S. W. A. T. TEAM DON HORSLEY
SHERIFF
GREGORY MUNKS
SHERIFF’S OFFICE UNDERSHERIFF
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO KEN JONES
TACTICAL COMMANDER
400 COUNTY CENTER ⋅ REDWOOD CITY ⋅ CALIFORNIA 94063-1662
To: Sergeant Jeff Kearnan
From: Deputy Randy Watts
Subject: “US ARMOR” Ballistic Vest Panel Test
Date: December 30, 2004
On December 30, 2004, I met with George Olsen, of “US Armor”, at the San Mateo County
“Coyote Point” Firearms Range. Mr. Olsen provided me with four test panels from US
Armor for test shooting.
Objective:
1. To conduct failure tests on ballistic vest panels using common caliber ammunition
and weapons confronted by law enforcement SWAT Teams.
2. This testing was not scientific as was done with duty ammunition and duty
weapons under basic firearms training conditions.
Test Panels Used
• A-12”x12” level 3A Standard Kevlar panels MOD-USA 3A-12 (soft armor) (30 sheets)
• B-12”x12” level 3A Spectra Shield Plus MOD-TV3A-15 (soft armor)
• C-10”x 12”Class IV Stand alone Ceramic Plate w/Kevlar backing
• D-10”x12” Class III Stand alone Spectra Plate
Firearms Used
• S&W MODEL 5903 9mm
• COLT GUNSIGHT PISTOL 1911 .45 CAL
• S&W MODEL SW99 .40 CAL
• COLT AR-15 RIFLE CAL .223
• CHANDLER .308 SNIPER RIFLE w/20” barrel
Ammunition Used
• 9mm WINCHESTER 127 grn SXT+P+
• .45 cal WINCHESTER 230 grn SXT+P
• .40 cal WINCHESTER 165 grn SXT
• .223 cal WINCHESTER 55 grn
• .308 FEDERAL 168 grn Match King (boat tail jacketed hollow point)
Summary:
I placed each test panel in a soft body armor cover and it was hung for shooting. The two
soft armor samples were shot with handgun (9 mm, .40 caliber, and .45 caliber) only at a
distance of 15 yards, using the listed ammunition.
The two rifle panels were shot with the .223, .308 and .45 caliber ammunition, respectively.
All of the panels functioned within the parameters described by the manufacturer’s
specifications and recommendations. All of the handgun rounds had minimal penetration
through the soft body armor.
Results:
In the standard 30 sheet Kevlar soft panel the .40 and .45 caliber traveled through less than
(4) sheets of (30) and the 9mm traveled through less than (10) sheets of (30).
In the Spectra Shield Plus (soft armor) the 9mm, .40 cal, and the .45 caliber only passed
through the first sheet of 20 plus sheets Spectra and no further.
(The panels were not disassembled after shooting. The panel counts are estimates)
The rifle plates were shot with the .223 and the .308 calibers from a distance of 50 yards.
One round of each caliber was shot into each plate. None of the rounds passed through either
of the plates.
The Ceramic class IV plate (ceramic with Kevlar backing) was shot with the .223 caliber and
the .308 caliber in different locations of the plate. Both rounds shattered the ceramic portion
(as designed) and were stopped completely by the Kevlar backing. Mr. Olsen advised that
this is a one shot plate due to the fact that the ceramic shatters while stopping the round.
However, the plate did stop both the .308 and .223 rounds. Although the plate thickness is
less than that of the Spectra class III plate, the weight is considerably more.
The Spectra class III plate was also shot with the .223 and .308 calibers from a distance of 50
yards. Each of these caliber rounds were stopped by the Spectra and traveled less than half
the thickness of the plate. Mr. Olsen advised that the Spectra plate is designed to handle
multiple shots fired. I fired (20) rounds of .45 caliber into a 3”x 3” section of the plate and
none of these rounds penetrated more that 1/3 of the thickness of the plate. (8) more rounds
were fired at various places in the plate and all were stopped within the first few layers of the
plate. It was clear that this panel would handle many more shots fired.
The two plates are stand alone plates and functioned with-in the parameters described by the
manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.
Conclusion & Recommendations:
Based on the described ballistic tests conducted and results shown, it is the conclusion of the
firearms range staff that these ballistic panels are acceptable panels for law enforcement soft
body armor protection. It is our recommendation that these products be purchased and issued
to our San Mateo County SWAT Teams; and issued to their officers for use during high risk
operations.
Present:
Atherton Police Chief Bob Brennan
SMSO Sergeant Tim Reid, Range Master
SMSO Sergeant Jeff Kearnan, SWAT
SMSO Deputy Fred Padilla, Range Master
SMSO Deputy Randy Watts, Range Master
Copies to:
Lt. Ken Jones, Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Dan Mulholland, Redwood City PD
Sgt. John Gamez, Daly City PD
Sgt. Doug Davis, Hillsborough PD
Sgt. Frank Derris, Foster City PD
Bill O’Callahan, SMCO OES
S. W. A. T. TEAM DON HORSLEY
SHERIFF
GREGORY MUNKS
SHERIFF’S OFFICE UNDERSHERIFF
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO KEN JONES
TACTICAL COMMANDER
400 COUNTY CENTER ⋅ REDWOOD CITY ⋅ CALIFORNIA 94063-1662
To: Purchasing Representative
From: Sergeant Jeff Kearnan
Subject: Acceptance of “US ARMOR” Ballistic Vest and Accessories
Date: January 10, 2005
Overview:
Following extensive ballistic, and fit & functionality testing the members of the San Mateo
County SWAT teams have selected the US Armor TAV-500-TV3A Tactical Ballistic vest
(Custom “San Mateo Package”), SCS3-10x12 “Spectra” multiple-hit Rifle Plate, and MODEL
V6 Level III-A “Combat” Helmet to be the standard equipment for future acquisition and
issue to SWAT teams in San Mateo County.
Tests Supporting Decision:
On October 26, 2004, US Armor vests and vests from other manufacturers were tested at the
Atherton Town Hall. The objective of the test was to identify the vest designs and features
that would best suit the mission of law enforcement SWAT Teams. Several experienced
SWAT officers were fitted with the vests then attempted to perform movements and
activities similar to those that would be encountered during high risk activities. After wards
the officers were asked to evaluate the vests for fit, flexibility, and to select the vest they felt
provided the best protection while not impeding necessary movement. All of the Officers
involved in the test selected the US Armor TAV-500-TV3A.
On December 30, 2004, US Armor panels were tested, at the San Mateo County “Coyote
Point” Firearms Range. The objective of the test was to verify the capability of the ballistic
vest panels using common caliber ammunition and weapons confronted by law enforcement
SWAT Teams. All of the panels functioned within the parameters described by the
manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. All of the rounds fired at the panels
had minimal penetration into the body armor panels.