Questions about Body Armor? ***Pics***

[ENTHUSIAST]

What can you tell me about this Body Armor/ Fragmentation Protective Vest?

It belongs to a friend and is WAY too small for me... but he said he would give me a good deal on it and I was thinking of maybe trading it for a bigger size or maybe just sell it and buy one in my size...

He said it was REAL Mil-issue body armor is this true (Is it Legal)?!? I dunno crap about body armor but the damn thing weighs a TON and looks way more quality than those little thin ones that they sell at the gun shows... any info would be appreciated.

P.S. Does Body Armor "Expire" or become less bullet proof over time?

I forgot to ask how old it is but I think he said it is from the 90's?!?

How much is a fair price?

THANKS for the help guys!


Pics:

"BODY ARMOR/FRAGMENTATION PROTECTIVE VEST"


BODY ARMOR/FRAG VEST (Inside Tag *Top*)


BODY ARMOR/FRAG VEST (Inside Tag *Bottom*)


Desert Camo Vest Cover


Desert Camo Vest Cover (Inside Tag)

[bobfried]

They suck, there's a reason they're called FLAK vests as they were really designed to stop fragmentation hits.

Brand new they're equivalent to IIIa armor but weights like twice as much. You can get brand new IIIa vests for as little as $150 so take that into consideration. In the condition those vests are in, I'd be afraid to get shot with a .22 wearing them.

[Jonathan Doe]

They will not stop bullets. Don't wear it to a gun fight. I used to wear level IIIA vest on the street.

[Two Shots]

There for low velocity fragments (shrapnel), paintballers etc.
Buy a real vest designed for the higher threat level as bobfried has said.
Check this site for some info on different threat levels and don't forget the SAPI Plates for some rifle protection.

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Quick_Answers.shtml#1

[Tweak338]

it will stop birdshot.. maybe.

[USN CHIEF]

Not good Enthusiast. As far as legal, you can buy them at any Army/Navy Surplus store.

[Beelzy]

Yep, just the garden variety Flak Jacket, and NOT a bullet proof vest.

[N6ATF]

You can get brand new IIIa vests for as little as $150 so take that into consideration.

Whaaat?

[renardsubtil]

I use a similar vest for paintballin' because I bruise easily

[Beelzy]

This is what modern Armor looks like,



And it ain't no $150.00 either.

[viras]

You can get brand new IIIa vests for as little as $150 so take that into consideration.

Dude, give me a link PLEASE!

I'd buy one right now. I thought IIIA starts at a minimum of around $400.

[JerryM]

fragmentation vest

Enthusiast:

If your friend is telling you that's a bullet proof vest, he is either very ignorant of bullet proof vest, or he is not your friend.

That is a Fragmentation Vest designed to stop shrapnel from grenades, artillery , etc.

A good deal for it is a cup of coffee at starbucks for the value of that vest.

Bullet proof armor does not expire per say, but manufacturers only guarantee their materials for five years of the day of manufacture (moisture in the fabric).

What size are u?

[Warhawk014]

your friend will get you killed. like the earlier post stated. thats flak vest for shrapnel. it even says fragmentation vest on it. i would not buy it.

[ENTHUSIAST]

I now see why my "friend" was practically giving it away...

WOW thanks for all the responses everyone!!!

ESPECIALLY:

bobfried, USN Chief, Two Shots, Beelzy, JerryM, Warhawk014


So... what is the BEST vest?

What would you what to have on when...

[kato4moto]

The "best" vest? First, figure out what level of protection you're likely to need. Personally, I'd go for a IIIA at minimum, but those are the most expensive of the concealable types of armor, and they're definitely heavier/stiffer than Level II.

Those aren't going to do you any good against rifles, however. For that you'd have to step up to Level III or IV, and most of the time you're only getting that protection behind a 10" x 12" plate. If the rifle round hits anywhere on your body not covered by that plate, you're in a world of hurt.

For a potential scenario that you're envisioning, you're probably going to want something like the tactical vests issued to our military troops. They do turn up for sale on occasion, but I don't know how to really determine of they're not stolen government property (which is illegal for us civilians to possess). Look for plate carriers that offer IIIA protection and add the plates front, rear and, if possible, sides. Be advised that some companies (Diamondback Tactical comes to mind) will not sell armor to civilians, only to LEO and .mil clients.

ETA: Hey, my 100th post; I see it makes me a full-fledged site "Member!" Woo hoo!