Static and dynamic penetration tests of reinforced concrete (RC) slab specimens are described and discussed. The experimental study was aimed at a better understanding of mechanisms that are involved in dynamic penetration, through their identification in static tests, and by establishing their relative influence in similar dynamic cases. The RC specimens were $80{ imes}80-cm$ square plates, and they were made of 30 MPa concrete. The non-deforming steel penetrator was a 50-mm diameter steel rod with a conical nose of 1.5 aspect ratio. Impact penetration tests were carried out with an air gun, which launched the projectiles at velocities of up to 300 m/sec. The static tests were conducted using a closed loop displacement control actuator, where the penetrator was pushed at a constant rate of displacement into the specimen. The static tests reveal important mechanisms that govern the penetration process and therefore contribute to a better understanding of RC barriers resistance to non-deforming projectiles impact.