Since Donald Trump’s reelection in November, non-traditional gun groups across the city and country have seen a flood of interest.
  • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
    201·
    17 days ago

    You could make the argument that handguns aren’t enough and people need plates and rifles just to ensure their right to protest.

    The 4ASA4’s 4sas4’s that never made it to Ukraine had some bad buzz over a miscommunication issue, but as long as you don’t fall down on them they’re insanely cheap level 4 plates and while there’s a shit ton now, they won’t be around forever.

    Do I think I’ll be shot wearing it?

    Absolutely not, and honestly it would be a slim chance a shot hits the plate instead of of anywhere else.

    But cops are cowards and bullies, they’re not going to immediately turn to violence when they’re outnumbered and out gunned.

    It’s sucks, but this is America. It’s not enough to be strapped anymore.

    Edit:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xly5d5nQbfc

    That’s a guy testing them specifically and explaining the issues.

    But those (really just one) issues are why they’re $99 instead of $250 a plate.

    And like I said, realistically you’re not getting shot while wearing it. I’m specifically just talking about the visual deterrent for things like protesting so cops aren’t as likely to immediately start copping at a protest.

    And something tells me there are going to be a lot of protests coming.

    You don’t have to buy it right now because there’s a sale it will likely be months/years till they run out of these. Some company made literal tons of them and a government contract fell thru.

      • Fecundpossum@lemmy.worldEnglish
        10·
        17 days ago

        It varies based on features. Never buy armor that isn’t NIJ compliant, first and foremost. After that, plate curvature and weight reduction are the two primary factors that will drive up cost. I’m currently seeing $160 from RMA Armament, but that’s for level 4 flat plates that are 8.3lbs each. So, uncomfortable and heavy. For level 4 multi curve lightweight plates from the same maker, about $250 each.

        But, I cringe a little when people recommend rifle plates. I own a set. They are miserable to run around in. They will slow you down dramatically when in most cases mobility and shooting fundamentals will likely decide the outcome of a fight. And even if your use case calls for them, there’s a lot to learn about proper plate carrier setup, that will take you a long while of YouTube deep dives to figure out how to develop a proper fighting kit.

        Also, it doesn’t hurt to be 18-24 and positively fucking jacked, because that’s who plates are made for, soldiers, and if you’re round and out of shape and can’t run more than 20 yards at a time, you’ve got bigger fish to fry than body armor.

        • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
          4·
          17 days ago

          about $250 each.

          The 4asa4’s are older standard made for Ukraine but ovreproduced.

          They’re 99/plate at a couple places now, which is ridiculous. It’s been like that for about 2 months, and probably will be for a while. But eventually they’ll run out.

          The issue is the old standard doesn’t have “drop testing” and these won’t withstand a drop, they’ll crack.

          Quick edit:

          And I know they’re cringe.

          But you can’t deny police treat a protest differently when the other side has people in vests and rifles.

          That’s the only reason I’m recommending it.

          But yeah, 20lbs doesn’t sound like a lot till you’re carrying it around all day. But wearing it out to a protest for 6 hours is a good way to get in shape.

          • Fecundpossum@lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            17 days ago

            I don’t think body armor is cringe, I just cringe at the thought of having to wear it, and starting someone down the rabbit hole of battle rattle full kit larping.

    • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
      22·
      17 days ago

      And training.

      Your fancy rifle and thousands of rounds aren’t going to mean shit the first time you actually see combat if you haven’t practiced.

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        52·
        17 days ago

        I don’t know if you read my comment or immediately forgot…

        Like, half my comment is in response to what you just said, to respond to you I’d just be copying/pasting what’s already there.

  • DoctorWhookah@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    9·
    17 days ago

    I’m all for it. If you truly want home defense: shotgun. I like all firearms in the hands of liberals though. Why shouldn’t we have them? The right does.

  • Apathy Tree@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    6·
    17 days ago

    I totally respect their choice and will be making a similar one in the near future, for many of the same reasons, but a bit differently.

    I sold my inherited firearms years back… I mean what good is a bolt action .22 gunna do for protection in town, really, where I need to worry a lot more about securing my firearm despite living alone? It was a farm firearm, and now I regret getting rid of it because I want farm-space where a firearm will do me good… so I’ll have to get another… whoops. Should have just waited til I was older. On larger tracts of land, where you have warnings of people or animals approaching, it makes sense to have a firearm like that handy.

    But I think another bolt action or similarly cumbersome rifle is about as dangerous as I want… I’ve been at least passively suicidal my whole life (thanks, chronic pain!), but I can’t easily bite that bullet, flexible as I may be. :)

    I have Navy expert marksmanship qualification, though. I had never fired a real firearm before that day, only airsoft or arcade light guns, did the training (and listened and followed directions) and have not since fired anything.