Body Armor input

[FNGGlock]

I'm looking into getting some body armor, primarily to use when shooting on public land (BLM, etc) and also to keep around in the very unlikely event of some form of SHTF.

The idea of something more flexible than plates that can stop common 556 rounds. If it can potentially stop a stray 308 type round from a few hundred yards out, that would be a bonus. I suspect armor that stops 556 at close range will likely stop 308 rounds at 200yds or more out. The people I go shoot with is not a concern, but on public land there are some parties with questionable gun safety practices.

The FRAS armor looks interesting as it seems to look less Operator LARP, and can potentially be covered by a sweater/jacket on cold days. It is pricey though.

https://safelifedefense.com/concealable-fras-flexible-rifle-armor

Not sure if it will end up being one of those items that you wear once, and then due to weight and discomfort just say screw it and roll the dice. Anybody here that went through something like that, or once you wear it, it just becomes part of the getup like eye/ear pro?

Part of what is driving this is that I get a sense that it is a matter of time before some stupid law gets passed that prevents us from buying armor in CA, and it will take years to get it sorted out.

PS: Didn't put it in prepping as it is more of a common use scenario when out on public land for target shooting with other parties in the area.

[enorbit3]

How often are you on shooting on BLM land? $1500 is pretty steep for that armor if you are only going shooting like once a month or less.

Otherwise you can get high quality plates and a slick carrier for maybe around $1k

Ive got a low viz ferro slickster in black. Can be worn under a jacket or sweater if i pull the mag placard off of it. I went with Hesco 210 plates cuz they were reasonably priced. I think i spend under $500 for the whole setup. If i wanted to get even more low viz, then I could step up to their more expensive, multicurve, lighter weight plates. But since I dont intend on wearing it daily and really its for SHTF, I am ok with it.

[sigstroker]

FRAS is the only level 3 flexy armor I've heard of.

If it's just for the random stray bullet and you're not running into combat, I would be perfectly happy with chinese plates at a hundred or so each.

Going to wear a helmet too? Strays can pop your head as easily as hit your chest, both targets are about the same size.

[hermosabeach]

I have different sets. One is very discreet and no one notices when I wearing it.

Then I have bigger sets used by entry teams for home defense.

It also has several mags and other gear. Bonus flap you can pull down to cover the groin.


Plates cover such a small area.

Any hit by a .223 to 30-06 will destroy a limb, pelvis.... and anything else not covered by a small plate.



I'd put the money towards joining a private club over plates.

If you want plates I probably have a few sets I should sell.

[sigstroker]

Private club? Would be nice, no such thing around me.

[L.A. Saiga]

I'm looking into getting some body armor, primarily to use when shooting on public land (BLM, etc) and also to keep around in the very unlikely event of some form of SHTF.

The idea of something more flexible than plates that can stop common 556 rounds. If it can potentially stop a stray 308 type round from a few hundred yards out, that would be a bonus. I suspect armor that stops 556 at close range will likely stop 308 rounds at 200yds or more out. The people I go shoot with is not a concern, but on public land there are some parties with questionable gun safety practices.

The FRAS armor looks interesting as it seems to look less Operator LARP, and can potentially be covered by a sweater/jacket on cold days. It is pricey though.

https://safelifedefense.com/concealable-fras-flexible-rifle-armor

Not sure if it will end up being one of those items that you wear once, and then due to weight and discomfort just say screw it and roll the dice. Anybody here that went through something like that, or once you wear it, it just becomes part of the getup like eye/ear pro?

Part of what is driving this is that I get a sense that it is a matter of time before some stupid law gets passed that prevents us from buying armor in CA, and it will take years to get it sorted out.

PS: Didn't put it in prepping as it is more of a common use scenario when out on public land for target shooting with other parties in the area.

I suggest a Ferro Concepts Slickster plate carrier (as mentioned above) and a set of Hesco L210 special threat plates HERE

good luck

cheers

[naz]

The people I go shoot with is not a concern, but on public land there are some parties with questionable gun safety practices.

.

+1 on not shooting on public land and joining a private club instead

If you shoot in the summer, I suspect you will not be super happy wearing armor all day long anyway.

[ASD1]

Ok I will bite

If the place you are shooting makes you think you need armor find a different place to go.

As for getting it for SHTF.

Their are a lot of things to take into consideration.

The "gray man" is a better path for most.

Think about this

You are walking with 4 other people.
All of you have similar weapons'
You have visible armor on and the other 4 have on T shirts and jeans

Who would get shot in the face first?

[Tere_Hanges]

I suggest a Ferro Concepts Slickster plate carrier (as mentioned above) and a set of Hesco L210 special threat plates HERE

good luck

cheers

I got rid of my L210s cause single curve plates suck and I wanted something that is rated for M80 ball at the least. The L210 is rated for AK rounds that you arent likely to encounter in the USA. I figure Im more likely to be shot at with a .308win than an obscure AK round. And the L210 is not rated for .308. So I use level 4 when i want to protect against the most threats and level 3 when I want to save weight. SRT plates are a solution in search of a problem.


I also use the Slickster and wear plates when shooting in the Forest. Good training to get used to them and its a little piece of mind when out in middle of nowhere without an RSO.

[Librarian]

Maybe not posting in Survival and Preparations might get you different responses, but the thread there - https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=498169 - seems pretty useful to me.

[M1A Rifleman]

Why would you require BO for shooting on public land?

Wearing BO when shooting at a public range could be justified, especially if Hollywood actors and new IRS trainees are present.

[norcalAF]

I'm looking into getting some body armor, primarily to use when shooting on public land (BLM, etc) and also to keep around in the very unlikely event of some form of SHTF.

The idea of something more flexible than plates that can stop common 556 rounds. If it can potentially stop a stray 308 type round from a few hundred yards out, that would be a bonus. I suspect armor that stops 556 at close range will likely stop 308 rounds at 200yds or more out. The people I go shoot with is not a concern, but on public land there are some parties with questionable gun safety practices.

The FRAS armor looks interesting as it seems to look less Operator LARP, and can potentially be covered by a sweater/jacket on cold days. It is pricey though.

https://safelifedefense.com/concealable-fras-flexible-rifle-armor

Not sure if it will end up being one of those items that you wear once, and then due to weight and discomfort just say screw it and roll the dice. Anybody here that went through something like that, or once you wear it, it just becomes part of the getup like eye/ear pro?

Part of what is driving this is that I get a sense that it is a matter of time before some stupid law gets passed that prevents us from buying armor in CA, and it will take years to get it sorted out.

PS: Didn't put it in prepping as it is more of a common use scenario when out on public land for target shooting with other parties in the area.

Where are you located OP? If the east bay, we should talk...

[norcalAF]

Ok I will bite

If the place you are shooting makes you think you need armor find a different place to go.

As for getting it for SHTF.

Their are a lot of things to take into consideration.

The "gray man" is a better path for most.

Think about this

You are walking with 4 other people.
All of you have similar weapons'
You have visible armor on and the other 4 have on T shirts and jeans

Who would get shot in the face first?

Center of mass like your buddies in tshirts is just as dead and easier to hit....

[Tere_Hanges]

OP, BAO sells unbranded Hesco level 4 multicurve SAPI cut plates. They were on sale for $200/set for the last few months. They are OOS right now but keep an eye out for them. They are heavy but probably good plates and if you are only wearing them while shooting or if SHTF its not a big deal. You probably arent going to be wearing plates all day or hiking long distance.

https://www.bodyarmoroutlet.com/products/bao-4400sh-mc-m-hard-armor-plate-iv-sa-shooters-cut-multi-curve

[madland]

As for getting it for SHTF.


You are walking with 4 other people.
All of you have similar weapons'
You have visible abs and the other 4 have on T shirts and jeans

Who would get shot in the face first?

I think the answer is obvious.