The HighCom Guardian 4s17M is a Level IV stand-alone, multi curve rifle plate built with a ceramic strike face and composite backing. It is certified to NIJ Standard 0101.06, listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List, and compliant with the DEA Hard Armor Protocol. The 10×12 shooters cut weighs 7.2 lb (3.3 kg) and is 0.95 inches thick.
That combination of armor-piercing protection at a mid-range weight is why the 4s17M shows up so often on agency equipment lists. Here is what the spec sheet actually says, and what to weigh before you issue it.
What “Level IV stand-alone” means on this plate
Stand-alone means the plate does not need soft armor behind it to meet its rating. Under NIJ 0101.06, Level IV is the highest rifle rating, and the test threat is a .30 caliber M2 armor-piercing round. HighCom’s spec sheet lists the 4s17M as tested against that round at 2,880 ft/s.
If you are reading newer spec sheets, you will see NIJ 0101.07 terms like RF1, RF2 and RF3. Those are the updated rifle levels, with RF3 sitting at the top. The 4s17M is certified under 0101.06, so its correct label is Level IV, not an RF rating. Plates certified to 0101.07 will carry their own listing.
Threats tested beyond the NIJ round
The reason many buyers look past the Level IV label is the rest of the test list. HighCom also lists the 4s17M against the DEA 2017 hard armor protocol rounds, including:
- 5.56x45mm M855 green tip
- 7.62x39mm mild steel core
- 7.62mm M80 steel jacketed FMJ
- .308 Winchester Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded
- .223 Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point
On top of that, HighCom lists it as Rifle Special Threats (RST) validated against additional rounds, among them 5.56x45mm M193 and M855A1, 7.62x51mm M61 AP, 7.62x39mm BZ API, 7.62x54R LPS and B-32 API, and a 12-gauge 1 oz slug.
That M855A1 entry matters to some agencies, since it is a round many rifle plates are not rated to stop. The plate is also described as multi-hit.
4s17M sizes and weights
HighCom offers the 4s17M in one shooters cut and five SAPI sizes, all multi curve:
- 10″ x 12″ shooters cut: 7.2 lb (3.3 kg)
- 7.25″ x 11.5″ SAPI XS: 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)
- 8.75″ x 11.75″ SAPI Small: 7.1 lb (3.2 kg)
- 9.5″ x 12.5″ SAPI Medium: 8.2 lb (3.7 kg)
- 10″ x 13.25″ SAPI Large: 9.4 lb (4.2 kg)
- 11″ x 14″ SAPI XL: 10.3 lb (4.7 kg)
A front and back pair in the 10×12 shooters cut comes to 14.4 lb (6.6 kg) before the carrier. One detail worth knowing: HighCom notes the 10×12 shooters cut is nominally 9.5 x 11.5 inches, so check carrier fit against those dimensions, not just the label.
Construction and warranty
The plate uses a ceramic strike face over a composite backing, wrapped in a 1000D CORDURA textured nylon cover. Thickness is 0.95 inches (24 mm), and it is made in the USA.
HighCom warranties the ballistic materials for 10 years and the exterior cover material and workmanship for 1 year. For procurement planning, that 10-year figure is the number to build a replacement cycle around.
Who tends to issue the 4s17M
Which plate suits a given role is a decision for each agency’s own policy and training staff. This post covers published specifications only.
With that said, here is where the 4s17M’s specs tend to line up with buyer needs:
- Agencies that want armor-piercing protection: the 0101.06 Level IV rating and the M61 AP and M2 AP test rounds are the core reason to choose it over a Level III plate.
- Federal and task force work tied to DEA requirements: DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliance is stated directly on the spec sheet.
- Teams sizing a mixed roster: five SAPI sizes plus the shooters cut make it easier to fit officers of different builds from one model.
- Buyers balancing weight and threat level: at 7.2 lb for a 10×12, it sits between lighter Level III plates and heavier Level IV options.
The trade-off is weight compared with Level III. If your threat assessment does not call for armor-piercing protection, a lighter Level III plate may be the better issue item. That is a judgment your agency makes from its own risk picture.
Before you order
A few checks save headaches later:
- Confirm the exact size and cut on the NIJ Compliant Products List if your policy or grant requires CPL-listed armor
- Match the cut to your carrier. Shooters cut and SAPI plates fit differently, and a 10×12 carrier will not hold an 11×14 SAPI XL
- Plan for the 10-year ballistic warranty when setting replacement dates
- Ask about volume pricing if you are buying for a full unit
Sourcing the 4s17M through Arctos
Arctos Industries is an authorized HighCom Armor dealer. You can see the full HighCom Armor lineup we supply, or compare it with other options on our rifle plates page.
Weighing the 4s17M against a Level III plate for your team? Request a quote or spec sheet and we will help you line up sizes, cuts and carrier fit. What is driving your Level IV decision right now, the threat list or the weight?
