Recommendations for body armor for threat protection against pistol and .223

[Alexx1401]

I had forgotten about this place too:

https://www.bulletproofeveryone.com/

The stuff they make sure looks nice. They are made out close to where I live. Keep saying I need to ask them if they have some people can walk in and handle.

 

[tkdguy]

What do you folks think about this option? Level III+ Lightweight (FULL) Curved Armor with Trauma Pads Combo

Sale price is $175.00. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot.

 

[CamoDeafie]

What do you folks think about this option? Level III+ Lightweight (FULL) Curved Armor with Trauma Pads Combo

Sale price is $175.00. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot.

Weight is 6.5-7 lbs each plate; close to what a Level 4 ceramic plate (8 lbs or so; within 1 1.5 lbs).
Add level 2 ballistic panels behind the steel armor, should be decent against majority of threats; if not a level 2 soft vest with a 10x12 hard armor pocket.

 

[KKG]

It's pretty simple, get the best that you can afford. Many moons ago I was saved from a broken back, or worse, by having one on. A dirt bag but me with an 8' 2x4 turned on end. But instead of collapsing in the floor I turned and drew my .357 Magnum and placed him under arrest. The crowd went silent and looked at me like I had a big S on my chest. Needless to say ALL resistance ended right then and there. As I escorted the DB out to the squad car my partner got on the radio and called for every two truck in the County. We had set the radio in the squad so foxhole gear him make the call. Well, all you could see was A$$ holes and elbows heading out the door and within ten minutes the parking lot was empty. The band had even left behind their instruments. A couple of their instruments weren't worth coming back for. When my 5'19" partner had pulled the electric cords out of the wall, some things got pretty badly damages.

The DB who had hit me for charged with Assault on a Police Officer and does in Prison during his 10 year sentence. Being a DB just wasn't too smart.

 

[dirtyd]

Velocity Systems Plate Multi-Strike Stand Alone

Or

www.hoplitearmor.com

 

[Kcboats]

I purchased a Safe Line Defense tactical carrier and dropped some AR500 plates in it. Had a buddy help me adjust and very pleased...comfortable, balanced even with plates. Not an everyday wear but it's in my car just in case. I hope I never need it but I feel better knowing it's there. I also picked up one of there backpack units with a plate...just carry my lunch and other edc goodies around with me. Little heavy but oh well.

 

[dirtyd]

I purchased a Safe Line Defense tactical carrier and dropped some AR500 plates in it.

Should switch those steel plates out

 

[Geardo]

I purchased Ar500 lightweight multicurve. Not THAT much heavier, and they are thinner.

 

[Geardo]

What do you folks think about this option? Level III+ Lightweight (FULL) Curved Armor with Trauma Pads Combo

Sale price is $175.00. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot.

Those are what I use. That looks like a 2 for 1 deal, which is a oretty good deal if you need 2 sets.

 

[dirtyd]

Strongly recommend looking into ceramics and higher quality plate. AR500 is pretty much sold exclusively to civilians and has a much greater chance of spall. The "anti-spall" coating that is frequently advertised is just re-branded truck bed liner.

A good piece of multi hit level IV plate is going to cost prob $250ish and up and is rated for 7.62 x 51 M80 Ball among other calibers.

 

[CamoDeafie]

Seriously. I think level 3+ hard armor with Level 2 soft armor should take care of most threats up to the big, massive, higher energy weaponry..

1) are y'all expecting to experience situations where you would need to be as armored as a soldier in Fallujah or Mogadishu?

2) how common is the use of rifles in crimes committed in the U.S.?

3) what is the most likely threat level one would expect in day to day activities?

4) are you guys gonna be donning and doffing the armor on a daily basis, or is it gonna stay in the closet safe with the guns or in the trunk of your car?

Again, just my opinion. Are there exceptional cases where bad guys were using AKs and taking out everyone opposing them? Maybe in the border towns or cartel or gang areas... but by and large.... its usually some version of a handgun in common calibers, or shotguns.

 

[dirtyd]

1) are y'all expecting to experience situations where you would need to be as armored as a soldier in Fallujah or Mogadishu?

2) how common is the use of rifles in crimes committed in the U.S.?

3) what is the most likely threat level one would expect in day to day activities?

4) are you guys gonna be donning and doffing the armor on a daily basis, or is it gonna stay in the closet safe with the guns or in the trunk of your car?

Again, just my opinion. Are there exceptional cases where bad guys were using AKs and taking out everyone opposing them? Maybe in the border towns or cartel or gang areas... but by and large.... its usually some version of a handgun in common calibers, or shotguns.

I mean that is kinda the same argument as people that ask why would you need anything larger than a 10rnd magazine.

 

[CamoDeafie]

I mean that is kinda the same argument as people that ask why would you need anything larger than a 10rnd magazine.

Not really. If ya look at the tests they did for the same level 3+ armor from ar500, it does stop a few m855 rounds, and barely stopped a hot rodded .308.. didnt stop the .458 socom from 10 feet though but very few armor plates in 3+ can...
As for magazine capacities... yes I want the most I can carry in my gun; look at how terrible shots most police officers are... and theyre supposed to have more training than a "lowly civilian" I am saying if thats all a person can afford, that is a suitable armor set. Not everyone can afford level 4+ stuff, and not everyone can afford something like a $2,000 handgun for edc purposes

Be realistic here. $300+ for a set of plates, or $300 in more ammo, mags..... which do you think would be considered more.. practical?
Speaking as someone who has to penny pinch and make deals to acquire certain things here....

 

[Retired Guy]

Just another vote for going the "soft body armor" route. Police and Military are obligated to run to the sound of guns. Civilians are not.

If you're thinking about wearing that heavy armor, keep in mind that it will get heavier if you have to carry a GHB and spare ammo with you. Might as well add a Camelbak because you will be sweating bullets (pun intended). You will be surprised at how badly your mobility is compromised.