Bulletproof Vests on eBay

[rrc1962]

Is this for real?

Bullet Proof Bulletproof Vest Self Defense Body Armor - eBay (item 350161619850 end time Feb-09-09 20:19:00 PST)

They seem to be shipping out of Isreal. There are a number of listings all around $300. There is one US based listing shipping from WA state. I ran across this looking for a scope mount. I thought a good vest cost a couple grand.

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by rrc1962

Is this for real?

Bullet Proof Bulletproof Vest Self Defense Body Armor - eBay (item 350161619850 end time Feb-09-09 20:19:00 PST)

They seem to be shipping out of Isreal. There are a number of listings all around $300. There is one US based listing shipping from WA state. I ran across this looking for a scope mount. I thought a good vest cost a couple grand.

I'd love to see a "bullet proof" vest for ANY price. I know that you can get a good "bullet resistant" vest for around $300 shipped new. Highly doubt that there is such a thing as a "bullet proof" vest.

PM me if you want ordering info.



gf

[wolfhunter]

Level III-A protection. Resistant up to 9mm FMJ and .44 Magnum SWC, according to their specs.

[rrc1962]

Of course I meant bullet resistant. Even a armored personnel carrier is not bullet proof given the proper bullet. Who sells them for $300 shipped? Is Level III-A good? Obviously won't stop a high powered rifle round, but would this level of protection be considered OK for average street use?

[wolfhunter]

Level III-A is resistant up to most pistol rounds and some rifle rounds. It's also heavy and warm.
Level III is resistant up to 7.62 NATO. It is heavier and warmer.

[rrc1962]

Is there a level III-A option that is light and cool or is that just the nature of the beast? The vests the cops wear under their cloths seem pretty thin and comfortable. Granted, I've never worn a department issued vest, but they wear them all day in the summer heat.

[wolfhunter]

In December '08, I overheard a FL State Trooper request a tow truck (the truck driver was in the gun store at the time) to change his tire for him. Level IIIA is warm, nature of the beast.

[rrc1962]

Do the cops wear III-A? My guess is that they do since it stops most handgun rounds.

[Glock Fan]

I've worn Level II, II-A, III and III-A vests for various work assignments. The Level III-A was warm, but considering the circumstances, I'd rather be "warm" than face the consequences.

There are trauma packs that can be inserted into many models of vests that will stop rifle rounds and higher powered handguns.

Here's a guide as to what to expect from the various levels of body armor:

• Level I offers the most basic protection. It’s the same ballistic vest issued during the NIJ demonstration project of the 1970s.
• Level II-A offers greater protection, from lower velocity 9mm and 40 S&W ammunition.
• Level II offers even greater protection like higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition.
• Level III-A is the highest protection available for concealable, ballistic vests. Level III-A protects against most handguns and all the weapons from the previous three levels.

Check out this link for more information on the history and selection of body armor: Ballistic Vests, Introduction - Galls

Check out the various LE supply companies like Police Equipment - Public Safety Equipment - Police Uniforms : Galls, ISP - Body Armor - Bullet Proof Vests - Air Taser M 18, Concealable Vests, Ballistic Wall Panes

Looks like prices have gone up slightly, but here's a few examples of economical but dependable vests. Galls® Lite Extended Level II Body Armor - BP382 : Galls Galls® Lite Contour Level II Body Armor - BP384 : Galls Concealable Body Armor

Shop around and find the best armor that you can afford and would be comfortable wearing. I prefer Kevlar, but there are other materials out there.



gf

[rrc1962]

Thanks for those links. Looks like level II offers a good balance between comfort and protection for relatively low threat security work. Looks like level II and level III-A will basically stop the same caliber but you'd sustain more blunt trauma with level II.