Self Defense

[S&Wshooter]

Hell, I'm at the point that if I'm not wearing glasses I automatically aim with my better (nondominant) eye. Handle the FNX every night before I sleep just to keep familiar

[Excalibur]

I have back up iron sights on my rifle, but at night, when you wake up suddenly, it is hard to focus even with adrenaline pumping. I tried that as an experiment. I unintentionally had less than enough sleep and tried to get up for work, then the thought occurred to me to see what if I am getting up reacting to an intruder? So I did a live drill where I tried to find my rifle, grab it and aim it at the door. I found that while I was still trying to wake up and focus, I could only see the red dot. So a red dot is very helpful.

[StanTheMan]

Originally Posted by S&Wshooter

Hell, I'm at the point that if I'm not wearing glasses I automatically aim with my better (nondominant) eye. Handle the FNX every night before I sleep just to keep familiar

Something I should work on a bit more, as likewise my dominant eye is the worse of the two. Granted my eyesight's fairly shit without my glasses anyway, but still. I'm part-way there though, as glasses or no I have to force focus on the non-dominant when I wield a shoulder arm, since the dominant's my left and I'm a righty shooter. Doomed to have to do things the hard way it seems.

I do have to say I've shot pretty damn accurate (especially on handguns) with my crappier left eye since getting the paramount nerd-look accessory, though. So obviously I'd prefer to stick with glasses if possible, though of course that may not always be an option. Again, working on it what I can.

[Excalibur]

Right now, I got 2 mags together on my rifle for defense. I've been thinking of getting a better carry rig to put on if the situation needs be. Most likely not, but if I needed to move from my defensive position where all my extra ammo is, there is only 61 rounds for my rifle to shoot.

[Excalibur]

I've also been looking at body armor. I hear AR500 has good prices

[Yournamehere]

The cheaper AR500 steel plates are affordable, but they only perform to Level III specs. They won't stop M193 out of a 20 inch barrel at close range, which would be a very common threat in SHTF, a mass shooting or a well armed home invasion. They are also substantially heavier than ceramic/composite plates that will stop more threats. They may be inexpensive, but they are a poor choice for certain intended uses, and, in my mind, the use they are intended for by the factory (overt SHTF armor). The only offerings worth buying are the Level III+ Lightweight plates, but they cost a lot more than the entry level plates, almost as much as Level IV standalones at other places. Not to mention their backlog is ridiculous. The only thing that lower end AR500 and steel armor in general has going for it is that it's sort of inexpensive, slim, readily available (sort of), and durable as all hell. The problem, however, is that it's bad body armor.

I was and still am considering getting AR500 Level III+ lightweight armor, but their wait time is not going down anytime soon. I believe Spartan Armor Systems Armaply, which has the same protection capabilities, is in stock all the time and about the same price if not cheaper. So, if you have to go steel, consider that. Personally, though, if I were to get plates, I think I'm probably just gonna shell out money for Level IV Ceramics at SKD or AT Armor and take care of them.

"But I only want concealable armor that will stop pistol threats" you may say. That's cool. Get soft armor. It will be a lot lighter and more comfortable and probably about the same price. Even if it's more, it will be worth it not to have to lug around steel or even bulkier ceramics.

[commando552]

Originally Posted by Excalibur

I've also been looking at body armor. I hear AR500 has good prices

The big problems with AR500 is that compared to ceramic plates it is much heavier, and it also only has a single curve so tends to not fit to your body as well as more expensive plates. For home defence or as a SHTF carrier in your car though neither of these really matter that much, as your aren't wearing it for 12 hours at a time trudging across a desert (I assume). I think they also only make them in NIJ Level III+, but unless you are expecting to go up against someone using armour piercing .30-06 rounds, I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Edit: Yournamehere beat me to it.

[Excalibur]

I'm fine with options. If there are better choices, I don't mind dishing out my hard earn cash for the comfort of having armor that will stop most threats.

I've been building a sort of emergency bag of first aid and other things I can grab in a hurry.

[Excalibur]

I think right now, I'm working on my bug out bag. Looking for different types of backpacks that's tough in all weather. It needs the basic essential stuff like first-aid, survival gear, extra clothes, gun stuff (ammo, parts, tools). I need to invest in a good pair of boots as well.

[AdAstra2009]

Originally Posted by Excalibur

I'm fine with options. If there are better choices, I don't mind dishing out my hard earn cash for the comfort of having armor that will stop most threats.

I've been building a sort of emergency bag of first aid and other things I can grab in a hurry.

For home defense I would recommend just checking ebay for a used army interceptor vest. I got one from them and only paid around $120.00 for it and the level 3A soft armor inserts it came with.