Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

A bullet resistant vest primer
American Thinker ^ | 8 Jun, 2024 | Mike McDaniel

Posted on 06/08/2024 4:32:33 AM PDT by MtnClimber

We often hear about “bullet proof” vests. TV/movie good guys shot while wearing one immediately fall to the ground, breathless and momentarily incapacitated, even though the bullet did not penetrate the vest. Dramatic, but mostly nonsensical.

There is no such thing as a “bullet proof” vest, merely vests designed to be bullet resistant, capable, depending on design, of stopping some, but not all, cartridges. The vests worn by these US troops, for example, are commonly rated to stop the usual rifle caliber cartridges of known enemies. However, they are heavy, hot and somewhat restrict movement.

Graphic: Pfc. Ty Correll provides rear security. Wikimedia Commons.org. Public Domain.

The kinds of vests that have become increasingly popular and inexpensive are designed only to stop common handgun and some shotgun cartridges. The National Institute of Justice sets standards for protection levels, levels II, II-A and [III]-A—the most common—predominating. They will not stop common rifle cartridges.

The three levels are relatively light and reasonably comfortable, but in summer heat are rather like wearing a plastic trashbag. That’s better than being otherwise ventilated, but they’re never entirely comfortable and after wearing one for several hours, a shower is more or less mandatory. They consist of a carrier—normally a cloth blend with Velcro closures for adjustment that hold the ballistic panels—and the panels, made of various levels of Kevlar and other ballistic fabrics. There are other vests made to protect specifically against stabbing/slashing attacks, but we’ll stick with common, ballistic vests.

Police officers have long worn vests, initially under uniform shirts to conceal them. However, pretty much everyone, and certainly criminals, know officers wear vests, and police agencies are now wearing vests that feature options for carrying various equipment over shirts. They’re more comfortable and convenient, particularly considering the amount of gear...

(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...


TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: banglist; fabrics; kevlar; vests
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-22 last
To: mabarker1

I went to this Spartan site. I don’t know what to buy.

Can any freeper guide me better.

I live in a rural area of Florida. Just want piece of mind of knowing if shtf that I can be safer on my own property.

Do I want Level III or what ?


21 posted on 06/09/2024 1:20:27 PM PDT by George from New England (escaped CT back in 2006)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: George from New England; All

Just got this in a Text.

Spartan: BOGO FREE + More Ends Tonight

Get Dad’s gift before Father’s Day!

Order Now & Beat the Body Armor Ban:

https://spartanarmor.attn.tv/aU8s2TcoVNci


22 posted on 06/10/2024 1:05:56 PM PDT by mabarker1 ( (Congress- the opposite of PROGRESS!!! A fraud, a hypocrite, a liar. I'm a member of Congress!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-22 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson