Is AR500 Armor Legit?
What AR500 Armor does
AR500 Armor is a U.S.-based manufacturer and retailer of personal protective equipment and shooting accessories. Their product line includes ballistic plates (steel and composite), soft armor, plate carriers, tactical gear, steel shooting targets, and related accessories aimed at civilians, law enforcement, and shooting-sports customers.
Official website: https://www.ar500armor.com
Contact info: AR500 Armor publishes customer-service contact details (phone, email, and a contact form) and social channels on their official site. They are a U.S. company (headquartered in Texas). For the most current phone number, email, shipping/warranty addresses and business hours, check the “Contact” or “Support” pages on their website.
Reviews and Ratings
- Many customers praise AR500 Armor for affordable steel targets and rugged gear; their targets and some plate models are frequently cited as good value for recreational shooters.
- Ballistic-plate reviews are mixed: some buyers report expected performance and durability, while others note concerns about weight, fit, or spalling (fragmentation) with steel plates if not used as directed.
- Third-party review platforms (Google Reviews, Facebook, Trustpilot, Reddit threads) show a mixture of positive product feedback and negative experiences—common complaints relate to customer service, shipping delays, or warranty processing.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) and consumer forums contain both positive and negative entries; check current BBB profile and recent reviews to see up-to-date complaint trends for the company.
- Independent ballistic testing: some AR500 products may have independent test reports; however, buyers should verify any claimed ratings by requesting or reviewing the specific test reports and lab certifications.
Transparency and Registration
- NIJ certification vs. “NIJ-compliant”: legitimate ballistic accreditation is issued via the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through independent certified labs. Some manufacturers display full NIJ test reports; others use the term “NIJ-compliant” without full certification. Verify what is being claimed on each product page.
- For ballistic plates, ask for: the exact NIJ standard referenced, the independent testing lab name, test report or certificate, and batch/lot traceability. Reputable sellers will provide or link to test documentation.
- AR500 Armor sells both steel and composite plates; steel plates behave differently than ceramic/composite plates (spall/ricochet risk, edge performance). The company’s product pages typically include care and safety guidance—review those closely.
- Sales and legal compliance: body armor purchase rules vary by state (e.g., restrictions for convicted felons). AR500’s site generally includes terms requiring buyers to comply with local laws—confirm your jurisdiction’s rules before purchase.
Red Flags or Complaints
- Customer-service and returns: several consumers have reported slow responses, difficulty with returns/exchanges, or warranty disputes. Check recent reviews to see current responsiveness.
- Ballistic claims clarity: if a product page lacks clear, independent test documentation for claimed protection levels, treat claims cautiously—ask the vendor for lab reports before purchase.
- Steel-plate safety: improper use of steel plates (shooting at close range, using certain ammunition, poor target angles) can produce dangerous fragmentation—any seller of steel armor must emphasize safe use. If safety guidance is absent or minimal, that is a concern.
- Mixed marketplace feedback: appearance of inconsistent sizing, finish defects, or shipment errors in some customer reports. These are common in many e-commerce vendors but worth noting.
- Changing product specs: verify the exact model and spec you are buying (thickness, claimed ballistic level, weight) and retain order documentation in case of disputes.
Conclusion
AR500 Armor is a legitimate U.S. seller and manufacturer of body armor, steel targets, and tactical gear with a sizable online presence. Many customers find their products to be good value, especially for recreational shooting targets and budget armor. However, buyers should exercise normal due diligence: confirm independent ballistic test reports for plates, review up-to-date customer feedback on third-party sites (BBB, Trustpilot, Google, Reddit), read safety guidance for steel armor, and verify the company’s warranty and return policies before purchasing. If you need certified NIJ plates or have legal/regulatory concerns, ask the company for specific test documentation and consult local laws prior to purchase.