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Wearing concealed body armor can be a literal lifesaver, but it comes with its own set of challenges—chief among them is the risk of "printing." Printing occurs when the outline of your body armor becomes visible through your clothing, defeating the purpose of staying discreet. Fortunately, with a little attention to detail, you can effectively minimize printing and keep your armor unnoticed.

1. Choose Thin and Flexible Vests

When it comes to concealed body armor, thinness and flexibility are valued over toughness and rigidity. The BulletSafe VP4 Concealable Vest is a great choice in this regard. Its soft, flexible construction ensures that it contours to your body without adding bulk. The less rigid your armor is, the less likely it is to print under your clothing. Additionally, the VP4’s use of advanced materials like nylon and polyester offers superior comfort while remaining slim, helping it stay hidden under most outfits.

2. Opt for Vests with Low-Profile Straps

Another key to avoiding printing is selecting a vest with low-profile straps. The VP4 Concealable Vest is designed with discreet Velcro straps that lie flat against your body. Unlike bulky or awkwardly placed straps, the VP4’s comfort flex straps not only minimize visible lines but also help distribute the weight evenly. This is especially important when moving around, as excess strap bulk can lead to obvious lumps under your shirt.

3. Understand and Select Your Size Carefully

Sizing is critical for both comfort and concealment. A vest that’s too small may cause the armor to shift and bunch up, increasing the chance of printing, while an oversized vest can hang awkwardly under clothing. The VP4 Concealable Vest comes in a variety of sizes, so take the time to measure yourself properly. Ensure the vest sits snugly on your torso without being too tight, which leads us to the next point…

4. Avoid Tight Shirts

It’s tempting to wear your usual shirt size over body armor, but tighter shirts are more likely to cling to the vest, outlining its shape. You may need to go up a size in your clothing to keep everything properly concealed. The modified cut of the VP4 allows for ease of movement, but combining that with a slightly looser shirt will further ensure the vest stays concealed. Hawaiian shirts are recommended – they also give you that “big luau” aesthetic.

5. Layer Your Clothing

Layering is an excellent way to prevent printing. A simple addition like an unbuttoned jacket, flannel, or even a loose hoodie can do wonders in obscuring any edges or bulges. The VP4’s slim profile works especially well with layering, allowing you to stay both comfortable and protected without worrying about the armor becoming visible.

6. Test with Movement

Before leaving the house, make sure to test your setup with various movements. Sit down, bend over, reach for something on a high shelf—any motion that could cause the edges of the vest to print. The VP4 Concealable Vest’s soft edges and large Velcro surfaces help keep it in place during activity, reducing the chance that it shifts and becomes visible. But checking your reflection or even asking someone to look for any visible outlines will ensure you’re ready for the day.

BulletSafe’s VP4 Concealable Vest offers everything you need to stay protected and discreet. The low-profile Velcro system and soft edges make it perfect for extended wear while minimizing visibility under clothing. Its flexible, lightweight construction—combined with an enhanced cut for mobility—ensures that you can move freely without sacrificing protection or comfort. And with NIJ Level IIIA protection, it stands up to multiple hits from powerful handgun rounds, including .44 Magnum.

The VP4 also features a customizable fit thanks to its large Velcro surfaces, meaning you can adjust the vest to sit as snug or loose as necessary to further minimize printing. Designed with discretion in mind, the VP4 Concealable Vest is the go-to solution for anyone looking for reliable, hidden protection.

To shop BulletSafe bulletproof vests, click here.

Like many questions in life, the short answer is: “it depends.” There’s no magical vest capable of stopping every kind of ammunition. The bigger and faster a round is, the more powerful it becomes—and the harder it is to stop. Currently, the most advanced body armor available, rated at Level IV, can stop up to .30-06 AP (armor-piercing) rounds. Beyond that, things get... tricky. For example, no man-portable body armor on earth has yet been developed to stop the GAU-8's 30mm round.

Small Caliber Rounds

If you’re concerned about 9mm and smaller calibers, breathe easy. Virtually all modern bulletproof vests—whether Level IIIA, Level III, or Level IV—can stop a 9mm round. Level IIIA soft armor, commonly worn by law enforcement and security professionals, is specifically designed to handle pistol rounds ranging from 9mm up to the heavy-hitting .44 Magnum. So if you’re facing the most popular handgun caliber in the world, rest assured your vest has you covered. Even older, lighter ratings like Level II and Level IIA are perfectly capable of defending their wearers against a 9mm.

Intermediate Calibers

Rifle rounds must be stopped by hard armor. The .223 Remington, commonly used in AR-15 rifles, is one such round—and soft armor like Level IIIA isn’t equipped to stop it. The plates used in Level III or Level IV are specifically designed to defeat rifle fire. But what about those infamous .223 green tip "armor-piercing" rounds? Contrary to popular myths, green tip rounds were never designed to penetrate armor, and Level III hard armor plates are fully capable of stopping them. So while .223 is more serious business than a pistol round, a properly rated vest or plate will stop it cold.

The Big Guns

Now we’re entering the realm of extremes. When people ask if a vest can stop a .50 caliber round, the answer depends entirely on which kind of .50 caliber round we’re talking about. A Level IIIA vest can absolutely stop a .50 AE round fired from a Desert Eagle. In fact, we’ve tested this at BulletSafe, and it works like a charm.

However, if you’re thinking of a .50 BMG—the kind fired from anti-materiel rifles like the Barrett M107—then no, your vest isn’t going to save you. The .50 BMG is an entirely different beast, originally designed to destroy aircraft. Even the toughest Level IV armor would crumple under its sheer power. And let’s be real: if you’re facing a .50 BMG, the vest is the least of your worries. After all, you’re just a fragile flesh sack wrapped in a burrito of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene blended with aramid fibers and ceramic reinforcement. While that’s impressive against most threats, it’s no match for rounds built to take out vehicles or aircraft.

The Realistic Threats

Fortunately, the odds of running into someone with a .50 BMG are slim. Most likely, your concerns are more down-to-earth, like defending against 9mm handguns. Why? Because 9mm pistols are by far the most common firearm carried by criminals. They’re lightweight, easy to conceal, have manageable recoil, and are widely available. This ubiquity makes them the weapon of choice for most bad guys, making protection against 9mm rounds a top priority for body armor manufacturers. While .223 AR-15s, AK-47s, and other larger caliber rifles do make it into the hands of criminals, they are rarely used in petty crimes like muggings or home invasions. Criminals prefer smaller, easily concealable handguns like 9mm pistols for these types of crimes due to their practicality and availability. Rifles are cumbersome and draw unwanted attention, making them less appealing for quick, opportunistic offenses. intermediate rifle rounds like 7.62x39 (AK-47) or 7.62x51 NATO. The general rule is simple: soft armor (Level IIIA) handles pistols, while hard armor (Level III and IV plates) takes care of rifles.

Conclusion

A bulletproof vest is an essential piece of protective gear, but like any tool, it has its limits. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a security professional, or a home defender, understanding what your vest can and can’t stop is crucial. Against everyday threats like 9mm pistols or even intermediate rifle rounds, the right level of armor will give you the upper hand. Just don’t expect it to turn you into an indestructible juggernaut—especially against a .50 BMG. After all, even the best vests are designed for humans, not tanks.

To shop BulletSafe bulletproof vests, click here.

When it comes to staying safe in dangerous situations, the material in your bulletproof vest makes all the difference. Two of the biggest players in bulletproof technology are UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and Kevlar. Both are amazing at stopping bullets, but they work in slightly different ways.

What is UHMWPE?

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) might sound like a mouthful, but it’s recently become a game-changer in bulletproof gear. This advanced material is essentially a type of superplastic with fibers that are incredibly strong and incredibly light. Unlike Kevlar, UHMWPE has a unique ability to absorb and dissipate energy. When a bullet strikes, the fibers in UHMWPE stretch and spread the force of the impact across the material. This not only slows down the bullet but also prevents it from penetrating, keeping you safe.

One of the key advantages of UHMWPE is its durability. It doesn’t soak up water, making it an excellent choice for use in wet or humid conditions. The material is also resistant to UV rays, which means it maintains its strength and protective qualities even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Despite being strong, UHMWPE is incredibly lightweight. This makes it far more comfortable to wear for extended periods, allowing users to stay mobile without feeling weighed down.

The potential of UHMWPE in bulletproofing was recognized early by Tom Nardone, BulletSafe’s founder, while he was working for the renowned helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky. Nardone saw UHMWPE’s exceptional properties and realized it could be used to create a new generation of lightweight, effective body armor. His insights helped pave the way for UHMWPE to become a cornerstone in modern ballistic protection.

What is Kevlar?

Kevlar, developed in the 1960s by chemist Stephanie Kwolek while working at DuPont, was originally intended for use in car tires. However, its extraordinary strength and lightweight properties quickly made it a game-changer in personal protection. It’s made from aramid fiber, a material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to catch and slow down bullets. When a bullet strikes Kevlar, the energy is absorbed and distributed across a web of tightly woven fibers, stopping the projectile from penetrating. This makes Kevlar incredibly effective at providing protection in life-threatening situations.

However, Kevlar does have its limitations. Unlike UHMWPE, it can degrade over time if exposed to moisture or UV rays. Kevlar is also heavier than UHMWPE, which can make it less comfortable for extended wear. Despite these drawbacks, Kevlar has saved countless lives and remains a trusted material for law enforcement and military personnel worldwide.

How Do These Materials Stop Bullets?

Stopping a bullet requires materials that can handle extreme forces in fractions of a second. Both UHMWPE and Kevlar achieve this, but they work in different ways. UHMWPE’s fibers are designed to stretch and absorb energy, reducing the bullet’s momentum while preventing penetration. It’s like hitting a trampoline—energy is dispersed outward, leaving the bullet with nowhere to go. Kevlar, on the other hand, uses a tight weave to trap and slow down the bullet. The fibers work together like a net, distributing the force of the impact and halting the projectile.

While both materials excel in their ability to stop bullets, UHMWPE has the edge when it comes to handling high-velocity rounds. Its superior energy absorption capabilities and durability make it more reliable in situations involving extreme ballistic threats.

Why BulletSafe Uses UHMWPE

At BulletSafe, we prioritize providing the best protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility. That’s why UHMWPE is the material of choice in our bulletproof vests. Its lightweight nature ensures that users can wear their gear for extended periods without feeling burdened. The material’s resistance to water and UV damage guarantees long-lasting performance, even in harsh conditions.

BulletSafe’s dedication to innovation, driven by Tom Nardone’s early recognition of UHMWPE’s potential, has made our products a trusted choice for law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians alike.

Both UHMWPE and Kevlar are remarkable materials that have transformed personal protection. Kevlar laid the foundation for modern body armor, but UHMWPE has taken it a step further with its lightweight, durable, and high-performing qualities. If you’re looking for cutting-edge protection that won’t weigh you down, UHMWPE is the clear choice.

Check out BulletSafe’s lineup of bulletproof vests to see how UHMWPE can keep you safe, mobile, and ready for anything. Your safety is worth investing in the best.

To shop BulletSafe's bulletproof vests, click here.

Armor-piercing rounds are the stuff of action movies, military documentaries, and a lot of internet debates. But what are they really? Are they illegal? And most importantly, can they be stopped?

Not every bullet with a cool-sounding name is actually “armor-piercing” in the technical sense. You could take a .44 magnum "armor-piercing" round and shoot at certain kinds of armor with little to no effect. In reality, when people think “armor-piercing,” they imagine a bullet capable of shredding through bulletproof vests like butter. But scientifically speaking, an armor-piercing (AP) round is designed to penetrate hard armor—think steel, ceramic, or other tough materials—typically used in military applications.

Armor-piercing bullets are made from harder-than-usual materials, like steel or tungsten, and often include a special core to punch through heavy-duty barriers. Standard bullets, by comparison, are typically lead-based and just don’t have the same bite when it comes to hard armor. AP bullets are the overachievers of the ammunition world, engineered specifically to defeat advanced protection.

Now, let’s cut to the legal stuff: are armor-piercing bullets illegal? In the U.S., they’re a bit of a legal gray area. For civilians, manufacturing, importing, or selling handgun AP rounds is a no-go, according to federal law, specifically the Gun Control Act of 1968. However, AP ammo for rifles is not outright banned, which is why it’s still floating around. That said, don’t assume you can walk into your local sporting goods store and grab a box—it’s heavily regulated and not easy to come by. Selling AP ammo may require special licensing, as the ammunition could fall under stricter scrutiny depending on its classification.

Not only that, but many states outright ban the sale of AP ammunition to civilians. Even if federal law allows it, state laws might not, so if you're not sure, check your own local laws.

What About Bulletproof Vests?

Now that we’ve established what AP rounds are, let’s talk about what’s standing between you and them: bulletproof vests. First, the term “bulletproof” is a bit of a misnomer—no vest is invincible. Different vests are designed to stop different kinds of bullets, and this is where protection levels come in.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor, breaking it down into levels:

• Level II and IIIA: These are soft varieties of armor designed for concealed carrying and light patrol work. They are capable of stopping handgun rounds like 9mm or .44 Magnum, making them great for cops and security guards dealing with small arms.

• Level III: Stepping it up, these vests can handle rifle rounds like the 7.62mmx39 of AK-47 fame or the much larger 7.62x51mm NATO fired by the M14. But even these will struggle against armor-piercing rounds.

• Level IV: This is the king of the hill. Level IV armor is specifically designed to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds, including the notorious .30-06 AP round.

How Do Level IV Plates Handle AP Rounds?

BulletSafe’s Level IV plates are made from high-grade ceramic and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene—materials that are ridiculously good at absorbing energy. When an armor-piercing round hits, the ceramic cracks and disperses the bullet’s energy across the plate, rather than letting it channel straight through. Meanwhile, the polyethylene layer catches what’s left, trapping the fragments. It’s like a tag team of defense working to keep you safe.

The .30-06 AP round is no joke. It’s a full-size round designed to punch through lightly armored vehicles with the force of about 4,000 joules, which is like getting punched by Mike Tyson... in his prime... eight times at once. But Level IV armor shrugs it off, leaving you standing strong. If you’re in a situation where AP threats are on the table, Level IV plates are your best bet to stay in one piece.

So, are armor-piercing bullets illegal? It depends. While AP handgun ammo is banned nationwide for civilians, AP rifle ammo is not outright illegal. However, it’s incredibly hard to find and often restricted by state laws. The good news? BulletSafe has you covered. Literally.

When it comes to protection, you don’t want to skimp. A Level IV plate is the difference between “Oh, that was close” and… well, let’s not think about the alternative. So gear up, stay safe, and let BulletSafe handle the heavy lifting. Because while armor-piercing bullets may be tough, your protection can be tougher.

To shop BulletSafe Level IV plates, click here.

Throughout history, there have been remarkable accounts of books stepping in to save lives during the unlikeliest of circumstances. Whether it’s a treasured Bible or a practical survival guide, these incidents spark curiosity and highlight the fascinating relationship between physics, ballistics, and fate.

Historical Anecdotes

Charles W. Merrill, 1863
During the Civil War, Union soldier Charles W. Merrill was struck by a musket ball in battle. Fortunately, a New Testament tucked in his breast pocket absorbed the impact, sparing him a potentially fatal wound. At the time, musket balls were large but relatively slow-moving, making such a miraculous save possible.

Leonard Knight, World War I
British soldier Leonard Knight experienced a similar miracle decades later during World War I. A German bullet struck the Bible he carried in his breast pocket, stopping just 50 pages from the end and saving his life.

Leandro Araujo de Oliveira, 2024
In a more recent case, Navy officer Leandro Araujo de Oliveira was attacked by muggers in Rio de Janeiro. One of the bullets fired at him was stopped by a naval survival guide tucked into his backpack, proving once again that the right book in the right place can change everything.

While these stories are captivating, the science behind them reveals the key factors that determine whether a book can stop a bullet. A bullet loses velocity over longer ranges, reducing its kinetic energy and thus its penetrating power.

For example, spherical lead musket balls used in the Civil War were large but relatively slow and ineffective beyond 300 yards. Compare this to a modern AR-15, which has a maximum effective range of 600 yards. Similarly, the angle of impact plays a significant role, as a glancing shot is less likely to penetrate than a direct hit. The thickness of the book is another critical factor; thicker books provide more material to slow down or stop a bullet, and the compact density of the paper also contributes to its effectiveness. Lastly, the caliber and velocity of the round make a significant difference.

In Leonard Knight's case, it is hypothesized that the 7.92×57mm Mauser round fired at his Bible had lost sufficient velocity due to the range of the shot, allowing the dense layers of paper to absorb and dissipate its remaining energy, ultimately stopping the bullet. Similarly, in the case of Leandro Araujo de Oliveira, the round that struck him, which was probably a 9mm, was fired at a relatively short range but struck the survival guide at an angle, forcing the round to pass through multiple layers of dense paper. This angular impact likely slowed the bullet enough for the material to dissipate its energy and prevent penetration.

Additionally, the round used in Oliveira's case was most likely a standard full metal jacket (FMJ) round, which is relatively common and cost-effective. Had the attackers used higher-pressure ammunition, such as +P rounds, the increased velocity and energy could have resulted in significantly more penetration, reducing the likelihood of the survival guide stopping the bullet. Larger, slower-moving rounds, like those from older firearms, are easier to stop compared to modern high-velocity ammunition.

BulletSafe’s Book Experiment

To test the limits of books as ballistic protection, BulletSafe conducted an experiment using a .50 AE Desert Eagle to shoot through seven thick books. Here’s the lineup:

• The Ultimate Weight Solution by Dr. Phil McGraw: 0.9 inches thick
• Going Rogue by Sarah Palin: 1.38 inches
• Not Afraid of Life by Bristol Palin: 0.93 inches
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: 0.84 inches
• Winning the Insurance Game by Ralph Nader and Wesley Smith: 1.25 inches
• See I Told You So by Rush Limbaugh: 1.25 inches
• Healthy Aging by Dr. Andrew Weil: 0.95 inches

When stacked together, the books created a barrier approximately 7.5 inches thick. The .50 AE round fired at close range was ultimately stopped in the middle of Dr. Weil’s book. The results demonstrated that while books can stop bullets, it depends heavily on circumstances like distance, angle, and caliber.

A Word of Caution

While these stories and tests are fascinating, relying on books for protection is not a viable strategy. The chances of a book being in the right place at the right time—and thick enough to stop the bullet—are slim. For dependable personal protection, trust gear that’s designed for the job.

If you want reliable ballistic protection, the BulletSafe VP4 Concealable Vest is the solution you can count on. With its advanced Level IIIA soft armor and compatibility with hard plates, the VP4 is engineered to handle the threats you might face. Unlike a stack of books, the VP4 vest provides consistent, NIJ-tested protection without leaving anything to chance.

Books may have saved lives in extraordinary circumstances, but when it comes to truly reliable protection, there’s no substitute for proper body armor. Equip yourself with the BulletSafe VP4 Concealable Vest today, and face the unexpected with confidence.

To shop BulletSafe bulletproof vests, click here.