If you are reviewing armor spec sheets and asking what HG and RF stand for, you are not behind the curve. You are seeing the effects of the new NIJ standard, officially known as NIJ 0101.07.
The NIJ 07 standard updates how ballistic armor is classified, tested, and labeled. While earlier standards relied on Roman numeral levels such as II, IIIA, III, and IV, the NIJ 0101.07 framework introduces clearer, threat-based designations that align protection levels more directly with modern ballistic risks.
This guide explains how the NIJ 0101.07 standard works, what HG and RF mean, how the updated NIJ armor levels compare to older ratings, and how to choose the right protection for your mission.
What Is the NIJ 0101.07 Standard?
The National Institute of Justice establishes ballistic performance standards used across law enforcement, military, and protective equipment industries in the United States. The NIJ 0101.07 standard, sometimes referred to as the NIJ 07 standard, is the most current framework for testing and classifying body armor.
Earlier standards such as NIJ 0101.06 relied on general protection tiers like Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, and Level IV. While effective for their time, those labels did not always reflect specific modern threats or common ammunition types encountered in active incidents.
The new NIJ standard shifts to threat-specific testing, tighter performance tolerances, and clearer naming conventions. Armor is now categorized by the type of threat it defeats, not just a broad protection tier.
|
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 |
What Does HG Stand For in NIJ 07?
HG stands for Handgun Threats.
An HG level rating identifies armor designed to stop common handgun rounds. These ratings apply primarily to soft armor systems, often used for concealed wear, patrol duty, or low-profile operations.
HG1
- Protects against standard handgun threats
- Representative handgun threats include 9mm FMJ and .357 Magnum test projectiles evaluated at specified NIJ-defined velocities
- Rough equivalent to former NIJ Level II
HG2
- Protects against higher-energy handgun threats
- Evaluated against higher-energy handgun threats, including projectiles representative of .44 Magnum performance
- Rough equivalent to former NIJ Level IIIA
HG armor prioritizes flexibility, mobility, and comfort while delivering reliable handgun protection. These systems are commonly selected for everyday duty use where concealment and endurance matter.
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
What Does RF Stand For in NIJ 07?
RF stands for Rifle Threats.
An RF level rating identifies armor engineered to stop defined rifle threats tested under NIJ 0101.07 protocols, ranging from intermediate rifle rounds to armor-piercing projectiles depending on the RF classification.. RF armor is typically hard armor, such as ballistic plates or rifle-rated shields, designed for high-risk environments.
RF Levels Explained
RF1
- Stops baseline rifle threats
- Includes 5.56mm M193, 7.62x39 MSC, and 7.62x51mm M80 Ball
- Comparable to former NIJ Level III
RF2
- Stops all RF1 threats plus additional special threats
- Includes 5.56mm M855 Green Tip
- Comparable to what was often called Level III+
RF3
- Stops armor-piercing rifle threats
- Includes .30-06 M2 AP
- Comparable to former NIJ Level IV
RF armor is built for entry teams, patrol rifle deployment, and scenarios involving elevated ballistic risk.
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
Full Breakdown of NIJ Armor Levels Under the New NIJ Standard
The updated NIJ armor levels provide a clearer progression from handgun protection to armor-piercing rifle defense.
- HG1: Entry-level handgun protection
- HG2: Enhanced handgun protection
- RF1: Intermediate rifle protection
- RF2: Rifle plus special threats
- RF3: Armor-piercing rifle protection
This structure eliminates ambiguity and allows professionals to match armor directly to known threat profiles.
HG Level vs RF Level: How to Choose
Selecting between an HG level and an RF level depends on expected threats, operational role, and mobility requirements.
HG armor supports extended wear, discretion, and rapid movement. RF armor prioritizes stopping power against rifles at the cost of added weight and rigidity. Many modern loadouts integrate both, using HG soft armor as a base layer with RF plates added as conditions escalate.
Your mission dictates your protection. The gear exists to support that mission, not define it.
Why the New NIJ 07 Standard Matters
The NIJ 0101.07 standard reflects modern realities. Rifle threats are more prevalent. Ammunition performance has evolved. Testing protocols now account for edge shots, backface deformation limits, and repeat impact performance with greater precision.
This new framework gives protectors clearer data, stronger confidence, and fewer assumptions when selecting life-saving equipment.
Know Your Threat. Trust Your Armor.
RTS Tactical body armor and ballistic shields are engineered to align with the demands and threat classifications defined by the NIJ 0101.07 standard.
From HG-rated soft armor for mobility and daily wear to RF-rated plates and ballistic shields built to stop rifle and armor-piercing threats, every piece is designed for confidence under pressure.
Our shields and armor are American-manufactured, mission-tested, and trusted by those who move toward danger with purpose. Your mission demands protection that does not flinch. Gear up with RTS Tactical and stand ready.
References:
National Institute of Justice. Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, NIJ Standard 0101.07.