WRoL Anyone have a new-found desire to acquire BodyArmor?

Anyone develop a new-found desire to acquire BodyArmor?

Asking for a friend.

What brands are recco'd?

If its anything like weapons and ammo. Best of luck to you, safariland, second chance were always my preferences.

Used to be national factory rep for body armor company back in the 80's; Silent Partner,
the first armor innovator to really push the t-shirt comfort/concealable modular concept.

Anyways, since then, and now for over 20 years, been getting mine from Nick over at
BulletProofME.com Body Armor / Bullet proof Vests Soft concealable and hard tactical
and helmets, etc.

I've been to his place and he to mine, and he knows his stuff and will take care of you.
Tell him I sent you and he shouldn't hold it against you

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

Good luck. I know that the manufacturers have ramped up and they cant come close to meeting demand. Check CL and FB Marketplace as well. May get lucky.

Body Armor is kind of vague. What are you trying to stop?

I'm 73 years old....I'm slowly dying of congestive heart failure....and wanna go home to Jesus....I live at the end of a half mile dirt road out in the country.....30 miles south of Portland....If I were attacked I expect to die....which is what I want anyway....LOL

I just got home from the hospital yesterday....I'm not in any condition to defend myself....I have an incision on my neck from the Drs clearing out a plugged up Carotid Artery,,,,,so, no body armor for me....besides If I lived somewhere where body armor was needed...I'd move...and anyone with common sense would have moved already.

Seriously I think that most folks dont have tactical experience or training, so I see body armor as a complete waste of time....The best defense is TO GET OUTTA THE CITIES....which I did when I bought this place back in 2011.

Dont get me wrong, I am very well armed....I bought lots of guns and ammo when Obama was elected....but its just me out here....so lets get real.

1911user said:

Body Armor is kind of vague. What are you trying to stop?

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S**t flyin' through my bony or meaty bits. Sharp, pointy objects, too. For a friend, of course.

I understand there are many levels, both of ballistic protection and comfort. Those are left up to 'my friend'.

Reputation is important, but so is cost, unfortunately. The cost of some of the ballistic protection out there is just 'whew!'... know what I mean, Vern? Saw one set that would stop up to and including 7.62x39, inc. 5.56 'green tip', with a price tag hitting 1900. 450 seems to be the base line for the minimum reasonable level available.

My friend may be left to project build something like this: (not a recommendation!!! If anyone does this, they better make 2 and test to destruction a single unit made to the same specification to know, KNOW what it will / won't stop!!! )

A kid builds a ballistic plate in his workshop, tests:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7jiIQOgwtI

RT: 16m+

(For the record, I would consider 'homebrew' in this instance to be a last ditch, no other choice effort. YMMV, of course.)

Right now, the 'Protesters' don't seem to be flingin' much lead-n-copper, but with the reported looting of 35k+ firearms and who knows how much ammo in the last few days... well, it does make a person wonder, ya know?

JF&P said:

I'm 73 years old....I'm slowly dying of congestive heart failure....and wanna go home to Jesus....I live at the end of a half mile dirt road out in the country.....30 miles south of Portland....If I were attacked I expect to die....which is what I want anyway....LOL

I just got home from the hospital yesterday....I'm not in any condition to defend myself....I have an incision on my neck from the Drs clearing out a plugged up Carotid Artery,,,,,so, no body armor for me....besides If lived somewhere where body armor was needed...I'd move...and anyone with common sense would have moved already.

Seriously I think that most folks dont have tactical experience or training, so I see body armor as a complete waste of time....The best defense is TO GET OUTTA THE CITIES....which I did when I bought this place back in 2011.

Dont get me wrong, I am very well armed....I bought lots of guns and ammo when Obama was elected....but its just me out here....so lets get real.

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Sorry to hear of your troubles, JF&P... may your days be comfortable, comforting and peaceful. Amen.

And, your points are well considered and well taken.

You might want to look at sites that sell it and see if they have any in stock. Seems like there was a major backlog of months on trying to get caught up.

I’ve been looking body armor also. Just checking places like eBay for good prices. Just make sure it’s certified and you can see the certificate.

You (or your friend) should go to the link in Shane's post (#3) and read it, all of it. Maybe then you'll get an idea of what you want.

AR500 is one source.

AR500 has good prices. They have furnished plates for testing by Demolition Ranch. Lots of YT vids on what they will stop.

No, I already have 5 sets, and hard plates.

There are many kinds. Class 3A minimum. If you have not researched it and made a purchase by now your already too late.

You gotta wear that stuff, sweat it, break it in, train in it

Granny sez- Got it already, with plates, a long, long time ago! It hangs on the back of my Bedroom door so, at 75, I can be properly dressed to greet home invaders. I may not be otherwise “dressed”, but I’ll have my BA and my .357. I even have a bit of portable “cover” (an oval cast iron griddle with handle to deflect (not stop) head shots

Current lead times run 5-8+ weeks

don't forget the head - it should come first >>> doesn't necessarily need to a tac helmet at first - more likely to get a rock or bottle thrown at you - some kind of helmet with a movable visor is better than a bare noggin ...

Infidel body armor
Level four plates stop it all but .50

Can't vouch for em but.... Scorpius tactical.com


Just one of many items...

I ordered a Level III+ from AR500 back in April. 12 week lead time.
I ordered the delux large size and it was $553...

cant wait to get it!

Here:


Very reasonable prices. In fact, best I've seen... Been thinking about it, myself.

Level III soft armor for $250.00, AR550 plates ( front, back and side plates - will stop up to a 30-06 bullet ) for $294.00 or you can get a Level III + AR550 combo for $435.00

shane said:

Used to be national factory rep for body armor company back in the 80's; Silent Partner,
the first armor innovator to really push the t-shirt comfort/concealable modular concept.

Anyways, since then, and now for over 20 years, been getting mine from Nick over at
BulletProofME.com Body Armor / Bullet proof Vests Soft concealable and hard tactical
and helmets, etc.

I've been to his place and he to mine, and he knows his stuff and will take care of you.
Tell him I sent you and he shouldn't hold it against you

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

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Your right updated last year . The only two I forgot were ballistic helmet & leg,arm coverings. Helmet was on sale but I was still paying of the Taws 32 scope. I love using my pay/pal interest free loans.Four months left to pay off the freeze dryer. Then I will look for something new. Yes I know they are anti 2 AMD that's why I use their money.

I have a few of these multi curve I might be willing to sell.. Upgraded years ago to level IV and UHMWPE

I have personal body armor. What I want is a piece of hardened steel about 28 inches tall, by 40 inches wide. I'd mount it behind the back seat of my car. I've made inquiries but no response. Sounds like a market nitch someone could exploit to up armor one's car a little.

Some of the custom steel target manufacturers could probably help with that. Just tell them you want a 2x silhouette in AR500.

Txkstew said:

I have personal body armor. What I want is a piece of hardened steel about 28 inches tall, by 40 inches wide. I'd mount it behind the back seat of my car. I've made inquiries but no response. Sounds like a market nitch someone could exploit to up armor one's car a little.

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Do a search for backpack plates. Doubt You'll find 30x40 but back of seat Size- LEVEL IIIA+ BACKPACK PLATE 11x14
You may be able to call these manufacturers and ask if they could cut what you need special order. Lead time again will be an issue.

All this being said, lots of BA in the hands of the bad guys too. Practice failure to stop drills religiously.

Ragnarok said:

Here:

Body Armor & Plate Carrier Packages

Great package deals on body armor plates and plate carriers. Includes Armaply AR500 body armor, level III, III+. Tactical gear for self defense, NIJ compliant body armor.

www.spartanarmorsystems.com

Very reasonable prices. In fact, best I've seen... Been thinking about it, myself.

Level III soft armor for $250.00, AR550 plates ( front, back and side plates - will stop up to a 30-06 bullet ) for $294.00 or you can get a Level III + AR550 combo for $435.00

Click to expand...

No level III will stop 30-06.
Won't stop a hunter with a .243 either.

Dozdoats said:

Some of the custom steel target manufacturers could probably help with that. Just tell them you want a 2x silhouette in AR500.

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And I hope you have a beast of a vehicle to install it in!

Ragnarok said:

Here:

Body Armor & Plate Carrier Packages

Great package deals on body armor plates and plate carriers. Includes Armaply AR500 body armor, level III, III+. Tactical gear for self defense, NIJ compliant body armor.

www.spartanarmorsystems.com

Very reasonable prices. In fact, best I've seen... Been thinking about it, myself.

Level III soft armor for $250.00, AR550 plates ( front, back and side plates - will stop up to a 30-06 bullet ) for $294.00 or you can get a Level III + AR550 combo for $435.00

Click to expand...

Thx!

Mike Vanderbough used to have someone on his III for III list who cut plates. I can't remember who it was.

Steel plates are cheapest, gotta know what kind of steel is used.
Not all will stop an ordinary .223 round.
Most are NOT compound curve. They are single curve or flat. Avoid flat.
Steel plates cause bullet fragmentation, people cover them in line-x and such to try to control the fragments.
Steel plates are typically level 3, won't stop armor piercing rounds.
Side plates are available.
Steel plates are durable but heavy.

Ceramic plates are lighter but more expensive.
Most need a soft armor backing but not all.
Stand alone (no backing needed to achieve their rating) are more expensive than in conjunction (need a backing).
Single curve or compound curve are available, compound curve are more comfortable.
Ceramic plates are normally level 3 or level 4, you need level 4 to stop armor piercing rounds.
SAPI plates are basically level 3 but not rated by the NIJ.
ESAPI plates are basically level 4 but not rated by the NIJ.
SAPI/ESAPI plates are larger than most commercial steel and ceramic plates (typically 10"x12").
Side plates are available in level 3 and 4.
Lookup bulletproofme.com for sizes (and more info than I put here)
You pay more money for lighter weight.

There are other plates but more expensive. (see post 30)

Most soft armor is not stab proof, there is a separate rating for stab armor.
Some armor is dual rated but that adds cost and/or weight.
Soft armor generally runs from level 2a to 2 to 3a, with 3a stopping the most threats.
Soft armor can be tactical or concealable or both.
The lighter the armor the higher the cost.
Military surplus OTV (IBA) or IOTV is not rated by the NIJ rating system.
My understanding is military armor is an equivalent to level 3a but is it not NIJ rated.
Military armor may come with side armor, neck and throat armor, bicep armor, kidney armor and groin armor.
All of that extra armor adds cost and weight as well as protection.
There are full coverage armor that wrap around and plate carrier armor that is sized to back an in conjunction plate only.

There are plate carriers that will only hold a plate (not enough room for the backer) so in conjunction plates are out with those carriers. There are plate carriers sized to hold a plate and backing armor. There are carriers for the full armor from concealable to full molle tactical. There are tactical load carrying vests that will hold plates (typically have magazine and other pouches incorporated). Make sure your friends plates fit his/her carrier, including side plates if chosen. e.g. buying large SAPI plates and carrier sized for 10x12 plates.

Might be a good idea to search ebay for the ACU IOTV. The ACU color is not good for woods but you might be able to find something nice for your friend (good body armor for a good price). Lots of people on ebay driving the cost up for armor right now but bargains can be found.
Getting thin it seems.
httpx://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Warror-Flexible-Body-Armor-Lvl-IIIA-ACU-MSRP-633-38/283415953777?hash=item41fce84171:g:VAcAAOSwinlcbbiA
( replace the x with s )

Buying new from a reputable manufacturer/dealer is the best but as you pointed out only left-wing billionaires and uncle sugar can afford it (part of the reason for the high cost of new). That being said quality serviceable body armor can be purchased for a lot less money. I am not a lawyer and I make go guarantees as to the life-saving capabilities of anything your friend might purchase based on the information I provided. Simply food for thought.

Corrections anyone?

With the way things are going south I'd want some Heinlein M.I. armor....

Hognutz said:

I ordered a Level III+ from AR500 back in April. 12 week lead time.
I ordered the delux large size and it was $553...

cant wait to get it!

Click to expand...

Without side plates, just front /rear large plates with single layer anti spalling and the carrier , 21lbs of protection.

Pra

Trouble said:

All this being said, lots of BA in the hands of the bad guys too. Practice failure to stop drills religiously.
[/QUOTE

Practice face size targeting. SHOOT IN THE FACE. BRAIN STEM.........
wether using a blade or bullet KNOW your adversaries ( AND YOUR OWN ) weak points.

Do you want to bleed em slow, or stop em cold.

Don't matter what armor they have on when you shoot them in the face with a twelve gauge "Dragons Breath" round.....

"Just a little touch up"

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Another source for certified armor.


This is the low cost end at $135 per plate, 10"x12", level 4 ceramic, 8.3 pounds: Level IV Hard Armor Plate (Model #1155) NIJ .06 Certified | RMA Armament - Personal Body Armor
Several places sell this US made plate. To go lighter and retain mil-spec 5.56 ammo protection costs more.

mistaken1 said:

Steel plates are cheapest, gotta know what kind of steel is used.
Not all will stop an ordinary .223 round.
Most are NOT compound curve. They are single curve or flat. Avoid flat.
Steel plates cause bullet fragmentation, people cover them in line-x and such to try to control the fragments.
Steel plates are typically level 3, won't stop armor piercing rounds.
Side plates are available.
Steel plates are durable but heavy.

Ceramic plates are lighter but more expensive.
Most need a soft armor backing but not all.
Stand alone (no backing needed to achieve their rating) are more expensive than in conjunction (need a backing).
Single curve or compound curve are available, compound curve are more comfortable.
Ceramic plates are normally level 3 or level 4, you need level 4 to stop armor piercing rounds.
SAPI plates are basically level 3 but not rated by the NIJ.
ESAPI plates are basically level 4 but not rated by the NIJ.
SAPI/ESAPI plates are larger than most commercial steel and ceramic plates (typically 10"x12").
Side plates are available in level 3 and 4.
Lookup bulletproofme.com for sizes (and more info than I put here)
You pay more money for lighter weight.

There are other plates but more expensive. (see post 30)

Most soft armor is not stab proof, there is a separate rating for stab armor.
Some armor is dual rated but that adds cost and/or weight.
Soft armor generally runs from level 2a to 2 to 3a, with 3a stopping the most threats.
Soft armor can be tactical or concealable or both.
The lighter the armor the higher the cost.
Military surplus OTV (IBA) or IOTV is not rated by the NIJ rating system.
My understanding is military armor is an equivalent to level 3a but is it not NIJ rated.
Military armor may come with side armor, neck and throat armor, bicep armor, kidney armor and groin armor.
All of that extra armor adds cost and weight as well as protection.
There are full coverage armor that wrap around and plate carrier armor that is sized to back an in conjunction plate only.

There are plate carriers that will only hold a plate (not enough room for the backer) so in conjunction plates are out with those carriers. There are plate carriers sized to hold a plate and backing armor. There are carriers for the full armor from concealable to full molle tactical. There are tactical load carrying vests that will hold plates (typically have magazine and other pouches incorporated). Make sure your friends plates fit his/her carrier, including side plates if chosen. e.g. buying large SAPI plates and carrier sized for 10x12 plates.

Might be a good idea to search ebay for the ACU IOTV. The ACU color is not good for woods but you might be able to find something nice for your friend (good body armor for a good price). Lots of people on ebay driving the cost up for armor right now but bargains can be found. Buying new from a reputable manufacturer/dealer is the best but as you pointed out only left-wing billionaires and uncle sugar can afford it (part of the reason for the high cost of new). That being said quality serviceable body armor can be purchased for a lot less money. I am not a lawyer and I make go guarantees as to the life-saving capabilities of anything your friend might purchase based on the information I provided. Simply food for thought.

Corrections anyone?

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That took some effort!

Thanks!

Tristan said:

That took some effort!

Thanks!

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Now ya' see why I asked what you wanted to stop?