After a recent incident at work that almost left me with a bullet in me an my partners chest. (I'm a private armed security guard) I'm in the market for a ballistic vest (threat level IIIA)

Also i rather not go into details about the incident because i have a feeling I'm going to have to go to court an i dont want what i say to have any bearing on if the guy is charged or not.


Does anyone recommend a good company? I heard second chance is a good one, I have exactly $1,200 that my company has given me for a vest.


Hard or soft trauma plates?

I need it to be semi-concealable, because i dont wear the rent-a-cop uniforms, i wear a black suit and tie.


Any suggestions?

 

Also my holster is on my hip, but covered by my jacket. Would the vest and holster touch an make it uncomfurtable to sit or move a certain way?

 

Are you the Men In Black? Sounds like a cool job. Stay safe

 

If i was black i would look just like Will Smith

It's a pretty fun job, nothing usually too serious though. This was the first time there was gun fire exchanged in almost 4 years.

 

Since you are trying to keep it concealed, it may limit you on types and brands. IIIA is a good choice. Wearing under the shirt did not rub against my duty weapon to bad. I have been in an outside tactical vest for about 5 years now. Depending which holster I use, it can definetely rub my pistol when sitting. You may want to try a shoulder holster.
Any vest is better than no vest these days! I for one would vote for a tactical vest any day over in the shirt. So easy to slip out of for a few minutes. Very important in the south's heat!
Soft trauma plates, BTW. Also keep in mind their supposed to be replaced every 3 years i think it is.

 

ahhh the adrenaline of being shot at, nothing quite like it!

but anyway, we use Interceptor Body Armor with E-SAPI plates, not sure what the price is...but I know for fact that the E-SAPI can take multiple 7.62 rounds and all you'll walk away with is some broken ribs maybe a collapsed lung, and a sweet as bruise....or you can look into Dragon Skin that stuff I hear is pretty good too

that stuff might be too bulky for you though

 

SafariLand or Second Chance are good choices! I'm not a big fan of metal Shock plates! Don't need any richochets going up your Skull & Brain!....

 

That was my first time having to exchange gun fire with a suspect. Luckily, Neither me nor my partner were hurt in any way. The incident 4 years ago, was my partner. Not me. I've only work here for going on 3 years this July. Yeah....I'm still kinda shaken up a little, HUGE adrenaline rush. But...they say fear keeps you alive right?

Why soft trauma plates? Whats the difference in hard and soft?



The shoulder holster is a good idea, I dident even consider that. That would make it alot more comfurtable when im sitting down or driving. Everytime i get in the truck I ALWAYS have to take my holster off because it rubs agenst my seatbelt an sometimes opens and i dont want to risk my gun falling out of the holster and possibly discharging.

 

Safariland with the soft trauma plate and a shoulder holster. You'll love them. Also get some underarmor t shirts because even in MI it will get hot.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I just ordered a shoulder holster online an i plan on going to get a vest this friday (payday) at a local police supply company.

 

damn dude where the f do you work, a five star bank?

 

What kind of firearm do you carry?

But yeah, with a good quality shoulder holster you would have both comfort and concealability.

 

Point Blank Vision SFT is the way to go. I've used Second Chance as well, they would be my second choice.

SOFT trauma plate for sure. They will absorb most of the impact better than a hard plate but might allow the bullet to penetrate a little farther. That being said, I'd rather that than worry about a deflecting bullet.

I'm not a big fan of the shoulder holster, but to each his own. It's always been harder for me to draw from that position, especially if you need to make a quick draw.

I personally use and highly recommend a AccuMold Paddle Holster with a Glock 22. This way you can move it to a more comfortable part of your belt in the car, and also remove it easier if need be. The only disadvantage would be that some say they are more difficult to draw if you are already engaged with an assailant.

What weapon do you carry on duty?

 

cbarronx23- Thanks for your good infromation, It was very helpfull



Not a bank, but they have about as much money as a bank an its not in "the best" neighborhood. I personally would rather not name the company, because right off the bat you'll know were i work.

I have my concealed carry permit an I carry my Springfield XD in .40acp (black)
I also flex cuffs on me, because i dont like the annoying rattleing handcuffs cause even when they are in a holster.

 

Ditch that baby for a glock and next time someone's shooting at you you would drop them in 2 shots.

I want to put a LaserMax in but I'm not allowed