.56mm M193 + 7.62x39 MSC + 7.62x51mm M80Ball) |
Level III |
|
RF2 |
Rifle 2 |
Rifle + special threats (e.g., HG1 + HG2 + RF1 + 5.56mm M855) |
Unofficial Level III+ |
|
RF3 |
Rifle 3 |
Armor-piercing rifle rounds (e.g.,HG1 + HG2 + RF1 + RF2 + 30.06 M2 AP) |
Level IV |
HG = Handgun Threats
HG1 and HG2 represent soft armor levels that protect against common handgun rounds.
- HG1 is for standard pistol threats like 9mm FMJ and .357 Mag.
- HG2 steps it up with protection against more powerful handgun rounds like 9mm FMJ, .357 Mag AND .44Mag.
These are ideal for low-profile operations, undercover work, or daily concealed wear.
RTS Tactical Products in this Range:
- RTS Tactical Commander Soft Armor HG1/HG2
- RTS Tactical Relentless Soft Armor HG1/HG2
- RTS Tactical Gladiatore Ballistic Shield HG2
RF = Rifle Threats
RF1, RF2, and RF3 represent hard armor levels designed to deliver next-level performance in the face of high-intensity rifle threats.
RF1: Stops baseline rifle threats like 5.56mm M193, 7.62x39MSC, and 7.62x51mm M80 Ball.
RF2: Stops RF1 rifle threats as well as additional special threats like 5.56mm M855 Green Tip, common in active shooter situations.
RF3: Designed to stop RF1 and RF2 rifle threats as well as armor-piercing rounds, such as 30.06 M2 AP, which represents the highest level of personal ballistic protection.
RTS Tactical Products in this Range:
- RTS Tactical Lead Entry Ballistic Shield - Curved - RF1
- RTS Tactical Centurion Ballistic Shield - Curved - RF1
- RTS Tactical Gladiatore Ballistic Shield - RF1
- RTS Tactical LEGION Ballistic Shield - RF1
- RTS Tactical ICW 7200 Series SAPI Multi Curve Plate - RF2
- RTS Tactical Stand Alone 7800 Series SAPI Multi Curve Plate - RF2
- RTS Tactical Stand Alone 9800 Series SAPI Multi Curve Plate - RF3
Visual Recap: NIJ 07 Threat Levels Chart
|
Designation |
Threat Type |
Typical Threats |
RTS Tactical Example |
|
HG1 |
Handgun |
9mm .357 Mag |
|
|
HG2 |
Handgun |
.44 Mag .9mm FMJ |
|
|
RF1 |
Rifle |
5.56mm M193 7.62x39 MSC 7.62x51mm M80 Ball |
|
|
RF2 |
Rifle |
5.56mm M855 |
|
|
RF3 |
Rifle |
30.06 M2 AP |
Final Thoughts: Know Your Threat Level
The new NIJ 07 standard gives clearer, more threat-specific protection levels than ever before. Whether you need soft armor for everyday carry or rifle-rated plates for high-risk situations, understanding the difference between HG1 and HG2 or RF1, RF2, and RF3 will help you choose the right armor for your mission.
Need help matching armor to your threat level?
Reach out to our specialists or explore All RTS Tactical Armor Here