Gh armor system

[russ209]

I have a question for you more seasoned LEO's. I was issued the standard Gh armor system concealable vest by my department. It is a level three carrier and my question is can I throw some rifle plates in it also? Had a run in with a guy with a rifle the other day and It made me miss my sapi plates I had in the military. Also any reviews on concealable body armor is appreciated as this carrier has seen better days and when I get my uniform allowance I plan on buying my own vest. Thanks Russ

[P5Ret]

It's a level III carrier or a IIIa carrier? I've never seen a concealable hard armor vest, not saying there isn't one I've just not seen one. I'd think a hard armor vest would be way too bulky to wear under a uniform shirt, or every day all day.

[mixicus]

I'm guessing you got the standard concealable carrier. It is for soft body armor which can get you to a 3a level. The plate pockets in the vest are for trauma or special threat plates (5"x8" or 8"x10"). These plates are 'hard' typically with a 3a rating as well. They are not rifle plates. The advantage to the special/trauma plates for added blunt force and back face deformation protection. Again NOT rifle protection.

If you want rifle protection (level 3 or 4), you'll need a dedicated carrier to uparmor when the situation calls for it. Remember these plates are around 3/4" thick and weigh in between 5 and 8 lbs each. Not exactly comfortable to wear for a full shift and not concealable.

For plates and a carrier, visit bulletproofme.com. Good prices and selection and a helpful staff. Take a look at their level 4, multi hit, triple curve, shooters cut plates for about $200/ea. You can run those in a Shellback Banshee carrier. Put a "police" velcro patch front and back and you have a basic up armor package for around $600. If you want to turn it into an active shooter/IAT rig, put a triple mag shingle for your AR or kangaroo punch (3 pistol and 3 rifle mags). Then hang your trauma kit off it.

As for reviews of soft concealable armor...stick with a known name like the Safariland family or US Armor. For comfort, get the vest "fit" to you. The rep will measure you like for a suit. I have also seen programs were you can send in measurements. My "fit" vest in level 3a was much more comfortable than a standard sized level 2.

[hey_scooter]

It's all about cost.

You can buy low profile steel plates that can stop 7.62 and are thinner than ESAPI, but you're going to pay out your nose and then some. You can even get them lighter if you go ceramic, but again, more $$$ (and durability can become a concern).

Lots of new body armor retailers are selling AR500 plates that are sold for different types of cuts and carriers, but they are heavier and a bit bulkier. That said, they are affordable. This seems to be the choice of most of the active shooter/emergency response kits that people are looking into. This type of setup can be had with a carrier in the 300-400 dollar range if you're running cheap. Just be careful, the cheaper, the less quality and less comfort you get.

Bottom line, there isn't a lot available that's meant to stop rifle rounds that is meant to be worn full time and concealable. And what you do find will be expensive. It's all about on how much you think it's worth.

[CBR_rider]

+1 on having your next vest custom fit to you. US Armor is in Cerritos and has been very good about taking care of individual LEO's needing armor. There are plenty of other good options out there as well; just make absolutely sure that you get it fitted right.

As for plates to stop rifle rounds; if this was something I was going to wear full time I would consider something like this http://www.midwestarmor.com/body-armor/venture-fm3