The AR500 Armor Abdominal Ballistic System (ABS) is a modular accessory designed to extend ballistic coverage to the abdominal area by integrating directly with your existing plate carrier and body armor setup. It accepts either Level IIIA soft body armor inserts for handgun protection or Level III hard armor inserts for rifle-rated coverage, making the level of protection user-selectable based on mission requirements. The ABS attaches via a unique pouch design that seats into your plate carrier's cummerbund flap or inner plate pocket, secured with Velcro or optional modular attachment straps.

Who this is for

• Plate carrier users seeking abdominal coverage: anyone who already runs a plate carrier and wants to extend protection below the standard chest plate without switching systems
• Users with variable threat environments: those who need to swap between handgun-rated and rifle-rated abdominal coverage depending on the mission or deployment context
• Operators prioritizing modularity: those who want an abdominal solution that integrates cleanly with existing gear rather than requiring a dedicated standalone vest

Compatibility with parent armor

The ABS is designed to attach to plate carriers equipped with a cummerbund flap or inner plate pocket. Attachment is accomplished through the ABS's built-in pouch design, secured via Velcro or optional modular attachment straps. This design allows the system to function as a user-adjustable extension of an existing armor setup without requiring dedicated hardware or a new carrier. If you have questions about whether your specific carrier is compatible, contact us before ordering.

Function

The ABS fills the abdominal coverage gap that standard front and back plates leave exposed. By positioning a ballistic insert in the abdominal zone, it addresses a common vulnerability in traditional two-plate carrier configurations. The insert choice determines the threat level: a Level IIIA soft armor insert provides coverage against handgun threats, while a Level III hard armor insert extends protection to rifle-caliber threats. The pouch design maintains a natural fit against the body and moves with the wearer rather than creating a rigid extension off the carrier.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does this accessory work with?

The ABS integrates with plate carriers that have a cummerbund flap or inner plate pocket. It attaches via Velcro or optional modular attachment straps. If you are unsure whether your carrier is compatible, contact us before purchasing.

Is the ABS NIJ-rated on its own?

No. The ABS is a modular pouch system — the ballistic rating depends entirely on the insert you choose. A Level IIIA soft armor insert provides handgun-rated protection; a Level III hard armor insert provides rifle-rated protection. The ABS pouch itself carries no independent NIJ designation.

Does the insert come included, or do I purchase it separately?

The ABS is available with Level IIIA Soft or Level III Hard body armor insert options. Review the product variant options at checkout to confirm which configuration includes an insert, or contact us if you need clarification.

Will a Level III hard insert in the ABS stop rifle rounds?

A Level III hard armor insert is rated to defeat common rifle threats including 7.62x51 NATO FMJ at standard velocity. It does not stop armor-piercing rifle rounds. The specific rounds defeated depend on the insert selected — refer to the insert's own specification for a complete threat rating.

Does the ABS restrict movement or add significant bulk?

The ABS is designed to conform naturally to the abdominal area. Attachment via the cummerbund flap or inner plate pocket keeps the system close to the body, and the flexible pouch design moves with the wearer. Bulk depends on which insert is installed — a Level IIIA soft insert adds less profile than a Level III hard plate.

Can this be shipped to my state?

The ABS pouch system itself is a non-ballistic accessory carrier and is not subject to state body armor restrictions. If you order the ABS configured with a ballistic insert, standard body armor shipping restrictions apply: body armor cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.