I was having lunch with some SWAT officers from an adjacent agency during a break in training a few weeks ago. We regularly cross-train with other local tactical teams to share info and problem solve. While we were talking equipment, they said they had just purchased several rifle-rated ballistic shields. When I asked which make, they said, “M.R.A.P.S.”
I had seen the M.R.A.P.S. Level III shield at SHOT Show 2011. Baker Ballistics, LLC manufactures the shield. Baker Ballistics’ Director and CEO, Rick Armellino, gave the BlueSheepdog crew and me a demonstration of the capabilities of their Mobile Rifle Armor Protective Shield on the show floor.
I was pretty jazzed about the M.R.A.P.S. when I took these photos in Las Vegas. At 17.6 lbs, with a 4.2 square foot coverage area, at NIJ Level III, I thought it was one of the best rifle shields I had seen. The quick release load bearing lanyard system, stabilizing handle, and “M4 port” make it an effective fighting tool.
Baker Ballistics’ Specs for the M.R.A.P.S. are as follows:
FEATURES
- Provides the operator with a dominating advantage during a firefight
- Close Quarter Battle (CQB) capable
- High-Technology grade military armor
- Optimized for use with M-4 weaponry accessorized with Vertical Forestock Grip
mounted on a Picatinny Rail - Protects against a wide range of centerfire rifle threats
- Battle hardened – Defeats multiple impacts at muzzle velocities
- Stable armored shooting platform
- Exclusive Bungee/Lanyard™ system eliminates fatigue
- “Quick Release” design for instant shield detachment from Bungee/Lanyard™
- Lightweight ruggedized construction
SPECIFICATIONS
Threat Level: NIJ Level III
Weight: 17.6 lbs. (8kg.)
Ballistic Protective Area: 4.2 sq. ft. (0.4m/sq.)
Colors: Sand, Black, or Green at no charge [other colors/camouflage available]
Identification Decals: POLICE or SHERIFF at no charge [custom decals available]
OPTIONS
- Lighting: Wide Angle High-Intensity LED with remote switch capability
- Padded soft carrying case with shoulder strap
- Custom Colors/Camouflage
- Custom Identification Decals
- Left Handed Version of M.R.A.P.S.™ Available
- Hard Point Yoke™ Mounting Harness
BALLISTIC CAPABILITIES
5.56 x 45 M193 55gr. FMJ @ 3200fps (975mps)
7.62 x 39 123gr. FMJ @ 2375fps (724mps)
7.62 x 51 NATO 150gr. FMJ @ 2750fps (838mps)
My opinion is that our sister agency did their homework and selected a damn good piece of armor. My team is currently shopping for new rifle rated shields, and we’ll be taking a look at these. MSRP for the M.R.A.P.S. starts at $4125.
Randall