WRoL Anyone have a new-found desire to acquire BodyArmor?
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Jackpine Savage
Veteran Member
Here's a couple more sources:
www.highcomarmor.com
midwestarmor.com
HighCom Armor | Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment Provider
HighCom Armor is a global provider of body armor and personal protective equipment. We design, develop, test, manufacture, and distribute armor products.
www.highcomarmor.com
Midwest Armor | American Made Tactical Equipment
Midwest Armor relentlessly pioneers, designs and manufacturers American made tactical equipment helping you be Prepared To Defend
midwestarmor.com
Not feeling the need right now. Not sure I want to go where things seem to be going. Not at my age. Gonna be a bit rough on my kids though. Maybe they’ll grovel before their new masters. If that sounds cruel and cynical, just read the posts on page one of this Forum. Even doomer Jeff didn’t think the collapse would be this quickly successful.
1911user
Veteran Member
One consideration with rifle-rated armor is weight. A light setup with a pair of 4-5 pound plates plus another 2-3 pounds for a plate carrier is 10-13 pounds. The AR500 steel setups are typically 8-9 pounds per plate plus another 3 pounds each for side-plate, if worn. It's easy to get over 20 pounds for just armor. That slows down movement plus wears you out faster especially in the heat.
I have a set of spartan steel rifle plates. I have no intention of actively patrolling the surrounding hills. Most of my neighbors are retired lefties...not going to war for the likes of them.
the plates will be worn in a defensive setting here at the house....it gives me a little more protection on the vitals to buy some time. I have a wife and 4 kids to defend. A rifle gunshot in the rapidly deteriorating society will most likely be fatal, the plates will hopefully buy me enough time to get the whole crew before my lights go out... these bastards seem to be opportunists, not dedicated soldiers.
If I have to push out in a more offensive manner the plates stay home and field craft and advanced marksmanship skills will be utilized. God bless the USMC for the skills they bestowed upon me. I don't think any of these punks understand the misery that a skilled rifleman behind good glass can rain down upon them. Ballistic advantage is a thing!
the plates will be worn in a defensive setting here at the house....it gives me a little more protection on the vitals to buy some time. I have a wife and 4 kids to defend. A rifle gunshot in the rapidly deteriorating society will most likely be fatal, the plates will hopefully buy me enough time to get the whole crew before my lights go out... these bastards seem to be opportunists, not dedicated soldiers.
If I have to push out in a more offensive manner the plates stay home and field craft and advanced marksmanship skills will be utilized. God bless the USMC for the skills they bestowed upon me. I don't think any of these punks understand the misery that a skilled rifleman behind good glass can rain down upon them. Ballistic advantage is a thing!
Tristan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Groucho
Has No Life - Lives on TB
With ya, Marine. Handle it and go down with honor. Vn 1971
biere
Veteran Member
I don't see body armor as something most folks need. If you go look at the measurements of the plate a couple pieces of notebook paper with not that much overlap will show you what it will cover. You are covering the most important stuff but that is somewhat based on having medical help vs. the ruby ridge or waco standoff.
Not saying to not buy it, having it and learning how to wear it and let it carry some mags and stuff for you is interesting. Same goes for making a war belt or even getting back to the old alice stuff with suspenders and a belt.
They make side plates and stuff as well but it all costs a decent bit of money and it weighs a lot if you will actually wear it to do daily chores in or your workout in.
Now some stuff, like the soft body armor, can be worn and won't be as noticable and I see more use for it especially for loved ones perhaps.
Go get level IV ceramic armor for a couple hundred bucks for 2 plates and you still need a carrier and it will stand out when you wear it. This is what I was thinking of when I started my post.
Not saying to not buy it, having it and learning how to wear it and let it carry some mags and stuff for you is interesting. Same goes for making a war belt or even getting back to the old alice stuff with suspenders and a belt.
They make side plates and stuff as well but it all costs a decent bit of money and it weighs a lot if you will actually wear it to do daily chores in or your workout in.
Now some stuff, like the soft body armor, can be worn and won't be as noticable and I see more use for it especially for loved ones perhaps.
Go get level IV ceramic armor for a couple hundred bucks for 2 plates and you still need a carrier and it will stand out when you wear it. This is what I was thinking of when I started my post.
Repairman-Jack
Veteran Member
I have AR500 setup, that will be a backup set once I order from AT Armor
jward
passin' thru
Either my google fu is on the fritz, you're recommending we cloak ourselves in love, or your makin' literary references to the one or two books of Heinlein's I didn't read. I believe in the power o' love, but hope ya wear a wee bit more when geared up - at least o'er the important parts
Over the decades I'd acquired numerous sets of armor. Three setups at the ready here for different tasks are...
Lightest IIIA soft armor that's pretty concealable for under clothing for when being out & about inconspicuously.
Heavier, is an older outer tactical vest that's IIIA coverage all around, sides, neck, groin, etc., with front & back
level IV rifle plates, grossly heavy set up, but for inside the wire challenges. Currently set up with two 25 round
12ga shell carriers on the vest front. For use with Mossberg Shockwave w/ integral Crimson Trace visible laser.
More recent ultra light tactical vest (Crye Precision) utilizing only very light weight Level IV front & back plates,
currently has half dozen 30 rd mag carriers loaded up for my suppressed 300BLK. Can also be used for AR's,
of course, or the mag carriers can all be quick changed out to serve up my favorite long-range scoped 6.5CM.
Have battle belt for the two tactical vests above for glock 19X, 3 mags, FA kit, light, knife, small canteen, etc.
Everything has been pre-positioned setup & then practiced for quickest possible grab, don & go response...
YMMV
Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
Lightest IIIA soft armor that's pretty concealable for under clothing for when being out & about inconspicuously.
Heavier, is an older outer tactical vest that's IIIA coverage all around, sides, neck, groin, etc., with front & back
level IV rifle plates, grossly heavy set up, but for inside the wire challenges. Currently set up with two 25 round
12ga shell carriers on the vest front. For use with Mossberg Shockwave w/ integral Crimson Trace visible laser.
More recent ultra light tactical vest (Crye Precision) utilizing only very light weight Level IV front & back plates,
currently has half dozen 30 rd mag carriers loaded up for my suppressed 300BLK. Can also be used for AR's,
of course, or the mag carriers can all be quick changed out to serve up my favorite long-range scoped 6.5CM.
Have battle belt for the two tactical vests above for glock 19X, 3 mags, FA kit, light, knife, small canteen, etc.
Everything has been pre-positioned setup & then practiced for quickest possible grab, don & go response...
YMMV
Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
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Ragnarok
On and On, South of Heaven
You misread... It is level III WITH plates ( AR 550 ). The plates stop the rifle rounds.
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
Here is the companies armor threat profile:
I have not the slightest intention to go where things are hot, but unfortunately, sometimes the heat decides to come to visit.
At least, that's what my friend said...
Perhaps you were speaking metaphorically, if so understood.
Not sure how I came across in my reply, but I intend to go down fighting, or more likely defending my home and loved ones. I don’t intend to live under the boot of communism.
mistaken1
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Technical details:
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf
Level 3 is not rated for 30.06. It may stop it but level 3 is not required to stop it.
Quick chart:
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247281.pdf
Level 3 is not rated for 30.06. It may stop it but level 3 is not required to stop it.
Quick chart:
Grock
Veteran Member
Look I don‘t care if you like it or not. Level III steel plates WILL NOT STOP 30-06, it will burn right through. Might you get lucky? You might. Want to bet your life on it?
30-06 is a level 4 threat. PERIOD.
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Last edited:
1911user
Veteran Member
It depends on the bullet. A 30-06 soft point should be stopped by level 3. Level 3 is rated to stop 308 FMJ.Look I don‘t care if you like it or not. Level III steel plates WILL NOT STOP 30-06, it will burn right through. Might you get lucky? You might. Want to bet your life on it?
30-06 is a level 4 threat. PERIOD.
Firefighter Tools & Equipment Store:Boots, Gear, Helmets & More!
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To stop 308/30-06 AP rounds takes level 4 plates.
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Jackpine Savage
Veteran Member
Another interesting experiment is 22-250 vs. hard steel. I have a buddy that has some unplanned holes in his AR500 targets.
I am personally not too worried about level IV threats.... the type of people that have black tip will also have scoped weapons plus the knowledge and skills to shoot around my armor. Any of us that have been trained have heard, "hips and heads" as well as shot the "two to the chest one to the head" failure drills. Some times the other guy gets the drop on you...that's the breaks.
That said...what is the effective range of black tip. At some point the projectile will slow down below the ability to punch ar 500 steel.
That said...what is the effective range of black tip. At some point the projectile will slow down below the ability to punch ar 500 steel.
I picked up a second chance Male Carrier(love that name) when I was on the border it’s the signboard variety you can add plates and side panels I didn’t. And always use a microfiber or 100% cotton or polyester tee shirt(not tank top) under the carrier or it will scratch and itch all day. I wore the thing daily after the narcos started tossing grenades. It will not stop rifle bullets but will deal with up to 44MAgnum and the “...to whom it may concern” frags which lines up with get me time to manouver out of trouble concerns. still have it looks like it may go back on the daily wear rack too soon.
hope that helps Second Chance was a good pick I didn’t hear about their track record until later and it is a well earned reputation you can comfortably wear the thing all day.
Don’t forget to wash the carrier about weekly(Take the ballistic panels out, they don’t like water) tumble dry and reload panels. If the panels get hit by projectiles they have to be replaced (one shot affairs, sorry for the pun)
hope this helps
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Jeff B.
Don’t let the Piss Ants get you down…
Actually, several months before this circus got rolling I ordered a composite plate for a new carrier I bought (Tactical Tailor) and had to wait for that. Now, I got it and put it together and will order a mate for the back, but have no idea when I may see it.
THey are however much nicer (weight) than the steel plates in another carrier I have.
I've had to order a few odds and ends to set up the new rig as I like without switching items. After all 2 (or more) is one and one is none, right?
Jeff B.
THey are however much nicer (weight) than the steel plates in another carrier I have.
I've had to order a few odds and ends to set up the new rig as I like without switching items. After all 2 (or more) is one and one is none, right?
Jeff B.
On making plates at home.
Some people have done so with fair success.
Keep this in mind if you can't buy any commercial products.
Falls in the category of "something is better than nothing".
Various videos.
www.bing.com
ETA: I've wondered about laminating stainless in them. It has some interesting physical properties.
I just haven't wondered enough to mess with it.
Some people have done so with fair success.
Keep this in mind if you can't buy any commercial products.
Falls in the category of "something is better than nothing".
Various videos.
making fiberglass ballistic plates. - Bing
Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
ETA: I've wondered about laminating stainless in them. It has some interesting physical properties.
I just haven't wondered enough to mess with it.
Marthanoir
TB Fanatic
Y'all forgetting the most important protection 
Ballistically tested. Blast tested. Kevlar fabric positioned around crucial zones of the groin and upper leg.
External seams for comfort. The kevlar portion shields the perineal area. Mesh helps keep wearer cool. Extended inner leg helps protect the femoral artery.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxUsb6NMjn4&app=desktop
Ballistically tested. Blast tested. Kevlar fabric positioned around crucial zones of the groin and upper leg.
External seams for comfort. The kevlar portion shields the perineal area. Mesh helps keep wearer cool. Extended inner leg helps protect the femoral artery.
Tristan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
On making plates at home.
Some people have done so with fair success.
Keep this in mind if you can't buy any commercial products.
Falls in the category of "something is better than nothing".
Various videos.
making fiberglass ballistic plates. - Bing
Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
ETA: I've wondered about laminating stainless in them. It has some interesting physical properties.
I just haven't wondered enough to mess with it.
It would be an interesting project for those who have the desire, and the time to do it.
But testing would be crucial.
Two interesting vids:
homemade $30 plate:
rt: 16m+
(first part is the test. Stopped up to 12ga slug, 5.56 not so much...)
Testing the sketchiest body armor on ebay:
rt: 14:47
Just imagining what would it stop if the two were stacked together? Plate front, Soft in back? Visa-versa? Hmmmmm.
I'm thinking testing would be crucial.
Testing. Crucial.
Disclaimer: anyone who needs BA, or feels they should have BA, should buy such from a reputable company with a good track record.
Really looking for used in good condition Abrams M1. Not concerned so much about the dents and willing to repaint or touch up minor scratches. Mileage is not as important as the engine running well, willing to add my own sound system as long as the protruding original sound producer in the front is in solid working order.
Checking Enterprise used car sells without much luck.
Checking Enterprise used car sells without much luck.
You can pick up a T-72 here,
Main battle tank T-72 | EXARMYVEHICLES.com
Exarmyvehicles.com - sale of military vehicles for private collectors. Tanks, APC, BMP and more for sale.
www.exarmyvehicles.com
Something to keep varmints off the farm 'til a better shootin' iron comes up for sale.
This Leopard is for sale in Texas
Own A Tank
Didn’t think that you could own a Tank? Well Think again! We can Assist you in all aspects of the purchase, even the transportation to your site if needed.
www.drivetanks.com
I've found/bought/sold couple mil vehicles over the years via...
Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
Ok buying the Leopard is really like getting a Chevy Impala when you had your heart set on a Corvette. Yes it will get you there but I lose style points.You can pick up a T-72 here,
Main battle tank T-72 | EXARMYVEHICLES.com
Exarmyvehicles.com - sale of military vehicles for private collectors. Tanks, APC, BMP and more for sale.
Something to keep varmints off the farm 'til a better shootin' iron comes up for sale.
This Leopard is for sale in Texas
Own A Tank
Didn’t think that you could own a Tank? Well Think again! We can Assist you in all aspects of the purchase, even the transportation to your site if needed.
Imagine rolling down the middle of the DC protest with this bad boy. Oh the looks I would get, maybe even pick up some chicks... On second thought after some of the photo’s posted of ‘peaceful protestor’ chicks will take a pass.
Tristan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Watched the $30 fiberglass homemade plate video when it was first posted. Intrigued. Wondered how it would do with Kevlar cloth. And a thin plate of steel armor sandwiched in the middle. Or behind. Or in front. Or both.
And hex ceramic tiles attached in the front with JB Weld and filled with a polyester-microfiber kevlar matrix...
Sold OT-64, street legal, but parts/maintenance just too much hassle...
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywghCfGbYbI
(5 min)
Got this FV-180 instead, I'd easily rationalized need for a bulldozer...
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMStuYulXfQ
(3:15 min)
Both vehicles are armored and amphibious, too.
You'll find more videos for both at links above.
Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
(5 min)
Got this FV-180 instead, I'd easily rationalized need for a bulldozer...
(3:15 min)
Both vehicles are armored and amphibious, too.
You'll find more videos for both at links above.
Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane
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NoDandy
Has No Life - Lives on TB
JF&P, I hope you would never have any need for body armor. I think your advice of: " The best defense is TO GET OUTTA THE CITIES.... " is superb advice. We moved out here over 20 years ago, and am very glad we did.
I understand you situation, and wish I could help. But, I have my ailments as well. Maybe you will be lucky like my 90 yr old maternal grandmother. She prepared dinner for her best friend, they visited then she went to bed. She never woke up.
I was Army, but I will wish you "Semper Fi "!!
High regards !!!
No Dandy
Ragnarok
On and On, South of Heaven
Look I don‘t care if you like it or not. Level III steel plates WILL NOT STOP 30-06, it will burn right through. Might you get lucky? You might. Want to bet your life on it?
30-06 is a level 4 threat. PERIOD.
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Gee... I don't know...
Look I don‘t care if you like it or not. Level III steel plates WILL NOT STOP 30-06, it will burn right through. Might you get lucky? You might. Want to bet your life on it?
30-06 is a level 4 threat. PERIOD.
Firefighter Tools & Equipment Store:Boots, Gear, Helmets & More!
Shop TheFireStore to get the best in firefighting gear:helmets, boots, flashlights, tools, apparel, PPE, and more from the brands you know and trust.
Your right, I read the graphic wrong. It stops UP TO 30-06 and you need the level IV ( which they offer ) for the 30-06.