Noob Question : CQB and AR matches ETC

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kgb81

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Hi All,

I'm new to shooting and am interested in doing some AR type matches in the future. I recently bought a vest in order to carry the mags etc. I am wondering if people use soft kevlar plates / armour during these competitions?

I know people are careful with trigger discipline and muzzle control etc, but would having this protection be overkill or just smart planning? I am thinking of picking up either a kevlar under jacket or some soft plates to slip into the vest.

Any input for a noob will be much appreciated!:ar15:

KGB81
 
There has been discussion on this issue before, and another CGN'er (can't remember which) summed up the answer perfectly;

"If you think you you need kevlar to survive the range, don't go to the range."

If you want to buy armour for the experience, do it.
 
I would say that more people wear armour for the experience and exercise than for protection. After all, quite a few competitive shooters are LEO or MIL, and it gives them some valuable training opportunities.

Personally, I'd do it, just for the exercise. Same reason I go hiking with a 30 pound pack. Well, eventually, good armour is expensive.
 
Stevebot-7 is correct.

People wear and use it for many different reasons. If you want to wear it wear it. There is nothing wrong with it, the last CBQ clinic I hosted there was iirc 5 of us that wore armour.

Shawn

Shawn
 
not to mention, depending on how close you are to certain targets or features on the range, ricochet can be an issue.

a good friend of mine was hit by a ricochet/slag, it hit him hard enough to break skin even though he was wearing a heavy carhartt jacket.

I am not saying armour is required... but there are benefits.

We have all seen videos of things going wrong on a range. Whether it is stupidity, a gun blowing up, or just an accident, ask yourself.... Would you wear safety equipment if it was available?
do you wear shooting glasses?
ear pro?
 
kgb81 said:
I'm new to shooting and am interested in doing some AR type matches in the future...

...would having this protection be overkill or just smart planning?
Click to expand...

That depends on you and your perspective. The vast majority of armour-bearing competitors do it for training value and/or to qualify for trooper class. Those are plenty good enough reasons. But I can emphatically say that you do NOT need armour to be safe at a safely-run match. Generally speaking, the one person with a loaded firearm on a given stage will be tightly supervised by one or more ROs charged with making sure that no firearm breaks 90 degrees to the side berms.

I am completely unconvinced that any bullet fragment returning from a berm (or a steel target in good condition) could possibly cause a serious injury that would be prevented by the wearing of body armour. Face and neck armour is another story, but body armour, no. I think good eye protection with impact rated lenses and good fit and wraparound coverage should be your first safety concern.

But everyone's risk tolerance profile is a unique and beautiful snowflake, and you may decide that body armour is worth it for you. Attend a match, and you'll see just how unlikely an errant round will be.
 
I wear a IPSC rifle type setup. competition belt with mag holsters on the left hip side. Chest rigs, though they look tactical are not as fast for reloads (IMO). Also Knee pads, a good hat, double ear plugs (for rifle noise) . I always double plug for rifle matches so the noise doesn't distract me as much. Especially if you are using a compensator.

I always compete with guys in full gear but I prefer to travel light and fast. That's me though. Do it to have fun and always remember do everything fast except aiming. Be sure of your shots until you get your skill/speed up.
 
There are guys at the one I do who show up entirely kitted up including wearing plates and helmets. They are having fun. Me, I sweat buckets if I have more than two layers on so I can't see that as 'fun'.

For giggles I put a knife on too just in case I run out and have to charge the targets.
 
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