• Updated protection levels:
• • The old classifications (II, IIIA, III, IV) have been replaced by new "HG" (handgun) and "RF" (rifle) levels.
  • HG1 and HG2 replace II and IIIA.
  • RF1, RF2, and RF3 replace III and IV.
  • RF2 is a new intermediate rifle rating.
• Improved testing for women's armor:
• • Includes specific test requirements for body armor designed for women to account for different fits.
  • Considers angled hits and angles from a seated position.
• More rigorous conditioning and testing:
• • Soft armor conditioning now includes submersion in water to better simulate water resistance.
  • New tests address edge-strike performance and blunt force trauma.
  • Hard armor testing now specifies exact hit locations, including multi-curve plates.
• Faster response to new threats:
• • The new structure separates test methods (Standard 0101.07) from threat specifications (Standard 0123.00).
  • This allows the NIJ to update threat ammunition and levels (in Standard 0123.00) more easily without changing the core testing protocols in Standard 0101.07.

• Improved safety: The new standards are designed to be more effective and better reflect the threats officers face.
• Classifications are easier to understand: The new HG and RF classifications are intended to be more straightforward than the previous levels. HG=Handgun and RF=Rifle.

• August 11, 2025: In Hazel Park, Michigan, a security guard was kidnapped and duct-taped during a break-in at a cannabis facility. The guard was restrained by a group of intruders but was not reported injured. Source: Local 4 News
• August 12, 2025: In Crown Point, Tobago, a security guard was stabbed multiple times during an attack at a fast-food restaurant on Sunday morning (August 10). The guard is in stable condition. Source: Guardian TT
• August 13, 2025: In San Antonio, Texas, a security guard fatally shot a man during an argument behind a South Side body shop. The incident occurred in the early morning hours. Source: KABB FOX 29
• August 13-14, 2025: In Queens, New York, a 37-year-old security guard at a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) facility was stabbed to death during a dispute over overnight guest rules. Source: Yahoo News
• August 14, 2025: In Stanton, California, four Los Angeles men were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a security guard near a bar. The incident occurred outside a nightlife establishment. Source: OC Register

When choosing a firearm for personal protection, and especially when choosing a duty weapon, buying the cheapest gun you can find is not often your best option. This is a tool that has to work properly every time you draw it. It should also be easy to operate and durable. You should be able to find spare magazines easily and quickly as well as holsters, and you should have easy access to someone certified to repair it if something gets broken.

Everyone has their preferences and some are just loyal to a brand of weapon for the same reason they are loyal to a brand of vehicle. For this particular podcast episode I sat down with Shawn Sullivan, a military veteran, former first responder, professional pilot, and gun dealer that does executive protection details with me. Shawn carries the Sig P365L when doing executive protection and I carry the Glock 43X. Shawn owns both and my next pistol purchase will be the P365L or XL because it's an excellent weapon, like my Glock 43, just different. 

In this podcast we compare the two weapons, what we like and don't like in the event our listeners are in need of a good sub-compact for work or personal protection and want to know the difference.

Todays episode of brought to you by EDCStore.com