Body Armor Question

[SniperStraz]

I wasn’t really sure where to post this but here goes:
I currently work in security and recently I purchased some used body armor to use on duty. The problem is that the armor is in a 3 panel configuration (like the 1960’s flak vests) and I need to be wearing concealable body armor. Are there any armor carriers that will accommodate a 3 panel system in a concealable fashion?
Thanks for your time.

 

[strambo]

Yes and no. The cost of this option has it almost making more sense to just buy right the first time. http://beezcombatsystems.com/BCS-I-LBAV-BCS-I.htm

Entry level vests can be had new for less than $300

 

[IlikeSA]

I would be very cautious about buying or using a used vest. The material used to make them degrades over time, meaning the vest gets weaker and weaker, and may not stop what it is rated to stop. I would suggest buying a new vest in the configuration that you want.

 

[woerm]

second chance

Second chance still makes a sandwich board which I have a version of that I used when I was working down on the border.

It is light and conceals well.

wear a tee shirt under it at the very least. the carrier has a mesh that will rub you raw.

With a dark colored dress shirt it is all but invisible. SO didn't notice I was wearing it unless she was hugging me.

It may help that it just made me look 20# heavier and the shirt was bloused out like I had a (worse) pot gut.

r

 

[NMGonzo]

must ... resist ... mall ninja ...

 

[Rail Driver]

There's nothing "mall ninja" about taking advantage of concealable body armor, especially for those of us that live in/travel to more dangerous areas. I'm in Detroit at least once a year (grew up there, family is there) and in Louisville as much as possible. There have been many times I wished I had body armor, and I'm thankful I have a vest now. Even a concealable vest, however, can have an effect on carry configurations. I find it difficult to carry IWB while wearing the vest, for example.

 

[alohachris]

We all wore body armor when I was a paramedic. 'Mall Ninja'? Only if your wearing it in the mall with a SAAPI plate duct taped to the back to stop those multiple .308 rounds while your team takes cover.

 

[NMGonzo]

There's nothing "mall ninja" about taking advantage of concealable body armor, especially for those of us that live in/travel to more dangerous areas. I'm in Detroit at least once a year (grew up there, family is there) and in Louisville as much as possible. There have been many times I wished I had body armor, and I'm thankful I have a vest now. Even a concealable vest, however, can have an effect on carry configurations. I find it difficult to carry IWB while wearing the vest, for example.

It was a joke, of course.

If I would take that money truck gig I would be wearing my own body armor ... heck ... I would sell all the toys but the Ruger .357 to get one.

 

[Zoogster]

Only if your wearing it in the mall with a SAAPI plate duct taped to the back to stop those multiple .308 rounds while your team takes cover.

It was .338 Lapua, not .308!
Which is about twice as powerful.
Which is important in the context of making it even funnier, because it is more of a long range or sniper round than even a battle rifle round.



A lot of people have uses for body armor.
Second Chance Body Armor for example was started by a pizza deliveryman. A very dangerous job with a very high rate of armed robbery.

A typical store clerk in a small convenience store, especially in a bad area or near one is more likely to have a gun pointed at them than most police officers.
I know liquor stores that often had multiple monthly armed robberies in street gang territories.
Being favorite places for the local thugs to go get some quick cash.

Taxi drivers are victims of homicides at several times of the rate of police officers.
It is in fact the job someone is more likely to be a victim of homicide while doing than anything else they keep statistics on in the United States.
(Certain types of store clerks may be higher, but they lump most retail stores together, which I am sure brings down the statistical rate quite a bit.)

 

[Rail Driver]

It was a joke, of course.

If I would take that money truck gig I would be wearing my own body armor ... heck ... I would sell all the toys but the Ruger .357 to get one.

I didn't have to sell all my toys, but I did trade my Rem 870 12ga for a Second Chance IIIa vest. It conceals nicely (though as others have mentioned it looks a bit like I've gained 15-20 lbs... not a bad thing when you're 5'7" and 150lbs) and is comfortable to wear all day as long as I've got an undershirt. Also not bad to ride in the car with it on. I'm thinking that I'm going to have to go from IWB carry to SOB or 3 o'clock carry OWB. Florida doesn't have open carry (except in specific circumstances) so that option is out for me until I move back to Kentucky.

 

[SniperStraz]

Thank you for all the info. The plates are not too old and I think they will be ok. I just need to find a 3 piece conversion carrier that doesn't cost as much as a new vest.
Any other options?

 

[owsi26]

I've been bashed for sharing this, but I think body armour makes sense, if for no other reason, for home defense. A bump in the night and we grab a gun and light and go investigate - in our drawers or PJs.

For the cost of a gun, you could slip on body armour that might save your life, therefore allowing you to continue the fight so you can save your family.

Nope, haven't bought one yet, partly because it is rather confusing what to buy and from whom. Any suggestions from those who have purchased. It could also come in handy for my P.I. work and my stopping for stranded motorists, some who might be conducting a drug deal!

 

[woerm]

bump in the night

owsi26

For the cost of a gun, you could slip on body armour that might save your life, therefore allowing you to continue the fight so you can save your family.

Yup,

That's why even though I'm back in Glitter Gulch (rapidly turning into Furnace Flats) the second chance is under a cushion in the chair beside the bed.
PJ's are not much in the way of armor.

woerm

 

[GlockStar]

Contact Diamondback tactical.