Ballistic shields are created to offer different levels of ballistic rated protection. While not all ballistic shields can stop a rifle round, there are some that are primarily designed for that purpose. The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) breaks down ballistic protection by levels of ballistic protection. The breakdown ranks ballistic protection from Levels I to IV. Before you put up your ballistic shield to stop a rifle round, you should know that there are critical differences in NIJ ballistic levels. 

The NIJ Level IIA and Level II are soft armor protection materials that are not often used in the making of a ballistic shield. However, Level II is a step higher than Level IIA. Level II is designed to protect from .9mm FMJ travelling at a speed of ~1245 ft/s and a .357 Magnum JSP at ~1,430 ft/s.

Level IIIA ballistic shield is designed to stop most common handgun rounds including the .357 Sig FMJ FN bullets travelling at a velocity of ~1470 ft/s and .44 Magnum SJHP rounds at a velocity of 1430 ft/s. Level III armory is hard armor plates designed to stop 6 spaced hits of 7.62x51mm NATO FM at a velocity of ~2780 ft/s, which is remarkably similar to the .308 Winchester round often used in hunting.

Level IV ballistic plates are the highest-rated ballistic shield protection under NIJ 101.06 standards. They are designed to take 1 hit from an armor-piercing rifle. These rifle plates are tested to defeat 7.62MM armor piercing (AP) bullets (also known as .30-06 or 30 to 6) travelling at a velocity of 2880 ft/s.

Softer armor tends to be lighter weight, easier to maneuver and less expensive. These are easier and more comfortable to use when shooting on the move but tend to offer less protection. Harder armor offers increased protection. The tradeoff, however, is a heavier shield that offers less mobility and a higher price tag.

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