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 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.
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.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
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.
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
Some of the custom steel target manufacturers could probably help with that. Just tell them you want a 2x silhouette in AR500.
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
Without side plates, just front /rear large plates with single layer anti spalling and the carrier , 21lbs of protection.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!
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"
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?
Now ya' see why I asked what you wanted to stop?That took some effort!
Thanks!