The Hesco 4403MC is a stand-alone NIJ Level IV rifle plate, which means it stops armor-piercing rounds up to and including .30-06 M2 AP on its own, with no soft armor backer required. It is HESCO's most affordable route into certified Level IV protection, so it's the plate we point most people to when they want the highest hard-armor threat rating without paying for the lightest-weight builds.

The multi-curve shape wraps the contour of your torso instead of sitting flat, so it rides more comfortably under a carrier through a full day of wear. Plates are NIJ 0101.06 certified, ceramic, and ship as a set of two for front and back coverage.

In the popular SAPI Medium cut (9.50 x 12.50 in) each plate weighs 7.9 lb at just 0.83 inches thick. The 4403MC carries a little more weight than our premium Level IV plates in exchange for a lower price, so if cutting weight matters more than budget, look at the lighter Hesco 4601 or Hesco 4800. If you only need protection up to Level III+, the Hesco 3411MC is lighter and costs less.

Best for: budget-minded buyers, agencies outfitting at scale, and anyone who wants certified, stand-alone Level IV protection in a comfortable multi-curve plate.

Made in the USA by HESCO.