What on earth are you talking about? The "stones" to deal with some sweat? Suck it up? Vests are just plain uncomfortable and it's got nothing to do with having the "stones" to deal with anything. Like I said, wearing them is a pain. I wear one on duty but if I wasn't an LEO I wouldn't own one, I just don't see the need if I'm not on the job. And, IMO, equating vests with seat belts, bike helmets, and life insurance is a bit of a stretch but to each his own.
How many of you own a "Bullet Proof Vest" and why?
- Thread starter jesus5150
- Start date
What on earth are you talking about? The "stones" to deal with some sweat? Suck it up? Vests are just plain uncomfortable and it's got nothing to do with having the "stones" to deal with anything. Like I said, wearing them is a pain. I wear one on duty but if I wasn't an LEO I wouldn't own one, I just don't see the need if I'm not on the job. And, IMO, equating vests with seat belts, bike helmets, and life insurance is a bit of a stretch but to each his own.
Im currently considering one just for home defense. I wanna get something that i can put on quickly and have JIC. Id much rather have one and not need it and need one and not have it. I can understand why alot of people dont have them, but why look down on a civilian for owning and using one.
We all talk and train to protect ourselvs with a weapon, or what ever it is, but why then do we ignore armor and look down on those who arnt in LE or military who own them.
mordis is offline Report Post
Thats a great point!
We all talk and train to protect ourselvs with a weapon, or what ever it is, but why then do we ignore armor and look down on those who arnt in LE or military who own them.
mordis is offline Report Post
Thats a great point!
Smallgame2100
Moderator
I voted "no, other" because I dont feel like I need to wear one, just to walk around campus or in my home. I'm sure I'll eventually wear one due to working my way to become a correctionals officer. But, never really thought about getting one to be honest. I felt like my shotgun was enough protection. 
For work and now no longer working at that job so it hangs in the closet. Not to be picky, it is bullet resistant not bullet proof. Mine is a fit to order so selling would be hard to do. It is rated to stop a 357mag. Just real glad I never had to see if it would stop a 357mag.
The Great Mahoo
New member
I've never owned one and never plan on it. I don't work in a dangerous job, and don't really plan on doing it anytime soon. If something in the future changes, maybe, but I don't count on it.
JollyRoger
New member
I have had several for work (LE) - they change them out every 5 years or so, as the manufacturers will warrant them only so long. That's a consideration for anyone buying a second-hand vest: they deteriorate over time from heat, sunlight, sweat and body oils, etc.
I have had mostly level III or IIIA(Spectra) vests, although I had a secondary "surveillance" vest that was a IIA. I can't imagine wearing one of these things on an off-duty basis. Some are "more comfortable" but all are uncomfortable. All mine have been full coverage vests, however. Maybe the contour vests or the t-shirt with inserts is more comfortable. You give up a lot of protection, however.
I have had mostly level III or IIIA(Spectra) vests, although I had a secondary "surveillance" vest that was a IIA. I can't imagine wearing one of these things on an off-duty basis. Some are "more comfortable" but all are uncomfortable. All mine have been full coverage vests, however. Maybe the contour vests or the t-shirt with inserts is more comfortable. You give up a lot of protection, however.
anythingshiny
New member
a few years back, i took a series of pistol classes that progressed from how to draw...all the way up to a 'basic how to clear a room'.
for the 5th and 6th weekends the instructor recommended that if you had armor to wear it as there would be shooters behind and we would be moving and shooting dynamically. we ran thru many many times without weapons...many many times cold..and then finally hot.
I picked up a state patrol trade in IIa in an older carrier. Used it for class and put it under the bed for bumps in the night. Picked up a second one and keep one under the wifes side too...
As far as the folks who feel i should not be allowed to own it, i ask where you stand on gun control and why you post on this board? The EXACT same arguement can be applied to any weapon...YOU dont NEED one of those and WHY do you have a gun?? Only cops and soldiers need them right? the bad guys follow the rules right?...they wont come in my house and take my stuff...cuz thats against the law right?
i am far from the tin beanie wearing crew...but dont see an issue with armor under my bed for bumps in the night. do i advocate daily wear? naw...not for me...cops, security and so forth? absolutely if that were my job..id wear it.
for the 5th and 6th weekends the instructor recommended that if you had armor to wear it as there would be shooters behind and we would be moving and shooting dynamically. we ran thru many many times without weapons...many many times cold..and then finally hot.
I picked up a state patrol trade in IIa in an older carrier. Used it for class and put it under the bed for bumps in the night. Picked up a second one and keep one under the wifes side too...
As far as the folks who feel i should not be allowed to own it, i ask where you stand on gun control and why you post on this board? The EXACT same arguement can be applied to any weapon...YOU dont NEED one of those and WHY do you have a gun?? Only cops and soldiers need them right? the bad guys follow the rules right?...they wont come in my house and take my stuff...cuz thats against the law right?
i am far from the tin beanie wearing crew...but dont see an issue with armor under my bed for bumps in the night. do i advocate daily wear? naw...not for me...cops, security and so forth? absolutely if that were my job..id wear it.
Security
Do one armed patrol a week, not a "Dangerous location?" so I now use it when it's cold.
Worked 6 months in a Diamond Store... Every day there!
Joe549
He lives in Canada! Sheep country!
One of my ATM Drivers went off the road, into a field (the Cops said he was real lucky he had on his vest!) buried the nose of his vehicle in a field, real thick fog. He still got a real good bruise from the steering column.
Do one armed patrol a week, not a "Dangerous location?" so I now use it when it's cold.
Worked 6 months in a Diamond Store... Every day there!
Joe549
He lives in Canada! Sheep country!
One of my ATM Drivers went off the road, into a field (the Cops said he was real lucky he had on his vest!) buried the nose of his vehicle in a field, real thick fog. He still got a real good bruise from the steering column.
Sheep
not allowed to own it?
Not a flame, just the way Canada has the "We" don't think you need, ban it, all now say, after me "OK"
So much so that the sheep like attitude goes right through the Country.
Ban ownership of... Short barreled hand guns, hi cap magazines, converted from full to semi auto weapons (sorry they can not be called weapons)
They have had registration since 1936! It has never solved one crime!
Plus Snow sounds cold to me!
not allowed to own it?
Not a flame, just the way Canada has the "We" don't think you need, ban it, all now say, after me "OK"
So much so that the sheep like attitude goes right through the Country.
Ban ownership of... Short barreled hand guns, hi cap magazines, converted from full to semi auto weapons (sorry they can not be called weapons)
They have had registration since 1936! It has never solved one crime!
Plus Snow sounds cold to me!
Double Naught Spy
New member
Won't flame you, but the comment itself is pretty naive. Ballistic vests do no harm in and of themselves. They pose no dangers. However, they offer protection. Why would you want to disallow safety gear?
While not in a high risk profession, the only place I have seen loaded guns pointed at me is at gun ranges, usually by careless, naive, and/or newbie shooters. A ballistic vest is just plain good safety gear like safety glasses.
David Armstrong
Moderator
Got one from the LEO days, still put it on if I go out on patrol or warrant service. Other than that it sits in the closet.
protectedbyglock
New member
Don't have one.
Couldn't justify it.
I'd like to have one, but I'd like to have a lot of things. Maybe one day.
Couldn't justify it.
I'd like to have one, but I'd like to have a lot of things. Maybe one day.
I wore one of the early models made from Kevlar 29 fabric, made by Safariland. It was about 1.5" thick, heavy and hot. But it let me concentrate on the job instead of worrying about a surprise knife or pistol every second.
Just make sure your vest does not contain Zylon which deteriorates up to 20% in 2 years. Those should have been recalled, regardless of manufacturer.
I don't currently have one. Nor do I think they are likely to be useful during a home intruder situation. Not unless you're sure you'll have the minute or so to put it on and set the straps in place.
It would be an advantage in terms of a civil unrest, if you live in or near gang turf or high crime zones or you've been targeted by someone.
A vest purchase hasn't been in my budget, but if a good deal comes along I'd certainly give it serious thought.
Just make sure your vest does not contain Zylon which deteriorates up to 20% in 2 years. Those should have been recalled, regardless of manufacturer.
I don't currently have one. Nor do I think they are likely to be useful during a home intruder situation. Not unless you're sure you'll have the minute or so to put it on and set the straps in place.
It would be an advantage in terms of a civil unrest, if you live in or near gang turf or high crime zones or you've been targeted by someone.
A vest purchase hasn't been in my budget, but if a good deal comes along I'd certainly give it serious thought.
armsmaster270
New member
I wore one as an officer when Second Chance first started up before they were a dept issue item. I still wear one when I go on Ride-Alongs with various agencies all over the country. Other than that not normally.
scottycoyote
New member
i picked one up last year because i got such a good deal on it, but im seriously thinking of letting it go. Anybody interested in a pointblank vest that will defeat 7.62x54 and 7.62x39 let me know....i think these things sell for about 1200 on their website, 400 would get it from me