Lightweight ballistic shields with multi-hit protection up to Level III: the ARGUS MTS and LTS and the THOR Ultra Light, from handgun-rated to rifle-rated.
A ballistic shield gives a team member or an individual mobile cover. Ours are made in the USA from UHMWPE-based material with a polyurea cover, and each has a 4 x 10 in ballistic viewport and a standard C handle. They are tested by an independent NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory to NIJ Standard 0108.01, the NIJ standard for ballistic resistant protective materials such as shields, and they are multi-hit.
The shape is designed so a firearm can be deployed from the right or left side, which makes long-gun use standing, kneeling or prone easier. Level III shields are rated to stop 7.62x51 M80, 5.56x45 M193 and 7.62x39 MSC, which makes them rifle rated shields; the Level IIIA shield is rated against handgun rounds from 9 mm to .44 Magnum.
| Shield | Rating | Sizes and weights |
|---|---|---|
| ARGUS MTS Level IIIA | Level IIIA, handgun | 26 x 36 in (12 lb), 24 x 48 in (16 lb) |
| ARGUS MTS Level III | Level III, rifle | 26 x 36 in (32 lb), 24 x 48 in (45 lb) |
| ARGUS LTS Level III | Level III, rifle | 18 x 24 in (22 lb), 26 x 36 in (36 lb), 24 x 48 in (45 lb) |
| THOR Ultra Light NIJ III | Level III, rifle | 20 x 30 in (13.6 lb), 20 x 34 in (18.3 lb) |
The THOR Ultra Light is the lightest of the Level III shields at 13.6 lb; the Level IIIA MTS is lighter still, but only rated for handgun threats.
The shield body is UHMWPE-based, with a polyurea cover and a Rhino Extreme 11-50 anti-spall coating. The 4 x 10 in viewport is ballistic, and the standard C handle is a lightweight, ambidextrous design.
Start with the threat, as with any armor: a Level IIIA shield for handgun threats, a Level III rifle shield for rifle threats. Then look at weight, because a shield you can move quickly is one you will use. If you also need body armor for the operator, see our body armor and plate carriers, and our law enforcement page.
A rifle rated shield is tested against rifle rounds. Our Level III shields are rated to stop 7.62x51 M80, 5.56x45 M193 and 7.62x39 MSC. Level IIIA shields cover handgun rounds only.
The THOR Ultra Light NIJ III weighs 13.6 lb in 20 x 30 in. The ARGUS MTS Level IIIA weighs 12 lb in 26 x 36 in. Rifle-rated ARGUS shields weigh 22 to 45 lb depending on size.
NIJ Standard 0108.01, the NIJ standard for ballistic resistant protective materials such as shields, at an independent NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory. Each shield is multi-hit.
We list Level IIIA and Level III shields on this page. If you need a different rating, contact us and ask.
