Do you have body armor in case of civil conflicts or war?

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Proud Prepper

Proud Prepper

Prepper of all thing's
Neighbor
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Mar 13, 2017
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Top secret location in S. Louisiana and Arkansas
I recommend everyone think about getting body armor now. It's one of the most overlooked equipment preps. If you have firearms, guns and other weapons, which almost all of us do. Why dont you have body armor? They go hand in hand.

I'm getting new body armor, mine is outdated. If you didn't already know, body armor does degrade and becomes less effective. You can still use your plates, but you should replace your vests every 5-10 years.

I'm looking to go with at least Generation 3 + vest, likely a Gen 4 Also thinking about an armored helmet.

I'm looking at Second Chance and Armored Republic. What's your preferred brand and type?
 
what EVERYONE needs ABSOLUTELY - and it isn't that expensive $$$ >> some kind of head protection - with rioting & civil action there's can be more danger of thrown objects and blunt attack weapons than firearms ....

modern ballistic kevlar helmet would be great - but even a construction helmet would be better than a bare noggin ...
 
The one I was looking at was Spartan AR550 level3+ shooters cut w/carrier, selecting ATC Advanced Triple Curve, Full Coat Frag Mitigation Coating and Trauma pad the cost was $508.99

One the wife wanted was level 4, $660 without ATC, Mitigation Coating and Trauma pad, adding the extra would bring the cost in the $750 range
 
do have a plate carrier,soft side armor and soft+hard plates front and back and have a soft vest with trauma plate too,
do my best to keep the load light for movements sake,don't wanna haul those cumbersome super heavy things the young boys and gals do.
if my memory servers me right mine stops the "russian short" we have in use here and that was only the hard plates, with added soft it's better.
 
Unless I was returning to the military I would not use body armour, I've no intension of getting into major gun battles, and 90% of shoot outs are over before I could get a plate vest on. None of my cold war colleagues ever liked wearing armour when I was in the army, its just more unneccssary weight, and I would rather carry more food or ammo than armour which as a Light Infantryman only slowed me down.
 
BillMasen said:
Unless I was returning to the military I would not use body armour, I've no intension of getting into major gun battles, and 90% of shoot outs are over before I could get a plate vest on. None of my cold war colleagues ever liked wearing armour when I was in the army, its just more unneccssary weight, and I would rather carry more food or ammo than armour which as a Light Infantryman only slowed me down.
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no way in hell I'd be going out on a "look see" around town all armored up - if it was that bad I wouldn't be venturing out >>> but responding to a neighborhood ruckus or to the local roadblock with armor would make all kinds of good sense and planning - but - it's one of those "tangent" prep items that comes into play when you are 100% ready with the absolute necessities ...
 
Plates would make sense for a REACT mission or ALAMO but 99% of the time they are not worth it. I have a set of ceramics but other than the two cases above, can not see packing that weight. Definitely not on AO patrols in SHTF.

Save you money for other things first would be my suggestion.
 
I've been looking into the steel used for armor plates. Compared to some knife steels I have used, AR550 is softer and not as tough. I keep wondering if you had a tougher, harder steel, if you could use a thinner plate.

I have AR500 and AR550 gongs. The AR550 gongs I have are 3/8" thick and will laugh at anything I can throw at them. They are rated for 338 Lapua @100 yards. (not all are)

I have steel that goes up to 700 on the Brinell chart (AR700) and is very tough.
 
DrHenley said:
I've been looking into the steel used for armor plates. Compared to some knife steels I have used, AR550 is softer and not as tough. I keep wondering if you had a tougher, harder steel, if you could use a thinner plate.

I have AR500 and AR550 gongs. The AR550 gongs I have are 3/8" thick and will laugh at anything I can throw at them. They are rated for 338 Lapua @100 yards. (not all are)

I have steel that goes up to 700 on the Brinell chart (AR700) and is very tough.
Click to expand...

https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/content/Spartan-Armor-Systems-Product-Guide-WEB.pdf
 
Illini Warrior said:
what EVERYONE needs ABSOLUTELY - and it isn't that expensive $$$ >> some kind of head protection - with rioting & civil action there's can be more danger of thrown objects and blunt attack weapons than firearms ....

modern ballistic kevlar helmet would be great - but even a construction helmet would be better than a bare noggin ...
Click to expand...
Exactly, safety helmets, cycling helmets, rock climbing helmets, light tactical helmets etc are a much better investment than body armour if funds are tight, along with the best goggles, shooting eye glasses you can afford
 
Not a big fan of lugging steel plate around all day especially in the summer where I am located. Soft Armor has limits but still adds to elevated core temps during physical activity. That decision is very personal due to need, availability, cost, and advantage.

Head gear: I work in an industry that requires head gear and i have seen first hand the benefits of using it properly. Now as to the proper type, that again depends as there are many choices available to the user.

I can agree on the safety glasses. Especially for prescription wearer, and I would suggest at least two pairs of them.
Make sure goggles fit over prescription eye-wear properly and have a set of back-ups.

Gloves are needed as well. Need more than one type of material depending on uses. Hands need protection just as much as eyes. A loss of even one puts you at a massive disadvantage.
 
For security--- 1) Firearms. 2) Ammo. 3) Thermal / Night vision. 4) Body Armor. I have just about finished the armory. I have a minimum of 500 rounds for each weapon. Once I have purchased the last couple of firearms, I will stat budgeting for group 3. I do plan for an Alamo situation, so I won't be carrying armor around. Home defense could occur during the night and I want to be able to see my opponents before they see me. The cost of decent Thermal / Night vision does tend to push the body armor back a bit. There is a limited budget for security, so I do prioritize my purchases. Groups 1 & 2 help my compete with the bad guys. Groups 3 & 4 hopefully will give me an advantage. Group 5 are the items that can only be implemented AFTER WROL. Armor rating is dependent on eh type of weapons you think you will be facing. Body armor is great but it will not stop every type of round. Level 3 & 4 will stop most rounds that people will likely encounter. For home defense, Plate with side panels. Not sure on back plates. Weight, cost and maneuverability. What are the opinions on the need for back plates?
 
jontte said:
home defence you could do without a back plate,or simply instead of a plate replace it with a soft one, light,doesn't prevent your movement
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Being a civilian these days if I lived in the US and faced the issue of armed violence I think I would probably splash out on bullet proof attache case or back pack which I am more likely to have with me at home or outside than body armour.

MTS: Multi-Threat Shield


USED BY PROFESSIONALS
"Concealed in plain sight" - low-profile design looks like a briefcase, allowing the shield to be carried covertly in any environment - school, undercover operations, and protective details. Used by SRO's, patrol, detectives, undercover officers, special operations, and K9 officers. Many applications - from warrant executions and high-risk searches to active shooter kits and dignitary/executive protection details.

Untitled-design-67-2b_600x764.png


  • Superior Materials
    Ballistic Material    : Multi-layer laminated Kevlar®. One-piece folding design (no seams or gap in ballistic coverage).
    Blunt Force Inserts: Kydex® plate and closed-cell foam Shock Pad.
    Cover: Water-resistant 1680 denier ballistic nylon.
  • Lightweight & Compact
    7 lbs. (10 lbs with Level III Rifle Plate inserted).
    Closed Position: 12" x 17.5" x 1.75" Open Position: 36.5" x 17.5" x 0.58"
  • Protection Level
    Certified by NIJ approved laboratory for ballistic resistance in accordance with Modified/Abbreviated NIJ 0108.01 Threat Level IIIA (Level III with optional Rifle Plate). The MTS™ does not bend or fold when shot.
    The MTS™ is resistant to penetration from edged weapons.
  • Utility Pocket & Sling
    Large covert-access pocket with interior lined Velcro® to store critical items such as a med kit, firearm, tourniquet. TASER®, magazines, flashlight, etc.
    Condor® Swiftlink Padded Bungee Sling enhances comfort for extended wear time and allows for hands-free operation. Bungee feature supports defensive tactics techniques. 2-sided quick release buckles enables operator to quickly remove shield if needed.
  • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://premierbodyarmor.com/collections/bulletproof-backpacks-and-bags
Well worth a look at this sight, esp if you have aschool age kids.
 
Urbanprep said:
For security--- 1) Firearms. 2) Ammo. 3) Thermal / Night vision. 4) Body Armor. I have just about finished the armory. I have a minimum of 500 rounds for each weapon. Once I have purchased the last couple of firearms, I will stat budgeting for group 3. I do plan for an Alamo situation, so I won't be carrying armor around. Home defense could occur during the night and I want to be able to see my opponents before they see me. The cost of decent Thermal / Night vision does tend to push the body armor back a bit. There is a limited budget for security, so I do prioritize my purchases. Groups 1 & 2 help my compete with the bad guys. Groups 3 & 4 hopefully will give me an advantage. Group 5 are the items that can only be implemented AFTER WROL. Armor rating is dependent on eh type of weapons you think you will be facing. Body armor is great but it will not stop every type of round. Level 3 & 4 will stop most rounds that people will likely encounter. For home defense, Plate with side panels. Not sure on back plates. Weight, cost and maneuverability. What are the opinions on the need for back plates?
Click to expand...
if you are doing body armor it is not complete without back protection......if some POS wants you dead he is not going to wait for you to turn and face him
 
Illini Warrior said:
what EVERYONE needs ABSOLUTELY - and it isn't that expensive $$$ >> some kind of head protection - with rioting & civil action there's can be more danger of thrown objects and blunt attack weapons than firearms ....

modern ballistic kevlar helmet would be great - but even a construction helmet would be better than a bare noggin ...
Click to expand...
hockey stuff can come along cheap once in awhile mostly.smaller.stuff
 
grayghost668 said:
if you are doing body armor it is not complete without back protection......if some POS wants you dead he is not going to wait for you to turn and face him
Click to expand...

Very true, my visual theme was home defense (Alamo) fight. I have decided hard front plate and soft, side and back plates. I will have to take my chances on caliber hits. Very Good point GG.
 
Hey guys,
a friend told my about some Dyneema-ballistic plates.

Are there those? Level NIJ 4 + or german SK3. He´s looking for something light that can catch the 7,62*25 Tokarev.
For hint´s that lead to retailers with gear in stock based in europe I´d be thankful.
 
Am going to add some armor to our stores…finally. Have meant to before and it always seems not needed. Until now.

These are on sale…like cheap. Wondering if they would protect the wearer?

Included

  • 1 x Veritas™ Lite Modular Plate Carrier
  • 2 x Level III 10"x12" Multi-Curve, Base Coat Plates
  • 2 x Blunt Force Trauma Pads - 10" x 12"
Or should I get the carriers with side panels?

1672672666819.jpeg




https://www.ar500armor.com/veritas-lite-bundle-dec.html
 
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