Wearing Body Armor in the Range...

[xrMike]

Everyone should, Period. Shows mindset and sets you apart from all the clowns/sheeple.

Yeah, it sets you apart all right:

[hkuspc40]

I'm w/ Lehn20 on the leather jacket or at least the Joe Rocket Ballistic nylon vest when riding. As a ex-rider (2002 748s), I dont' understand those that choose to ride in only a t-shirt/tank top, etc.
Back to the subject. I would wear a tshirt on top of the vest so that you wouldn't look like a mall ninja. U know how we Californians are....always pokin fun at others who's diff than the accepted norm.

[SigShooter]

Total mall ninja stuff. I saw a guy at Reeds the other day in a vest and I had to start laughing. Just silly looking in my opinion...and the fact he was about 50 pounds overweight didn't help. If one is that paranoid best stay at home.

You sure it was a vest and not a girdle?

No, I have never worn a vest (or felt the need to since I don't own one) to the range. Even during IDPA shoots I've never felt like I needed to.

The only time I have ever been swept at the range was by an older Chinese lady (late 40's early 50's) that was being taught how to shoot a 92FS by her son. I watched her insert a mag, release the slide and as she was looking for the safety (which wasn't on) she decided to point the business end at my forehead. I've never yelled at anyone that much older than me before, but the situation called for it. Her and her son were very apologetic, but suffice to say I was done shooting pistols for the day. A vest wouldn't have done me any good that day.

[SJgunguy24]

I'm w/ Lehn20 on the leather jacket or at least the Joe Rocket Ballistic nylon vest when riding. As a ex-rider (2002 748s), I dont' understand those that choose to ride in only a t-shirt/tank top, etc.
Back to the subject. I would wear a tshirt on top of the vest so that you wouldn't look like a mall ninja. U know how we Californians are....always pokin fun at others who's diff than the accepted norm.

Living brain doner!

[Beelzy]

The day I feel the need to wear a vest at a range is the same day I kick the person's arse who made me feel that way.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Wow, I didn't know Gecko45 was back...

I can understand if you are required to wear it for work. But otherwise it seems to me that you guys are heading into mall ninja territory. If you are that uncomfortable at the range you shoot at, find another range.

-Mb

[jazman]

Well, if you really feel the need for protection at the range may as well start with a good foundation in your dress:

http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/5-11-Tactical-Underwear-40004-019-3XL-Mens-Boxer-Brief-Black-3XL/28404/Cat/162?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=1184&cvsfe=2&cvsfp=28404

[N6ATF]

LOL on so many levels.

[tacticalcity]

Never felt the need. Maybe at a serious tactical school like those of Front Sight or BlackWater, but even there I have never felt the need. After all Front Sight is in Nevada...it gets darn hot out there. As far as at the local range, the way they run them here in CA you barely get a chance to shoot at the targets much less others :-) No controlled pairs (some people call them double taps but there is a difference because you actually aim), no working from the holster. Most ranges suck here. I usually drive up to the open range in Oroville once a month just so I can train the way I was tought to. From the holster, two to the chest, pause, headshot, glance side to side quickly. Scan side to side with the handgun slightly (in real life you would scan everywhere looking for more bad guys but you can't do that on the range because it would mean muzzeling people). Reholster, do it again, and again, and again until my groups and times are a handswidth apart. Then again, I like self abuse.

[Maddog5150]

Me thinks the OP just wants the thumbs up from everyone here to make himself feel less mall ninja like.
One of my jobs is a pistol range instructor and I never fealt the need to wear body armor even with twenty or so noobs on the line drawing hot.
****, I didnt even want to wear my body armor at benning when I was at the range, that ****s uncomfortable and i was around total re-re's
Yes there is a difference between being prepared and being paranoid. Having a gun in your nightstand is being prepared. Digging in fox holes around your house and sleeping in your bathtub with hundreds of rounds of ammo and your dog is paranoid. not prepared. being "prepared" shouldnt be the feel good word used to make it feel alright to make shooters look like tardos by going mall ninja to the local range.

[4thSeal]

lvl IIIa w/ IV plates when I do any handgun or carbine training / shooting. No armor when I do long range rifle

[tombinghamthegreat]

You could wear something similar to this

[megavolt121]

I don't. If I feel that I will not be safe at a range, I never go back.

Now I shoot on a private range so if anyone shoots me, its me.

Seriously, if you go to a range and observe unsafe behavior, tell the RM, and keep an eye on the shooter. If nothing is done, pack up and leave and reassess if this is the type of range you want to go to. After having a loaded gun pointed at me once (by accident) and the RM did nothing after I reported it, I boycotted a Bay Area Range.

[DedEye]

As the Sergeant of a three-man Rapid Tactical Force at one of America’s largest indoor retail shopping areas, I have my men train as we fight. We wear full combat loads including a second trauma plate duct taped to the outside of the plate carriers.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Not since I retired, 20 years was enough <laugh>!

Might when I go to a refresher class later this month, tactical movement drills when you don't know everyone there is where an accident just might happen.