This segment covers are final segment on Shot Show 2010. In this episode we cover Point Blank Systems body armor options. This video also includes some discussion on the FN 5.7 bullet and illustrates the penetration power of this bullet versus Level IIIA body armor. Click the READ MORE below to read the article and find the Video link.
Shot Show 2010 Part 4 Point Blank Systems
by Jessie Indracusin
Introduction
I understand that this is not exactly a firearm discussion, but I have had a lot of positive discussions on the video that I did in the past about Point Blank body armor. This started with someone asking if I was concerned about taking various shooting class with unknown level of students in the class that cover fire and movement. I replied that I was concerned, which is why I wear body armor. At that point, the discussion came to light of body armor options. First thing that must be noted is that body armor may not be legal in all areas of the country and you may want to check with local, county and state agencies to determine if it is legal to own. I hope you find the article interesting and informative.
Point Blank Body Armor
Point Blank is best known for being the primary supplier of body armor for the US Military. The armor covers various levels of protection, since when I hear people say they wear a “bullet proof vest” I want to just hit them over the head with a baseball bat. There is not such thing as a bullet proof vest and when picking out a solution, you need to clearly understand your needs and what level of concern you are trying to address. These factors can cause different options. You need to ask yourself is weight a concern? Is concealability a concern? What is the threat level you are trying to protect against? Is the level of protection you are looking for to defeat is handgun calibers or are your needs of a higher requirement?
Body armor is a constantly evolving technology. When I compare the first body armor I wore nearly 20 years ago, the type of armor we had at the department back then was nothing like the current technology. In fact, the technology has allowed body armor to be much thinner, lighter and provide a higher level of protection. Point Blank definitely has some of the best systems on the market and has the market pretty much cornered.
Point Blank also specializes in various carrier options for body armor to perform different tasks. So a carrier that is designed for conceal carry is not the same as a carrier that has a built in Molle Carrier system. These are typically a Law Enforcement SWAT layout to attach various equipment such as extra magazines, accessories, communications gear, etc. Also most of the Molle setup versions can accomidate additional ballistic plates to defeat higher levels of threats. Your typical conceal carry system will handle up to Level IIIA threats, which is typical threats you would encounter from handgun caliber weapons. This will not protect you against a 5.56N/.223 Remington rifle rounds. The higher level options you will see that are bulkier systems for Law Enforcement are typically a Level IV rated system. These will also offer higher level of coverage too.
If you look at the video segment, you will see some of the systems that Point Blank Systems offer that have retractable crotch protection, neck protection and shoulder protection. Most of these options come from their extensive development of body armor in the military arena. These systems also offer excellent tear away options to quickly remove the body armor from a person who has sustained injuries.
One part of the segment to watch is the Kevlar XP system and how it performs. The Kevlar XP is their Level IIIA concealable system. They fired 55 rounds at the vest of various calibers. This is at approximately 5:50 into the video. At 6:45 into the video, we zoom into the vest taking a FN 5.7 x 28 SS196 round. The FN 5.7 bullet travels at over 1500 feet per second. Point Blank has this listed as defeated by the vest, but you can see the penetration that this bullet does compared to any other bullet. The bullet is caught in the vest so it doesn’t go completely through, but the tip of the bullet has pierced through the vest and would cause injury since it may most likely pierce the skin of the person wearing it. It is definitely better than wearing no body armor, but it is interesting to have some definitive video tests from the manufacturer showing the penetration power of the FN 5.7 x 28 round.
Closing Remarks
Please consider various factors before investing in body armor. Also consider the use scenarios of why you may be in the market for body armor. If you work for a law enforcement department, please research and fully understand what your vest is capable of protecting against.
{youtube}84Qe_ciaqb8{/youtube}