If you want an awesome ballistic vest for a great price, check out the Legacy IIIA Tactical Combat Vest with four-piece soft armor inserts. It’s one of the better-built vests I have used in a while, and you can order it online.
When you think about ballistic vests, the first images that come to mind are probably those of soldiers on the battlefield or police officers on duty. However, ballistic vests are not just for the military and law enforcement. Law-abiding citizens can also benefit from them.
Adding a ballistic vest to your self-defense arsenal can be a game-changer, providing an extra layer of protection when you need it most. It has always puzzled me how restrictive some states are about body armor. The argument generally centers around the idea that bad guys commit crimes while wearing armor, and no one can stop them.
While this is a legitimate concern, I don’t think it justifies keeping protective equipment away from law-abiding citizens. It is a piece of equipment literally made to save lives. Throughout my law enforcement career, I’ve only been shot at a couple of times, but that is plenty enough to make you realize how valuable a good vest is.
About the Legacy IIIA Tactical Ballistic Protection Vest
The Legacy IIIA Tactical Combat Vest is a plate carrier from Rothco that holds two large soft panels and two smaller side panels. It is equipped with Level IIIA ballistic panels manufactured by Legacy Safety & Security, a reputable name in the industry known for producing high-quality protective gear.
You can order multiple sizes, and each carrier can be adjusted at the waist and shoulders as well. I found the material to be extremely durable, and the vest was comfortable to wear for long periods of time. You can also purchase the new MAXX-DRI Vest to wear under it to make it even more comfortable.
Velcro and MOLLE attachments wrap around the entire vest, making it easy to attach items anywhere you need them. The vest has side adjustable straps that connect behind the side panels. Once the side straps are connected, the side panels fit under the front panel with Velcro to provide a secure fit.
While the Legacy IIIA Tactical Combat Vest is designed for overt use, its relatively low profile means it can be concealed under loose clothing if necessary. This adds an extra layer of versatility, allowing you to adapt to different situations where a visible vest might draw unwanted attention.
What Level IIIA Protection Means
Level IIIA protection is one of the highest levels of soft armor protection available. This rating, certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), means the vest can stop most handgun rounds, including .357 SIG and .44 Magnum rounds, which are notoriously powerful. The most popular round being carried today is 9mm, making the Legacy Vest a perfect solution for extra protection.
Legacy IIIA soft armor panels are designed to be flexible, providing comfort and mobility without sacrificing protection. The four-piece soft armor inserts ensure that critical areas, including the heart and lungs, are covered. Many plate carriers do not come with side panels, so this is a nice addition.
Benefits of Ballistic Vests for Home and Personal Defense
While the idea of wearing a ballistic vest might seem extreme to some, there are benefits to having one for home or personal defense. We live in uncertain times, and I take the saying “better safe than sorry” literally. Below, I’ve put together a short list of a few reasons a ballistic vest is a great addition to your self-defense weapon.
Immediate Readiness During Home Invasions
When incidents happen, they happen quickly. Many times, grabbing a vest and throwing it on may not be an option. However, with practice and planning, a vest does not take long to put on. If you hear something in your home and know something isn’t right, having a vest to throw on is just another tool to help protect your life.
Protection in Civil Unrest or Dangerous Incidents
In times of civil unrest or other unpredictable, dangerous situations, having a ballistic vest offers a bit of extra peace of mind. These scenarios can escalate quickly, often without much warning. Having a vest on hand means you’re prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected threats. When I’m traveling, I throw my vest in the vehicle next to my bag full of gear. Will I have time to access and use all my gear I take with me? Who knows, but I’m sure not going to find out the hard way and leave it behind.
Enhancing Your Gear-Carrying Capability
Another significant benefit of a vest like the Legacy IIIA Tactical is its ability to carry extra gear. In a high-stress situation, having easy access to additional equipment can be important. I like to keep some basic gear on my duty/combat belt. But when you’re in a hurry, throwing a vest over your shoulders is the fastest way to be ready.
My favorite setup is a Glock 49 on my belt with a Safariland holster, two extra pistol mags, and three AR mags. A tourniquet and a small medical kit are also a must for me. With this vest, it’s easy to set it up exactly how you want it.
Training and Familiarity
To get the most out of your ballistic vest, it’s important to train with it. Familiarize yourself with how it feels to wear the vest, practice throwing it on, and integrate it into your regular self-defense drills. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the vest, the more effectively you’ll be able to use it in a real-world situation.
Before purchasing and using a ballistic vest, it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations in your area. Some jurisdictions have specific regulations restricting the ownership and use of body armor. Ensure that you’re in compliance with all local laws to avoid any legal complications.
Are you ready for a ballistic vest?
The Legacy IIIA Tactical Combat Vest retails for about $215, which is a heck of a deal for what you get. Good-quality vests like this one often cost upwards of $1,000. For someone wanting a practical option, this is a great vest for self-defense.
Every piece of equipment you have for home/self-defense has a place and time. Some incidents may happen so fast that all you can do is draw and protect yourself. But there may be other times when you have just a few seconds to react. And throwing on a vest could be the smartest move at the time.
The post Legacy IIIA Tactical Combat Vest: Do You Need One for Self-Defense? appeared first on The Mag Life.
Read the full article here
