ballistic protection question

[blacklabel]

I've never seriously entertained the idea of owning any armor. I'm not LE and would never wear it except possibly out shooting and I do my best to not shoot near anyone so the usefulness would be lost on me.

[jmg8550]

If I lived in Greeley, depending on the area, I would want some armor. Guys walking around with MS13 tattooed on their face and all. Yep, saw it in a grocery store near 11th Ave and Hwy 34. My buddy lives there and and hears gunshots all the time. I've even had police tell me they gets shots fired calls regularly.

[blacklabel]

And I'm a 6'3 285lb white guy with my head shaved. You'd think they'd give me more grief. I've briefly spoken to a couple of guys with MS-13 tattoed on their heads and they've been surprisingly nice. I'm not deranged though and know that if we were in the 'hood and they wanted to give me trouble, they definitely would. That's why I stay away from the seedy parts of town and carry always.

[jmg8550]

Touche. I also try to stay away from those parts. I don't always carry though. I really should carry more.

[blacklabel]

I lived on the corner of 8th Ave and 16th St for a couple of years. That was the time that I should have kept a full blown plate carrier on at all times. Definitely saw some interesting things and the weekends during the summer would bring quite a few gunshots.

We didn't have a single thing happen to us there though. It helps that after 8pm or so, you can stand outside and see Greeley PD drive by a half dozen times in 5 minutes.

[Monky]

I have some.. Never really felt the need to wear it..but it's great to throw it on when people come to the 'ghetto' just so I can go to the store.. always makes people laugh... oh..and should SHTF.. I can at least have a little more protection.. not wearing it for the zombies though..

[Irving]

I think I might actually be more interested in some sort of protection against blades. Besides chain mail and plate steel, do they make such a thing?

[jmg8550]

Here you go Irving: www.turtleskin.com/Body-Armor.aspx

When looking for a vest, check to see if it has a stab rating.

[tmckay2]

i don't think many would argue that having it for everyday use is a waste on most of us. but as some have said having it around for shtf scenarios or even just for some off the wall situation doesn't seem like a bad idea. the problem is its pretty damn expensive. but if, and im not that paranoid, but still, if the government was to fall or worse yet become oppressive, it wouldn't be too bad to have some protection if people are shooting back. its an interesting thought that ive gone from "i really want some just in case" to "its a complete waste of money, no way" and then back again.

[GunsRBadMMMMKay]

I think I might actually be more interested in some sort of protection against blades. Besides chain mail and plate steel, do they make such a thing?

That is what they usually issue to prison guards, is it not?

My experience with armor....it is extremely hot, uncomfortable, and a little on the side of bulky/heavy. Soft armor is lighter, but only stops "most" pistol rounds, while plate armor is even more bulky and heavy and only stops a few direct hits from rifles before it's soft armor.

Do I own...maybe. Would I wear it if necessary - certainly. Do I wear it every day "just in case"....hell no. Definitely agree that it is better to have and not need, but unless your job requires you to wear it every day I wouldn't.