Surplus Body Armour Sm, Med & Lg

Ordered a medium. Got a second chance super featherlight manufactured in 1998 , so expired in 2003, NIJ 0101.03 level II standard. the panels are encased in a gore tex cover with the labels inside, someone ripped a small hole in front of one of the lables, presumably to get the details. Not in bad shape, allthough the carrier was minging to say the least. Shout and a good warm water wash cleaned it up nicely. Wore it in the heat today. Not bad, a little bulkier and heavier than the newer level II stuff but wearable. The carrier is the old second chance type with the "wicking" mesh on the inside, and the poly/cotton blend outside. End of the day, for 115 bucks or so, it'll do until the new issue comes in.

I was also very happy with my size small I ordered. Also a Second Chance featherlite level II, 1998. Does kevlar really 'expire' or is it just a manufacturer thing to ensure they get more sales?? Case in point- http://www.bulletproofme.com/Photos/11-Year-Old_Vest_Shootout_PHOTOS.shtml
 
I've seen a few expired pacific industries level II's shot with 180 gr .40 cal FMJ training rounds. These were daily wear vest. No penetrations in my experience.
 
I am not interested in starting a pissing contest or derailing this thread but I cannot find any information in the links that support your assumption.

It specifically stems from the Bacon brothers, they found tons of body armour when they raided them. It was all over the news for weeks.


As far as the quality of these vests, my friend bought 3 small and they are all in good condition, they all have some wear and one has a small 0.5" tear around the bottom seam but that is all. I am definetly a large but his small fit me fine, so i dont think sizing is a huge issue unless you plan on using it for serious protection.
 
It specifically stems from the Bacon brothers, they found tons of body armour when they raided them. It was all over the news for weeks.

[...]

Ugh.. Another case of all of us getting punished because of a couple idiots. Now the Bacon brothers and other gangs will be rich because they can now illegally traffic in vest since they are prohibited they can control the whole market. Brilliant move, B.C!
 
Finally got issues a custom fit U.S. armor level II vest. Lightest vest with most comfortable carrier I've ever worn. So, I took the 1998 issue second chance back panel out to the range. One 180 gr JHP from G22 at 7 m. Penetration to the gortex cover only. Slight tear marks about 3 mm half moon shape at poi on first layer. 0 penetration. Fist sized hole in target board.
 
Read the discussion in the preceding pages. If you're so inclined, you could also pick up Level III plates -- with anti-trauma layers -- from sources in Serbia on eBay. Cost with shipping is about $120 for a pair of them. Slip those used Level III plates into the carriers from SFRC and you're ready for TEOTWAWKI or at least a prolonged episode of SHTF.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-Serbia-Y...891?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3f1a7c5a7b

Check your provincial regulations before purchasing, of course.
 
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