How many of you own a "Bullet Proof Vest" and why?

jesus5150 · February 7, 2009, 12:01 AM

Just curious, I was under the impression that only Swat team members, certain Desert Fox Veterans, and Paranoids had them. But i'm finding out that more and more civilians are getting them... My personal belief is because people are finding out that they are MUCH more affordable. I'd love to have one and thought it would be fun and interesting to find out why you have yours (or why you don't) Please let me know why you chose to get one.

luvsasmith · February 7, 2009, 12:08 AM

Part of the job.

Rich Miranda · February 7, 2009, 12:36 AM

Don't own one now but it's not out of the question in the future. I honestly doubt I'd get one, though unless a real need came up since that's good gun money.

12GaugeShuggoth · February 7, 2009, 08:27 AM

I don't own one, but I'm not against the idea. I just can't realistically see myself needing one. I highly doubt I'll ever enter a career that requires one, and if some sudden social upheaval sends the country in to complete anarchy

I'll be booking down the highway heading to Canada instead of bunking down for the fight.

scorpion_tyr · February 7, 2009, 08:33 AM

I don't have a need for one at all right now, but I can's say that I'll never need one. I don't have one and don't plan on getting one, but if I do it'll primarily be for novelty purposes.

Michael Bane · February 7, 2009, 12:41 PM

You know, this year my film crews asked me if I could get them vests, not because anything we've filmed has been unsafe but because of the fact that we're around guns all the time — shooting competitions, police and military training, full auto, etc. The crew felt the vests would add a level of comfort. Cool.

I've never thought I needed a vest, but my old pal David Neth from Point Blank Body Armor made a good point: If you were out of town and your spouse had to deal with an intruder, would you feel more comfortable knowing she had body armor?

It's now on my purchase list...

Michael B

Erik · February 7, 2009, 12:52 PM

Yes, 2 for work.

WC145 · February 7, 2009, 01:05 PM

Yeah, for work.
As far as getting one because it would be cool or neat or you're the first one on your block, you should try wearing one for a day first. They're hot, uncomfortable, and, unless your actually putting yourself in a situation where it might actually be needed, generally a pain in the ass.

grymster2007 · February 7, 2009, 01:24 PM

Nope. Not in LE or military and see no need for one at this point. If however, I get into mall security, I'll probably have to have one.

2amencw · February 7, 2009, 01:56 PM

I own several for various members of the family. My reasons are my own and I am not a fear-mongerer. Lets be plain, you buy life insurance, wear seatbelts and put bike helmets on your kids right.... why is this any different. As to the comfort issue.... if you dont know how to make one comfortable you havent worn one enough. If you are uncomfortable think about what hurts worse; a bullet or sweat? If you dont have the stones to deal with some sweat; what does that say about your mindset. I have worn all kinds of different BA from PASGT to lo-pro police style and full spectrum with full rifle plates and K-pot in temps from 90 to 110 F all day. drink water, wear cotton or mesh and suck it up. I trained to shoot with it on and still compete that way regardless of the weather. Even on the range how many knuckleheads have ever "swept" you with the muzzle on a condition one weapon? It only takes one bullet. Kevlar is our friend

Kline605 · February 7, 2009, 02:56 PM

Yes, I am currently working in LE.

Para Bellum · February 7, 2009, 03:12 PM

...because I happen to be in critical situations from time to time, was targeted by an armed psycho (in the puzzle-factory now) and received threats.

jesus5150 · February 7, 2009, 06:36 PM

I'm really excited to hear that our officers are wearing them. I'm also glad to know that it's not un-heard of to own them for personal use. I'm kid-less and there's not enough going on to merit BA, (There's barely enough to justify CCW where I am... Generally speaking) But i'll put it on the back burner for now... I don't have a good rifle, and i figure if things are to the point that i need BA then i should at least already have a good long gun.

noyes · February 7, 2009, 07:44 PM

Well I don't have one of them vests.I don't have that type of job. But talk about hot & uncomfertable. Try full leathers on 100 plus deg. days for 8hrs.

" Sweat now or bleed latter "

second picture would have ment hospital time without protection

Hkmp5sd · February 7, 2009, 07:56 PM

Massad Ayoob has been teaching for years that a vest should be a standard part of your home security kit. It is only common sense to protect yourself as much as possible.

hoytinak · February 7, 2009, 08:00 PM

I keep one put aside with my AR and case of ammo for when the SHTF.

Nnobby45 · February 7, 2009, 08:10 PM

Citizens have been wearing them for a long time. Cab drivers, for example, in those cities where they'd been disarmed.

They've also saved lives by preventing trauma by means other than being shot--such as auto accidents.

They don't appear to be that common, though. Might be as many criminals wearing them as law abiding citizens.

Proper term is ballistic vest.

garryc · February 7, 2009, 08:16 PM

I'm issued one for transports. I take it home with me or leave it in my truck. I don't actually own it.

warrior poet · February 7, 2009, 08:43 PM

Don't own one, it is issued gear. I think of the vest and SAPIs like my Iraqi Express Card... don't leave the wire without it.

Joe549 · February 7, 2009, 08:50 PM

I bought one when I started working security. I paid $750.00 for a level II Armor of America vest that was custom fit for me. I would not have been able to purchase it without supplying the retailer proof that I was employed in the security industry, i.e provincially issued security guard licence. There are certain things that should not be made available to just anyone, and I think body armour is one of them. It can be too easy for criminals to get their hands on them. Remember the bank robbery 15+ years ago, I believe it was in L.A., where the robbers were equipped in full body armour and armed with assault rifles and the massive shoot out that took place between them and the police....

If you're not in a job that is "high risk" then you should not be allowed to own it.... But thats just my 2 cents and I'm certain many people will be flaming me for it.

Hkmp5sd · February 7, 2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

They don't appear to be that common, though. Might be as many criminals wearing them as law abiding citizens.

In Florida, it is a 3rd degree felony to wear a bulletproof vest while committing an assortment of crimes and/or gang related activities.

hoytinak · February 7, 2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

If you're not in a job that is "high risk" then you should not be allowed to own it....

I'm not in a high risk job and own body armor, I've also got a registered machine gun (M4) and a form 4 in right now for a silencer.

Someone please stop me before these things make me go out and commit all kinds of crimes.

Webleymkv · February 7, 2009, 09:56 PM

I don't own one because I can't justify the expense for something that would hang at home in my closet because I'm too lazy to wear it.

Milspec · February 7, 2009, 10:00 PM

I used to wear a big heavy one...but they made me turn it back in...

I don't know if there are any restrictions on owning protective vests in Ohio, but I think CHL holders should be able to buy them if they feel the need...

Milspec

jesus5150 · February 7, 2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Proper term is ballistic vest.

Thank you! I put "Bullet proof vest" in Prin because i wasn't sure... Dad always called it that when referring to his DOC stories/info... I hate slang.

View Poll Results: Do you have a "bullet proof vest"
Yes, For work protection (LE, Military - Past or Present)	48	32.43%
Yes, For Home Protection	10	6.76%
Yes, For Novelty Purposes	2	1.35%
Yes, From Opportunity (Friend/Store sold them cheap, Given one)	4	2.70%
Yes, Other (please explain)	10	6.76%
No, I don't feel i'll ever need one	40	27.03%
No, Other (Please explain)	34	22.97%
Voters: 148. You may not vote on this poll

February 7, 2009, 12:01 AM	#1
jesus5150 Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: Bismark Posts: 332	How many of you own a "Bullet Proof Vest" and why? Just curious, I was under the impression that only Swat team members, certain Desert Fox Veterans, and Paranoids had them. But i'm finding out that more and more civilians are getting them... My personal belief is because people are finding out that they are MUCH more affordable. I'd love to have one and thought it would be fun and interesting to find out why you have yours (or why you don't) Please let me know why you chose to get one. Last edited by jesus5150; February 7, 2009 at 12:10 AM.

February 7, 2009, 12:08 AM	#2
luvsasmith Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2008 Posts: 358	Part of the job. __________________ "You can't miss fast enough to win a gun fight."

February 7, 2009, 12:36 AM	#3
Rich Miranda Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2008 Location: San Antonio, not San Antone... Posts: 1,203	Don't own one now but it's not out of the question in the future. I honestly doubt I'd get one, though unless a real need came up since that's good gun money. __________________ Read this!: I collect .38 Special and .357 Mag cartridges and I will PAY CASH for the headstamps I don't already have! Please PM me. Please donate blood, plasma, and platelets - people's lives literally depend on it.

February 7, 2009, 08:27 AM	#4
12GaugeShuggoth Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 534	I don't own one, but I'm not against the idea. I just can't realistically see myself needing one. I highly doubt I'll ever enter a career that requires one, and if some sudden social upheaval sends the country in to complete anarchy I'll be booking down the highway heading to Canada instead of bunking down for the fight. __________________ ---Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.--- ---Enlightenment is the ability to take infinite pains--- MOLON LABE

February 7, 2009, 08:33 AM	#5
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	I don't have a need for one at all right now, but I can's say that I'll never need one. I don't have one and don't plan on getting one, but if I do it'll primarily be for novelty purposes. __________________ “Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” - Thomas Jefferson

February 7, 2009, 12:41 PM	#6
Michael Bane Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Denver area Posts: 43	You know, this year my film crews asked me if I could get them vests, not because anything we've filmed has been unsafe but because of the fact that we're around guns all the time — shooting competitions, police and military training, full auto, etc. The crew felt the vests would add a level of comfort. Cool. I've never thought I needed a vest, but my old pal David Neth from Point Blank Body Armor made a good point: If you were out of town and your spouse had to deal with an intruder, would you feel more comfortable knowing she had body armor? It's now on my purchase list... Michael B

February 7, 2009, 12:52 PM	#7
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	Yes, 2 for work. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

February 7, 2009, 01:05 PM	#8
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	Yeah, for work. As far as getting one because it would be cool or neat or you're the first one on your block, you should try wearing one for a day first. They're hot, uncomfortable, and, unless your actually putting yourself in a situation where it might actually be needed, generally a pain in the ass.

February 7, 2009, 01:24 PM	#9
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	Nope. Not in LE or military and see no need for one at this point. If however, I get into mall security, I'll probably have to have one. __________________ grym

February 7, 2009, 01:56 PM	#10
2amencw Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Posts: 143	Body Armor I own several for various members of the family. My reasons are my own and I am not a fear-mongerer. Lets be plain, you buy life insurance, wear seatbelts and put bike helmets on your kids right.... why is this any different. As to the comfort issue.... if you dont know how to make one comfortable you havent worn one enough. If you are uncomfortable think about what hurts worse; a bullet or sweat? If you dont have the stones to deal with some sweat; what does that say about your mindset. I have worn all kinds of different BA from PASGT to lo-pro police style and full spectrum with full rifle plates and K-pot in temps from 90 to 110 F all day. drink water, wear cotton or mesh and suck it up. I trained to shoot with it on and still compete that way regardless of the weather. Even on the range how many knuckleheads have ever "swept" you with the muzzle on a condition one weapon? It only takes one bullet. Kevlar is our friend

February 7, 2009, 02:56 PM	#11
Kline605 Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 49	Yes, I am currently working in LE.

February 7, 2009, 03:12 PM	#12
Para Bellum Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: right there Posts: 1,882	yes... ...because I happen to be in critical situations from time to time, was targeted by an armed psycho (in the puzzle-factory now) and received threats. __________________ Si vis pacem - para bellum If you want peace - prepare for war

February 7, 2009, 06:36 PM	#13
jesus5150 Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: Bismark Posts: 332	GREAAT! I'm really excited to hear that our officers are wearing them. I'm also glad to know that it's not un-heard of to own them for personal use. I'm kid-less and there's not enough going on to merit BA, (There's barely enough to justify CCW where I am... Generally speaking) But i'll put it on the back burner for now... I don't have a good rifle, and i figure if things are to the point that i need BA then i should at least already have a good long gun.

February 7, 2009, 07:44 PM	#14
noyes Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Posts: 1,032	Well I don't have one of them vests.I don't have that type of job. But talk about hot & uncomfertable. Try full leathers on 100 plus deg. days for 8hrs. " Sweat now or bleed latter " second picture would have ment hospital time without protection Last edited by noyes; February 7, 2009 at 09:00 PM.

February 7, 2009, 07:56 PM	#15
Hkmp5sd Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2001 Location: Winter Haven, Florida Posts: 4,303	Massad Ayoob has been teaching for years that a vest should be a standard part of your home security kit. It is only common sense to protect yourself as much as possible. __________________ NRA Certified Instructor: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Safety, Personal Protection, Range Safety Officer NRA Life Member

February 7, 2009, 08:00 PM	#16
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	I keep one put aside with my AR and case of ammo for when the SHTF.

February 7, 2009, 08:10 PM	#17
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	Citizens have been wearing them for a long time. Cab drivers, for example, in those cities where they'd been disarmed. They've also saved lives by preventing trauma by means other than being shot--such as auto accidents. They don't appear to be that common, though. Might be as many criminals wearing them as law abiding citizens. Proper term is ballistic vest.

February 7, 2009, 08:16 PM	#18
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	I'm issued one for transports. I take it home with me or leave it in my truck. I don't actually own it.

February 7, 2009, 08:43 PM	#19
warrior poet Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2007 Location: Whereever Uncle Sam wants to put me Posts: 415	Don't own one, it is issued gear. I think of the vest and SAPIs like my Iraqi Express Card... don't leave the wire without it. __________________ Trigger control: The skillful manipulation of the trigger, which causes the weapon to fire, while maintaining sight alignment and sight picture.

February 7, 2009, 08:50 PM	#20
Joe549 Junior Member Join Date: January 27, 2009 Posts: 8	I bought one when I started working security. I paid $750.00 for a level II Armor of America vest that was custom fit for me. I would not have been able to purchase it without supplying the retailer proof that I was employed in the security industry, i.e provincially issued security guard licence. There are certain things that should not be made available to just anyone, and I think body armour is one of them. It can be too easy for criminals to get their hands on them. Remember the bank robbery 15+ years ago, I believe it was in L.A., where the robbers were equipped in full body armour and armed with assault rifles and the massive shoot out that took place between them and the police.... If you're not in a job that is "high risk" then you should not be allowed to own it.... But thats just my 2 cents and I'm certain many people will be flaming me for it.

February 7, 2009, 09:56 PM	#23
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I don't own one because I can't justify the expense for something that would hang at home in my closet because I'm too lazy to wear it.

February 7, 2009, 10:00 PM	#24
Milspec Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2008 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 117	I used to wear a big heavy one...but they made me turn it back in... I don't know if there are any restrictions on owning protective vests in Ohio, but I think CHL holders should be able to buy them if they feel the need... Milspec __________________ "...there is no second place winner in a gunfight." Colonel Bill Jordan