Bulletproof vest for Security job?

[Punisher84]

Hey guys I need some advice. I figure self-defense is about as close on the topic as I could get so I'll put this here.

I just got a full-time job as a security guard on dayshift. The area I'll be working in isn't very bad, but I will be unarmed and there is always a chance as we all know. So here's my question, if my employer doesn't provide me one, where could I buy a good bulletproof vest? I believe the company is going to go armed in the next year, but as of right now they are not and I'd like to have at least something to even the odds a bit.

[molonlabetn]

Check these guys out: http://www.securityprousa.com/cocosiprii.html

Congrats on the new job... Stay safe!

[Punisher84]

Thanks man!

[Guest Phantom6]

Unarmed with a uniform and a badge? You are braver than I am.

As far as ballistic vests are concerned, I've always been partial to Safariland. The best part for you is that any gunshop that sells leather goods can order them. I would talk to my favorite and most frequented gunshop first. You may also talk to a cop friend. As guys leave the department they sometimes look to sell off equipment that they will no longer need. Forget about Threat Level III vests unless you think you are going to come up against rifle weilding bad guys. Besides the heavy price, they are very bulky and a bitch to deal with in the summertime. Threat Level II is about as much as the avg. individual needs unless you are going to be working in Baghdad. You will also need 5 or 6 "cool shirts" (specially designed mesh T-shirts to wear under the vest) so you don't build up so much heat under your vest that you either pass out or at least feel like you are about to spontaniously combust.

What ever you do, if you plan to work in it, train in it. When you have it on you will find that due to the vest you will need to move a bit differently in order to accomplish things that you never thought twice about before.

BTW, dont ever forget that ballistics vests were never meant to stop knives other than a shallow slicing action. I had set up a demo for the Kansas DOC with a factory rep and it ran a little bit long. Meanwhile, across town at the rep's next appointment that day the CEO of a large multi-national corp. based in Kansas City got ancy and while they were waiting for the factory rep to arrive, entered the confrence room, donned a vest that the rep had shipped ahead, produced a Benchmade automatic knife and told one of his vice-presidents to stab him with it. Though the VP protested, the CEO persisted, demanded and chided him into the requested action. The vest did not have a ceramic shock plate installed and the CEO was DRT before the paramedics could arrive with a knife wound through his heart.

[Punisher84]

Phantom,

Appreciate the input! I've worn heavy armor before in the army so I'm used to the restrictive movement that comes with the gear. The only reason I took an unarmed position is because of the area, job, and pay. It was all a bit to good to pass up. I still wanna be ready for that 1 in a million chance though. At least without being all "mall-ninjaed" out. We will also probably be going armed in less than a year.

I have quite a few 5.11 and under armour shirts like you are referring to as well. I guess I'll see if we can order some in at the range or if one of the instructors has an extra vest.

[Guest Phantom6]

Good. Congrats on the new job. and "let's be carefull our there."

[saintsfanbrian]

Unarmed with a uniform and a badge? You are braver than I am.

As far as ballistic vests are concerned, I've always been partial to Safariland. The best part for you is that any gunshop that sells leather goods can order them. I would talk to my favorite and most frequented gunshop first. You may also talk to a cop friend. As guys leave the department they sometimes look to sell off equipment that they will no longer need. Forget about Threat Level III vests unless you think you are going to come up against rifle weilding bad guys. Besides the heavy price, they are very bulky and a bitch to deal with in the summertime. Threat Level II is about as much as the avg. individual needs unless you are going to be working in Baghdad. You will also need 5 or 6 "cool shirts" (specially designed mesh T-shirts to wear under the vest) so you don't build up so much heat under your vest that you either pass out or at least feel like you are about to spontaniously combust.

What ever you do, if you plan to work in it, train in it. When you have it on you will find that due to the vest you will need to move a bit differently in order to accomplish things that you never thought twice about before.

BTW, dont ever forget that ballistics vests were never meant to stop knives other than a shallow slicing action. I had set up a demo for the Kansas DOC with a factory rep and it ran a little bit long. Meanwhile, across town at the rep's next appointment that day the CEO of a large multi-national corp. based in Kansas City got ancy and while they were waiting for the factory rep to arrive, entered the confrence room, donned a vest that the rep had shipped ahead, produced a Benchmade automatic knife and told one of his vice-presidents to stab him with it. Though the VP protested, the CEO persisted, demanded and chided him into the requested action. The vest did not have a ceramic shock plate installed and the CEO was DRT before the paramedics could arrive with a knife wound through his heart.

Wow, I hope there were some witnesses to the demand that the VP do it. That would suck, but it is one way to get to be head of the company.

Oh, and SSS, there is NO safe place in Memphis. Carry a Kel-Tec under the vest. Might get you fired, but could save your life.

[Guest GlocKingTN]

Yeah, congrats, and be careful!

[Punisher84]

Thanks for the support guys!

[Guest CrazyLincoln]

Just to throw my 2 cents in. One of my clients is the only in-state seller of these vests (as in they are the only ones that stock). They have in stock safariland. I think they're level II. The have stores in Nashville and Knoxville. I can have them order one for you if you would like since you are in Memphis.

[Punisher84]

Thanks Lincoln! I may get back to you on that. If you get a chance could you pm me with prices and specs please?

[Mike]

At least without being all "mall-ninjaed" out. We will also probably be going armed in less than a year.

Congratulations on the new job.

[Guest GlocKingTN]

By the way, check out over on Glocktalk! I seen a few vests for sale over there.

[Guest Voodoo_1]

SS,

Top Brass Sports in Millington sells vest. I'm not sure what level protection they are but know they had several about a month ago.

Good luck with your new job!

[Guest jackdog]

good luck on the new position, carrying a kel tec may be a good idea.

[Guest rockytop]

Guys, check out "Dragon Skin" Body armor at PinnacleArmor.com. (spelling-?)Scroll down to the demonstration videos. This stuff is unbelievable. It stands up to AK47, 9MM, .308 and other rounds. They even show it with-standing a fragmentation grenade.

[shaftbass]

I assume by unarmed, you mean "unarmed ;)"

No security job is worth your life.

[Punisher84]

I won't say in a public forum whether I'll carry anything extra or not.

Clinton didn't inhale either.

Once again thanks for all the congrats and advice guys!

[Marswolf]

I have a vest left over from Vietnam that I'll let you have cheap.

[Punisher84]

I have a vest left over from Vietnam that I'll let you have cheap.

I don't know if I want to buy a vest "for cheap" lol

[Guest Archimedes]

Haha, me neither.

However, I still have some of the stuff dad got to bring home with him.

My fav thing is what he called "poncho liners."

They are these really thin and light camo blankets that are awesome.

Good luck with the job.

~Archi

[Marswolf]

My fav thing is what he called "poncho liners."

I have two of them. With one in the car trunk, you can survive for years.