Quick answer: Under UL 752, ballistic protection is rated across 10 levels by firearm type, caliber, and number of shots. The biggest dividing line is handgun versus rifle: Levels 1–3 stop handgun threats, Levels 4–8 stop rifle threats, and Levels 9–10 address high-powered and fully automatic rifles. Rifles fire faster, higher-energy rounds than handguns, so they require thicker, heavier barriers. Matching the level to the realistic threat is the core specification decision. Armortex products are tested to UL 752 Levels 1–10.
The Fundamental Difference
Handguns and rifles are not interchangeable threats. A barrier rated to stop a handgun round is not necessarily rated to stop a rifle round — the energy involved is in a different class. That difference is exactly what the UL 752 level system is built to capture, organizing protection by firearm type, caliber, and number of shots.
UL 752 Threat Levels at a Glance
| Level Range | Threat Type | Example Firearms |
| Levels 1–3 | Handgun | 9mm, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum |
| Levels 4–8 | Rifle | .30-06 and higher |
| Levels 9–10 | Specialized | High-powered and fully automatic rifles |
Handgun Threats: Levels 1–3
Handgun protection covers the most common firearm threats encountered at service counters, lobbies, and transaction windows — calibers such as 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum. Because handgun rounds carry less energy than rifle rounds, the barriers are comparatively thinner and lighter, which makes them practical for interior, occupant-facing applications.
Representative Armortex products in this range, all no-spall:
- TP 100 — UL 752 Level 1, 0.77″ thick, 4.8 lbs/ft²
- TP 200 — Level 2, 1.00″ thick, 6.4 lbs/ft²
- TP 300 — Level 3, 1.2″ thick, 7.7 lbs/ft²
- TA 100 — acrylic, Level 1, 1.25″ thick, 7.6 lbs/ft²
These suit bank teller windows, pharmacy counters, school security vestibules, government service windows, and reception areas.
Rifle Threats: Levels 4–8 (and 9–10)
Rifle protection begins at Level 4, covering .30-06 and higher. Rifle rounds travel faster and carry far more energy, so barriers rated for them are thicker and heavier. Levels 9–10 extend to specialized high-powered and fully automatic rifle threats.
Higher-level rifle protection is typically specified for government buildings, courthouses, police facilities, and military installations where the threat assessment justifies it — often using glass-clad polycarbonate or all-glass laminates for exterior, sustained-protection applications.
How Threat Level Drives the Barrier
As the threat moves from handgun to rifle, three things increase together:
- Thickness — bullet-resistant glazing overall ranges roughly ¾″ to 4″, with higher levels at the thicker end.
- Weight — heavier per square foot at higher levels, which affects structural and frame requirements.
- Material and cost — glass-content and glass-clad assemblies are generally used and cost more at higher protection levels.
Across every level, two rules hold:
- Bullet resistance is a system property — the barrier and its frame must both be rated and coordinated.
- Specify no-spall wherever people stand close to the barrier.
Don’t Over- or Under-Specify
The goal is to match the level to the realistic threat from the assessment. Specifying rifle-level protection where only a handgun threat exists adds unnecessary weight, cost, and structural demand. Under-specifying leaves a gap the barrier was never rated to close. The threat assessment — not a default to the maximum — should set the level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UL 752 levels stop handguns? Levels 1–3, covering calibers such as 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.
What UL 752 levels stop rifles? Levels 4–8 cover rifle threats (.30-06 and higher); Levels 9–10 address high-powered and fully automatic rifles.
Why do rifles need higher-rated barriers than handguns? Rifle rounds carry more energy, so stopping them requires thicker, heavier barriers — reflected in the higher UL 752 levels.
Does a handgun-rated barrier stop rifle rounds? Not necessarily. A barrier is certified for the threats at its rated level; rifle protection requires a higher level than handgun protection.
How do I know which level I need? From a threat assessment for the facility, which determines the appropriate UL 752 level rather than defaulting to the highest.
About Armortex
Armortex is a single-source manufacturer of bullet-resistant glazing, window frames (aluminum, hollow metal, stainless steel), doors, fiberglass wall panels, and transaction accessories — all tested to UL 752 11th edition, Levels 1–10. With over 40 years of experience under an ISO 9001 quality management system, Armortex serves schools, courthouses, police stations, corporate offices, military installations, and GSA projects.
Contact: Armortex — 5926 Corridor Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154 Phone: 1-800-880-8306 or 1-210-661-8306 Email: info@armortex.com Web: https://www.armortex.com/glazing/
Protection levels, calibers, thickness, and weight vary by product and rating; confirm current specifications directly with the manufacturer.
