Bullet proof vest info

[richie3888]

I don't know if I'm in the wrong section. If I am. I'm sorry
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I'm looking for information about bullet proof vest.
I'm getting a armed guard job soon and they said I need to provide my known vest. I was wondering what would be the best type vest for a armed guard to have?

[theneko]

Sorry-don't know too much about them. Hopefully others will chime in. I think you need to know what level you need (level IIA, etc) then check out companies like Second Chance.

[BayAreaShooter]

What do you want to know?

[Plisk]

First of all, nothing is Bullet-Proof is it only how Bullet-Resistant the particular article is.

[richie3888]

What do you want to know?

I was wondering what would be the best type vest for a armed guard to have?

[the_natterjack]

Here you go.

http://bulletproofme.com/Quick_Answers.shtml

Concealed, Level IIA would stop just about everything short of rifle rounds.

IIA is thinner, lighter, and is a bit easier to move around in. You will get hot in all of them.

Good Luck!, be safe.

Brian

[g19222721]

Common at one point was to get a vest that would stop the rounds that you carried in case of a gun take away, and were shot by your own weapon.

My thoughts is to buy the best that you can afford.

[Cali-Shooter]

Don't get a vest that is below IIIa ballistic protection rating.
That is also the maximum rating possible for concealed protection (with the exception of Lvl IV rifle plates carried in an undershirt carrier).

[glockman19]

look at dragonskin, Second chance.

Also, what are you protecting from? At very least I would want a level IIIA vest to protect from .357 & .44 mag. here is what diffferent ratings will stop:

Type IIIAType IIIType IV

[dave3223]

Just an opinion, so take it for what its worth... concealable vests typically come in level IIA, II, and IIIA. For the work that you describe, any of the above will typically work. A lot of it depends on how much you are looking to spend and how concealable versus "bulky" you desire. Typically, you will hear that vests have a 5-year warranty and some may tell you to stay away from used vests that are older than this time-frame. This will have some merit depending on the amount of "use" that the used vest has seen, however if it has been stored much of the time, then the panels should be good.

Regardless of what you actually purchase (new versus used as well as what level of vest you get), make sure you look at the removable panels in the vest. These are the actual bullet proof materials that will stop the bullet from killing/seriously hurting you. Look at them to determine the type of material that was used and the actual condition of the panels. If possible, look for the panels to be made of Kevlar. If you see that they are made of ZYLON, it is best to stay away based on research that found that this material did wear down quicker than kevlar.

Based on the fact that you are an armed guard, you might want to consider a few questions before deciding what is best. How long are your shifts? How much money do you want to spend? How much use will the vest see? What are you guarding? The answer to these questions will all impact what level of protection you will need. Basically, the more money, more use, and greater level of importance of what you are guarding (bank vs. storefront for example) will all impede what level of protection you feel is best for you to get.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[richie3888]

How much use will the vest see? What are you guarding?

I would be working 40 hours a week. I'm guarding town homes in "Richmond,CA". Money is not an issue. I want the best vest out there but I don't want it to kill me wearing it. I hate the bulky one. I'm thinking of getting a level 3a or 3. My friend told me to go to this place called Galls in San Francisco. I'm sure they can answer all of my questions.

Thanks everyone.

[dave3223]

If money is no object, then definitely go with a level IIIA vest. Galls is a great company. In addition, American Body Armor (ABA) is also excellent. Both of them make panels that are ligher in overall weight, but still offer excellent protection up to level IIIA. Based on my knowledge (take it for what its worth), the Galls vests are also cheaper than ABA. Again, with money being no issue, buy new and that way you also have no concerns or fears about how the previous owner used the vest.

In terms of going wth a level III, you will not find a vest in that level of protection. Level III and Level IV refer to rifle plates meant to stop rifle caliber bullets. Level III plates are either "in conjuction" (meaning you have to use this with a level IIIA vest) or stand alone (meaning you do not need a vest to be used with it) while level IV plates are stand alone. Level III or IV plates would definitely be heavy and not something that would be comfortable to wear during a particular shift.

Also, it is recommended that you also purchase a "trauma plate" which is a small plate (approximately 4"x6") that usually slips into a pocket on the front of a vest. This helps to deflect blunt force trauma from the impact of a bullet hitting your vest in the vital areas around the heart. It will add to the costs but well worth it. In any regards, be safe!

[richie3888]

Thanks I just bought a galls vest. They didn't have any black ones in stock so i have to wait two weeks to get mine in. It was $416 out the door.(not including trauma plate) I went to galls in San Francisco.