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12/3/2002 6:31:50 PM EDT
Anyone know who some good manufacturers are for bullet proof vests?

Thanks
12/3/2002 6:44:52 PM EDT
[#1]
Second Chance.
12/3/2002 7:25:47 PM EDT
[#2]
SafariLand and US Armor as well
12/3/2002 7:29:07 PM EDT
[#3]
I will second Second Chance.

Make sure you get a Kevlar vest as Spectra can lose its ballistic properties from a single exposure to hot (180+) temperature.
12/3/2002 10:05:55 PM EDT
[#4]
There is a good discussion from the law-enforcement forum:
Goodbye PointBlank, Hello Second Chance
Ok I am going to get a second chance superfeatherlite,what options should I get?
12/4/2002 3:23:38 AM EDT
[#5]
Extreme makes super light vests.
12/4/2002 3:46:35 PM EDT
[#6]
American Body Armour

cheap ... will stop every load I could put out of my 38spl 9mm 40s&W 22lr 12g 2 3/4 (shot not slugs) even after the 5 yrs ...
12/4/2002 6:04:42 PM EDT
[#7]
Point Blank www.dhbt.com/pointblank.asp
12/4/2002 6:13:23 PM EDT
[#8]
You could try Ihopetheydontshootmeinthehead.com
12/4/2002 6:28:37 PM EDT
[#9]
I have personally used Second Chance, US Armor, American Body Armor and currently have a Safariland ZERO-G Gold Level IIIa.  It is very flexible and can be seperated form the exterior covers which can easily be washed.  My previous vests were like wearing a cast.  You will sweat with ANY vest, but this is definitely more compfortable.  Also marked outer carriers can be purchased for the balistic panels.  Make sure you get the trauma plate..
12/4/2002 6:31:37 PM EDT
[#10]
Second Chance

Rich Davis is a complete gun nut (I miss the bowling pin shoot), and a HUGE supporter of the second amendment and YOUR right to own guns.  He's not some corporate wienie.

Back in the day, before the doctors told him to stop, he would regularly demonstrate his stuff by shooting himself with a .44 mag (phone book under the vest).  He's probably been shot and lived more than any man on earth.
12/4/2002 10:40:17 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
American Body Armour

cheap ... will stop every load I could put out of my 38spl 9mm 40s&W 22lr 12g 2 3/4 (shot not slugs) even after the 5 yrs ...


I don't have that much experience in vests, but I think the magic question about the stopping power of a vest, not only terms of caliber but also the suvivalibililty of the wearer after multiple hits(say from a double-tap or a full auto) because most vests tend to bunch up after the first hit, and become ineffective on subsequent hits.
12/4/2002 11:13:22 PM EDT
[#12]
Good thread.  Now we need some links to distributors and places where we can actually get these things.

I'm personally looking for a vest that will stop a .45acp or a .357 mag, those are the highest calibers I seriously expect to meet in the area in which I live, and I want the vest to do this without need of a trauma plate, because I want concealability and flexibility.  Weight is less of an issue but is still important, I'm envisioning wearing this thing when I go out with friends on a Friday night or whatever.  

I'm also interested, although less so, in a super-heavy vest for stationary "defend the fort" use or for short term use where I KNOW I'm going to get into a scrape so I need the most defense I can possibly get.  

But first I need links and prices.

Any opinions on the second-hand police vests for sale at www.bulletproofme.com?  Anyone with experience?  Sounds too good to be true.
12/5/2002 12:47:10 AM EDT
[#13]
Actually, it's bullet resistant and not proof. If you'd been paying attention in the media, I'd shy away from PointBlank vests for the time being. Oh, NYPD issued me a PointBlank, guess what I wear?
12/5/2002 8:57:57 PM EDT
[#14]
what I was getting at is that I evaluated what I'd come in contact with while I work ... more specifically what I carry (38 and 12gauge) ... figure if it can handle it its all good ... no sense on wearing a level IV when ya don't need it ...

I mean if you want to be all the way safe ... stay home =)
12/5/2002 11:30:42 PM EDT
[#15]
Is p.a.c.a. any good?
12/6/2002 3:01:35 PM EDT
[#16]

Quoted:
Is p.a.c.a. any good?


PACA makes a good, no frills vest.  I don’t think it’s still true, but at one time the FBI, Secret Service and ATF all used PACA vests.

However, PACA sizes can be a little too generic.  This isn’t much of a problem for males, but their female vests don’t always fit too well.

On the other hand, the really nice thing about Second Chance is that while they’re a bit on the pricey side, they will go the extra mile to insure that your vest fits you.

While I’m not sure their prices are especially good, www.galls.com might be worth checking out.
12/6/2002 5:17:35 PM EDT
[#17]
When the NYPD was issuing us PointBlank vests, I planned on using my own money to buy a Second Chance vest.  Now that the are issuing my class the Second Chance vest, I'll have money to spend on my off duty weapon.
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