This is a rifle-rated folding ballistic shield: 18 x 30 inches of NIJ-STD-0108.01 Level RF1 protection that folds down for compact storage and deploys fast, inside or outside a vehicle. At 20.5 pounds it is the rifle-rated counterpart to our folding pistol shield — same folding concept, rifle threats instead of handgun threats. Built by Slate Solutions as the G-Fold R1.
What RF1 means, and how it maps to Level III
RF1 is the rifle classification under the current NIJ nomenclature. It replaces the language most agencies still budget in, so the practical translation matters: RF1 covers common lead-core and mild-steel-core rifle threats, which is the space Level III has historically occupied. It is not the armor-piercing classification. If your threat assessment includes steel-core AP, you are looking at a higher rifle class, not RF1.
Tested against:
- 5.56 x 45mm (M193 Ball)
- 7.62 x 39mm M43 (MSC)
- 7.62 x 51mm (M80 Ball)
Those three rounds are the realistic rifle threat for most domestic patrol and tactical work. The M43 mild-steel-core inclusion matters, because that is the round a lot of cheaper rifle-rated panels quietly omit.
Why folding changes the deployment math
A shield that lives in a trunk because it will not fit anywhere else is a shield that does not reach the incident. It folds for compact storage and opens for use, which is the difference between a shield that rides in every vehicle and one that rides in the supervisor's. Rapid-deployment and standard carry bags are available, including a one-hand-operation bag.
At 20.5 pounds it is a real carry. Time your operators holding it in a genuine ready position before you decide how many your fleet needs — that number, not the spec sheet, should drive the order.
Build
- 18 x 30 inches, 20.5 lbs, black
- High-performance composite construction for impact resistance and stiffness
- Securely mounted Level RF1 viewport in a durable composite ballistic structure
- High-performance nylon, reinforced ballistic bolts
- Robust handle plus a padded high-density foam forearm to cut fatigue on extended deployment
- Also available without a viewport
Options
- Custom ID placards
- Durable carry bag with shoulder strap, ID loop and identification card holder
- Rapid deployment carry bag for one-hand operation
- DEFENDER Light 1000
- No-viewport configuration
Warranty and the on-duty replacement program
Slate Solutions warrants hard armor to perform to the NIJ standard on its label for five years, with some hard armor products warranted up to ten. The label defines the period, and the warranty runs from the date of issue as verified by the warranty card.
The part worth knowing: if the shield is damaged during an actual on-duty confrontation with a firearm, a sharp or blunt object, or in a vehicle accident, Slate Solutions replaces it free of charge. You submit the damaged product and a copy of the department incident report.
Conditions are the usual ones — the armor must not be altered, abused or misused, and must be discontinued from service if it is compromised by drops, visible cracks or other damage. Modifications other than factory-authorized ones void it, as does damage from abuse, improper storage or inadequate maintenance. Penetrations from ballistic testing are not covered.
Who we spec shields for
EOD Gear was founded by a former U.S. Navy EOD technician. We supply law enforcement, SWAT, military and EOD units, including agencies buying on contract and through GSA. We would rather talk through your threat assessment and carry profile than take an order for the wrong weight class.
Questions we get about folding rifle shields
Is RF1 the same as Level III?
Close, not identical. RF1 is the current NIJ rifle classification covering the common lead-core and mild-steel-core rifle threats that Level III historically addressed. Budget documents written against the old language usually map cleanly, but confirm the specific rounds rather than the label.
Will it stop armor-piercing rifle rounds?
No. RF1 is not the armor-piercing classification. It is tested against M193, M43 mild steel core and M80 ball.
How is this different from your folding pistol shield?
Same folding concept, different threat class. The pistol shield handles handgun threats at lower weight. This shield adds rifle protection at 20.5 pounds. If rifle fire is realistic in your jurisdiction, the weight is not optional.
Does the viewport reduce protection?
No. The viewport is Level RF1 rated and mounted in the composite ballistic structure. A no-viewport configuration is also available if you want the weight and cost back.
Can it be deployed from a vehicle?
Yes, inside or outside. That and the rapid-deployment one-hand carry bag are the reasons to choose a folding shield over a fixed panel.
Can we add lighting?
Yes. The DEFENDER Light 1000 is an available option, and lighting is worth specifying at quote time rather than retrofitting, because mount position affects balance.
How do we buy on contract or through GSA?
Include your contract vehicle or agency details with the quote request and we will route it correctly.
How long does a quote take?
Same or next business day. Custom placards, bag configurations and no-viewport builds may extend lead time, and we will tell you before you commit.
