Point Blank Vest Test

[halfacop]

Took an old (Nov. 1994) Point Blank Bullet Resistant Vest out to the range yesterday. This vest has 16 protective layers. The test/fun went as follows:


280 gr. FMJ .45 Springfield 1911 4 inch barrel

Round Distance Penetration in layers

1............ 7 yrds............ None
2............ 7 yrds............ None
3............ 7 yrds............ None
4............ 3 yrds............ 2
5............ 3 yrds............ None


124 gr. FMJ 9 mm Kahr PM9 3 inch barrel

1............ 7 yrds........... None
2............ 7 yrds........... None
3............ 7 yrds........... None
4............ 3 yrds........... 4
5............ 2 inches........ 14


I was impressed by the performance of this well used & obviously expired vest. Just thought we would have a little 4th of July "fireworks" and thought you all might be interested. We turned the vest over and shot at the back also. we shot both the 45 and 9 around 6 -7 times each and the vest was not comprimised at all.
The worst we had was the 9 mm at 2 inches (on the front) which as you can see went all the way to the last 2 layers. Those last 2 layers showed no evidence of impact.
Had some fun putting it through its paces and it even gave me a little more confidence when I put on mine for the shift. There you have it.......take it for what it's worth

[1sgkelly]

Interesting, thanks.

[halfacop]

I thought someone would find it interesting - I know I did. It was something I had been wanting to do for a while. Couldn't take that vest staring at me in the corner any longer - I think I caught it making faces at me on day!

[PTI]

Ive been wanting to do that too....I just have to convince my Sgt its safe to wear the vest during the test

[halfacop]

I failed to mention that was the hardest part of the test....getting the LT to stand still

[COBRA90GT]

Good "real-world" write-up. Interesting results - thanks!

[halfacop]

All these rounds except two would impact vest then simply fall to the bottom of the vest carrier. The 9mm that penetrated from 3 yrds was solidly stuck in the layers and its still there. The 9mm that penetrated 14 layers was wedged in between the layers until I started "searching" for it - at that point it dropped free into the bottom of the vest carrier.

At some point if I get the neighbors camera I will post the pics!

Stay safe boyz...................

[Photogrrlz]

interesting........Thx

[JTA1186]

That's reassuring

I'm wearing one...this is comforting news in light of the recent problems with the "Zylon" material used in the Second Chance vests.