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 ...
And Rep. Mike Honda, a Democrat congress critter from California wants to ban body armor level III and higher.
Bkmk
I'm sure that perps really give an expletive-deleted.
It usually starts in New York or California. The Mike Honda bill would become US law if passed.
https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/
This is the Father’s Day Text sent out yesterday:
They want to ban body armor!
Hurry! Order & Save on Your Kit!
Early Father’s Day Sitewide Sale is LIVE!
https://spartanarmor.attn.tv/atAAsyntANcP
I wish I had a pile of spare cash...
“It usually starts in New York or California.”
Just about anything un-American starts in NY or CA.
Can we get bullet-proof vests for our dogs?
“ The kinds of vests that have become increasingly popular and inexpensive are designed only to stop common handgun and some shotgun cartridges”
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My shirt would stop most CARTRIDGES that were thrown at me. Of course I can’t imagine why anyone would throw cartridges at me.
Yes you can.
L
A local gun shop sells level IIIa vests. I tried one on and they are very light weight. Heavy metal or composite plates can be inserted into front at back pockets to give a higher level of protection. The sales person said this vest with the basic ballistic material would stop most NATO rifle and hand gun rounds including a 44. Based on the flexibility of the ballistic material I’d say the projectile would likely break ribs. Cost is $600.
I’m comparing this weight to what cops wore about 15 years ago with steel plates in them. A cop showed me his and it was heavy. He said it was very uncomfortable.
The one at the gun shop was comparatively quite soft.
So it appears NYS law is such that if one already owns body armor he can wear it legally, unless it’s used in conjunction with a felony.
“The sales person said this vest with the basic ballistic material would stop most NATO rifle and hand gun rounds including a 44.”
^
One of the first LEO fatalities who wore a vest was shot in the (protected) shoulder area with a 45-70.
Just sayin’...
I still have some pieces of shrapnel that I dug out of my flak jacket. I had one piece drilled and polished and wore it on a chain. Wife said it looked stupid so I put it in my jewelry box along with the rest of my ‘treasures’. I come across it every now and then.
A Democrat - Now that's a surprise
A 62 grain 5.56 M855 NATO round from a 14" barrel AR15/M4 will penetrate a 1/4" AR500 armor plate at 100 yards. Guarranteed. If the government is coming at you, this is most likely the round they will be shooting. And, if the US military is coming at you, this is also the round they will likely be shooting. This round has been the battlefield standard 5.56 for about 50 years. It was adopted because of its ability to penetrate light body armor and helmets at 600 yards out of a 20" barrel M16.
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