I've got a NIJ-IIIA vest, its the tan camo one in the link and the same level of Helmet, its the green one at the link., Both are from DHK. My company purchased it for me when I started going to the sandbox. When we went to Level IV this was no lenger useful in the AOR so I got to keep it brand new worn on one trip. Now it's near my SHTF stuff.
I have a military flak-jacket that was given to me as joke.
I also have a Second-Chance vest given to me by a friend in Ohio who is a Deputy.
I have had good times shooting these vests with different firearms just to see what they will stop.
For instance, .223 and 7.62x39 blazes right through, (as expected) my hot loads out of .44mag w/ 305 grain hard cast was stopped, BUT in pushed the bullet and the vest 5 inches into the archery 3-D target that the vest was strapped to.
Have you tried shooting one without plates with an arrow? If you have an older one and get hit with a good broadhead you are in for a rude surprise! :yup:
They are quite expensive, I would rather spend my money on new guns and ammo. I try and avoid going places I might need it and try my best to avoid situations that it might be called for. For it to do anygood one would have to wear it all the time. If they ever design some that can be warn like regular clothes that could stop any weapon then it might be worth it.
Is this why wouldn't you own body armor, if you own a handgun for home defense?
I can think of a bunch of reasons. If you have time to put on your body armor during a home invasion, you have plenty of time to use more than just a hangun by your bed or whereever, or take some other action. If you have time to put on armor because you see an attack coming, you have time to get out of there. I don't intend on going and actively looking for a conflict to get in, like the LEO's or military have to do.
I guess if your going to wear it all day, every day, well that is another story, but for most people I don't see that as being practical.
Massad Ayoob recommended buying a used one from police departments that get new vest for their LEOs. He then suggest strapping some extra mags, flashlight, knives, etc. on it and throwing it under your bed. Get a home intrusion at night, throw on the vest and your equipped to rock. Of course, like many of the other recommendations of his class, procrastination currently has more power.
I worry about the visual if you ever did shoot someone, it would look very bad to have a mean looking vest with pouches and so forth hanging from it, if you ended up in front of a jury.
I do own it , but would be afraid to wear it in 99% of situations. CC is one thing but I can see how wearing body armor could be construed that you were looking for a fight if ever in a self defense situation.
I do have Armour, but it's issued, and owned by the federal agency I'm employed by.
Biker almier:
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Defensive Carry
5.4M posts
117.5K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to defensive firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about everyday carry, optics, holsters, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!