So I was talking to a coworker and a LEO, and the topic of armor came up.

What do you guys think about civilians strapping up plate carriers? Is it absurd? Is it necessary? Is it overkill? Dorky or whatever?

Why do some of you guys own a PC? Or why not?

How would you see yourself getting into a situation where you would need your plates/what would justify your armor purchase?

And finally, what’re you gear guys sporting?

I personally bought my slick plate carrier because the molle was unnecessary for my style of shooting, minimalistic and lightweight. Also, I’m afraid of gangster grip glock guy might pepper my back in the woods. And spiders. They’re the real home intruders.
Lastly, as a plus, I can use my plate carrier as a weighted vest for all my workouts; be it pull-ups, pushups, sprints, etc.

I have an AR500 plate that will stop a .50 cal, and a soft pistol cal plate. Partially because I'm a prepper, partially because there are people that want to ban our ownership of these items. Also it's good to have if you go shooting at the Triangle pit on the weekend.

I have armor because it's one of those things that doesn't cost a hell of a lot for what it provides - an extra layer of protection from lethal force if shit ever hits the fan. I don't ever plan to use it, but if I do, it could very well be the difference between me walking away from a firefight and not. I think of it like my EDC; I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Plus what Chuck said...I don't take kindly to people telling me I shouldn't/can't have something.

Are you a journalist?

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Because its Murica

Depends on where you are and what situation you are in if I’m putzing around Enumclaw or eastern wa, I probably don’t need it as much. If I’m walkinng around the Auburn Federal Way area you damned sure I would be in a hurt locker bomb proof suit with a belt fed SAW and not feel too outgunned.

For my private journal sure

Is it necessary? I guess if you're getting shot at, then pretty much yes.

Why own them? It's a $500 insurance policy if your world view includes believing the world is unpredictable, potentially extremely violent, and you own guns to defend yourself/family. Keeping in mind that other people also own guns, body armor is very handy at stopping many ballistic threats.

And if your world view is that the world is hunky-dory and safe - turn on the news for a few hours.

Think of it this way - if you had a time/space displacement machine and could go to any crime scene or battlefield in history and offer the GSW victim a bullet resistant armor for the equivalent of a few-days' wages, how many would decline it?

As for fitness, that's one of the benefits of a set of steel plates. Excellent double duty for fitness and useful armor. The other benefit of steel is thinner, they don't crack, and they don't expire, and are often less expensive. However the ceramic and newer materials are lighter. Ceramic can also offer greater protection levels, but the tech changes frequently.

Yes, I think any gun owner (who presumably has the world view that they might need a firearm for self defense) should have a set of body armor b/c self defense is a two way range. I don't see myself "getting into a situation" where I will need body armor. But if you watch the news, sometimes situations come to you - mostly likely a sudden riot, surge of violence, home invasions, etc. Prudent to have 4 things in your home: A gun (and training), a phone, a first aid bag, and body armor. I can literally get out of bed, don a vest that will stop 12 gauge and below, be armed, and have 911 on the line in less than 10 seconds. (I also have a fairly well secured home, and someone would have to make a lot of noise to get in.) I'd venture that combination puts me ahead of the home-invasion survival curve over ~80-90% of Americans, and 99% of the world.

And finally, buy 'em before the hypocrites with armed guards with body armor living behind walls try to ban them...

Any reason why civilians shouldn't own armor? I can't think of any.

You do you.

Yup, I can't think of any reason why a civilian shouldn't own armor. It doesn't impede anyone else's way of life...

When the government says you shouldn't have armor, you should have armor?

Pretty much the only reason I own some.

AR500 has pretty reasonable prices.
https://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor- ... 10x12.html
I like owning things that are illegal in other states, just to say I have it.
Body armor...check
Large capacity mags....check
Slide fire stock.....check
AR-15 with all the do dads....check
Suppressors.....check.
Full auto? Not yet, but.............($$$$$$$)

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.


I think in order to do so, a little body armor might help with this. Because in the event people are called upon, you know the government will have it. You wouldn't go into a gunfight naked with just a stick now would you?