Arrgh!

[ZombieKiller]

So, my budget is very tight, and I have a choice... either a Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special ($399 on Buds), or body armor ($225 at gunshow)... which would one would you guys buy on a tight budget... OR would you buy something else that costs about the same or less? thanks for your guys humble opinions.

BTW, I already own a 1911 and an XD40, if that makes a difference to the question at hand

 

[Big45]

Don't get the body armor just take a couple manhole covers and duct tape them to each other.

 

[Gord]

What are your perceived uses for each?

I really can't think of any practical application for body armor. If something goes down, you're not gonna have time to strap it on; if you're actively wearing it, you should (unless compelled to stay by necessity) not be in that area to begin with

But that's me. YMMV, etc.

 

[exar]

The body armor is useless. This would be a no brainer for me.

 

[Dr. Fresh]

Body armor is really only useful if SHTF, an unlikely scenario. Then again, if you ever need it you'll wish you had it.

 

[FlyinBryan]

i voted other.

i hope this is not too far off base but with the upcoming election and the uncertainties that lay ahead i might suggest a nice low buck semi auto rifle. maybe an ak or some variant thereof would fit into your price range and once you have it its yours to keep.

there is also so much you can do with one that you cant do with a low power cartridge like a 38.

if you decide to get the body armor keep in mind it wouldnt do you anygood against some calibers

(like the one i suggested)

sorry if its out of the question

 

[ZombieKiller]

sorry if its out of the question

no, this is very helpful in fact. I was actually thinking of picking up an AK or AK pistol at a gun show if the price is right. More suggestions or advice on this topic is more than welcome!

 

[distra]

Tight budget, already have 1911 and XD40, I'd skip both the armor and the .38 and drop that money on some ammo. The only practical body armor for a civi is a vest. Mr. Ayood would probably agree so if you can pick up a light weight BP vest for $200 go for it. Chances are your money would be better spent on ammo. Just my $0.02

 

[Leone]

I would take the armor if i dont had much cash, because it dosen't require so much money after you bought it xD
The pistol does require more money in ammunitions etc so. But its all depending on HOW small your budget is =P

 

[kingpin008]

Skip the armor. As others said, it's not usually that useful, and unless you buy direct from the manufacturer or a reputable dealer, you have no idea how old/what condition it's in. Body armor can be pretty suscpetible to improper storage and useage conditions, and $225 sounds pretty cheap to me. I'd be suspect of it's effectiveness, honestly.

 

[esq_stu]

Ammo

 

[GEM]

Zombies will eat your legs and arms, leaving you as a crying torso. With a 642, you might get 5 of them.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Do you have a rifle or shotgun yet? You could probably find a Mossberg 500 or SKS that would be in your budget.

 

[Eyesac]

Zombies will eat your legs and arms, leaving you as a crying torso. With a 642, you might get 5 of them.

HA! Yeah like someone already said, if it's used body armor you could be buying a pretty useless vest. I vote for a gun, a nice shiny new (to you) gun.

 

[MikePGS]

I hear that instead of body armor, you can simply tape ceramic plating to your back, and get a briefcase with similar ceramic plates in it to protect your head. Then while someone is sending hot chunks of .308 lead at you, you and your SO can assemble the Singleshot .300 winchester magnum you have (in your other briefcase) and return fire. At least, thats what I read on the internet....

 

[JKimball]

Do you already have some good concealable holsters?

Have you ever gone through a defensive handgun class?

Have you ever shot IDPA style competitions?

Do you have a shotgun?

Those are some things I'd spend money on before getting another handgun or body armor.

 

[ZombieKiller]

Do you have a rifle or shotgun yet?

Yesh, I gots a Maverick 88. I feel like the Maverick is one of the best buys for shotties

Do you already have some good concealable holsters?

Just got a DeSantis shoulder holster for my 1911. Then I have a standard holster for my XD.

 

[Farnorthdan]

+1 on the Ammo and high cap mags for the guns you already have....just my .02.

DS

 

[gotime242]

I voted other as well.

You already have two good autos.

Get a remington 870.

 

[bdickens]

Training.

 

[Handgunner]

Ammo.

 

[possum]

i say get the model 642, i am rtying to pick one up this weekend myself.

 

[hso]

Other: Training and Ammo