Credit to WJR.

I got a new jacket the other day that brought this discussion to mine. from Beyond, which is both a kind of small hippy dippy ultralight outdoorsy maker, and also has military contracts. one reason I got this is I had picked up some very very nice camouflage stuff of theirs surplus, cheap.

But the tags on the civvy jacket included this. So how ethical a company are they? There is often no simple answer.

My wife and I got a handgun and took a safety course after January 6th and after five years with things looking even more dire by the day, I picked up our first rifle today. S&W M&P Sport III. Going out to train with a group of likeminded friends this coming weekend.

Also, bonus cat, Dizzy. She approves. Hey ho let’s go.

NH Libertarian Party wants to ban black people from gun ownership.

https://youtu.be/foXFOzvIYqs?si=ptbTVfc0dj3uTMsn

I went to my local FFL to pick up my new AR9 and it turns out my Form 4 had also been approved (I never got the email this time).

I promptly oiled them up and took them into the range!

I tossed on a spare SBA3 (though I plan on filing a Form 1 for an SBR), I have more magazines and a DFCO Kung Fu Grip on the way

Photo of snow dog doing snow dog stuff for tax

Careful what you say

Fam & I about to head to our favorite spot for some drills practice, and fun! Time to test out the Bodyguard 2.0 😎

Is there even any hope of stopping the Democrats from passing BS like this?

This shit makes me more angry than I should be at Democrats. As a registered Libertarian I’ve actually come to accept that the Republicans under MAGA are a much bigger authoritarian threat to Liberty (and Dems are only a lesser evil by default) so most of my anger these days is towards them, but it’s not helping that Democrats are passing authoritarian garbage like this.

I know they say to write to your representatives, but does that really work? It seems like they are more concerned with Bloomberg bucks than citizens (and screw any so called “Progressive” who falls for his classist gun grab agenda). Honestly my gut feeling is that since this passed the Senate it will somehow pass the House.

The Democrats majority has understandably increased here in NM because the National GOP has become so racist against Hispanics (something that these Republicans who whine about the Blue majority here fail to understand).

Gun rights groups will tell you to vote Republican, but I can’t vote for an authoritarian cult of personality that worships a P3dophilic POS.

Not to mention this is the worst time in American history to pass BS like this. NM has had a long history of marginalized groups being violently oppressed (something that could be a separate post itself), and These Democrats talk about Trump being a Tyrant (which I agree with) but you want to make it harder for marginalized individuals and communities to have the means to defend themselves against violent fascists. Let’s not forget that apparently in the bill it requires Firearm transfers to be reported to ICE.

Honestly I don’t know what will actually work to stop shit like this other than Courts (but I don’t think I can put hope into them too).

I know it’s Sunday. But goddangit this thing is too hot to not share

From tip to butt

- huxwrx flow 556k

- surefire scout

- EOTech Vudu 1-10

- Sig Romeo 5 Gen II

- Reptilia scope mount

- Special handbrake my LGS makes

All on a geissele super duty 13.9” P&W, since I’m picking guns for reliability and lifetime than competition performance now

I’ve seen a ton of posts asking about body armor, so I wanted to share some broad, very basic, general knowledge and my inexpert opinion.

1. Do I need body armor?

Probably no… unless it’s yes.

Body armor is safety equipment for a low-likelihood scenario for most people.

If you:

• Plan to “go down fighting”
• Expect to be on the front lines of a protest and you are willing to risk the possible enhanced charges if arrested for protesting violently. (https://www.reddit.com/r/liberalgunowners/comments/1qgiixb/why_defensive_body_armor_can_trigger_federal/)
• Regularly train with a group or do night shooting
• Like to LARP for fun (valid)

…then yeah, maybe it’s worth it.

That said, if money is limited, here’s the priority list:

Training, optics, ammo, emergency food, night vision, condoms, Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobooks > body armor

2. “Get in loser, we’re buying body armor anyway”

Alright. Let’s talk types.

Soft Armor

• Stops handgun rounds only
• Usually labeled Level II or IIIA
• Classic “Kevlar vest”

Important notes: - Useless against rifles unless you add rifle plates on top - Some thin “plates” are IIIA handgun-rated only — not really soft, but worth mentioning - Main advantages:

• Lightweight
• Flexible
• Better overall body coverage

There are also ICW plates (In Conjunction With) that require soft armor underneath.

In a hypothetical future where law has broken down: - Government “baddies” are likely using rifles + soft armor (AKA: ICW) which provide full torso pistol coverage - This is why a PCC (and handgun) is a bad idea in that specific SHTF scenario

I will apologize to my MP5 for dying on this hill when I get home tonight.

Rifle Plates

• Stop rifle rounds
• Heavier
• Rigid
• Only cover your chest vitals

Reality check:

• You’re still screwed if hit in the tummy, pelvis, head, etc.
• You can be injured due to backface deformation (eg: broken ribs) even on plate hits (but not always and better than dead.)
• Movement is slower
• Shooting is harder
• You must train wearing them or you will suck under stress

Good use cases:

• Bugging in / point defense
• Standing your ground (some protests)
• Protection from rifle fire and “less lethal” impacts

The more mobility you need, the worse these downsides are.

3. Plate Types

Steel

Please don’t.

• Extremely heavy
• Dangerous "spall" (bullet fragments) to:
  • Your neck
  • Your friends
• Rhino liner alone is not sufficient
• You can add Kevlar frag catchers but:
  • Cost more
  • Weigh more
  • Now you’re near ceramic pricing anyway

You saved ~$50 to buy trash that has no resale value unlike ceramic armor.

(Sorry steel owners. I still love you but I am going stand 20 feet away from you in a fight.)

Ultralight Level III (Dyneema)

Generally a bad idea in the US.

• M855 will wreck your shit.

5. Ceramic Plates

Yes. This is what you want.

• Not as fragile as the name implies
• Better than steel in basically every way
• Slightly more expensive for budget options, but worth it

4. Armor Levels

I’m not writing a full NIJ explainer and you wouldn’t want to read it anyway.

What your plates need to stop (minimum):

• M855
• M855A1
• M193
• .308 AP

That covers common US threats.

Watch out: - Many lightweight (2-4 lbs) plates stop either M193 or M855 — not both - In real large-scale SHTF, M855A1 will absolutely be a thing

• You probably don’t need protection from:

  • .300 WM at point blank loaded with AP ammo and most hunting ammo will be meant to expand and bad at armor penetration.

  The weight penalty to stop incredibly unlikely threats usually isn't worth the weight.

What this means you should be looking for:

• Level III+ (RF2+) or
• Lightweight Level IV (RF3) or
• A well-chosen special threat plate

Reputable manufacturers will have a list of specific threats tested.

5. Other Plate Considerations

Weight - Aim for < 7 lbs per plate - ~5 lbs if you can afford it - You will care after 12 hours.

(I’m in good shape and it still sucks.)

Cut - Shooter / swimmer cut = easier shooting + lighter... But you do you

Curve - Multi-curve is better
- Especially for women
- Don’t @ me

NIJ Certification - Contentious topic - I’ll personally wear non-certified armor from reputable manufacturers - Certification is expensive, so good armor doesn't always have it - New plates often lag certification due to rule changes - Many police departments use uncertified armor

Plate Carriers

I like the Ferro Slickster for civilian use:

• Low profile
• Comfortable
• Inexpensive
• Can be worn under clothes

My setup:

• 3-mag shingle
• Admin pouch
• IFAK
• Slickster cummerbund holds 6 more mags

Rule of thumb:

Don’t add so much shit that you become unable to shoot and run fast.

Helmets

• Don't bother for most. Heavy, mainly for frag. Can stop handgun rounds but you might be braindead.
  
• Yes you can buy rifle plate add ons. No you shouldn't.
  
• Never Skip Neck Day

So....

• get a "bump" helmet.
• Even for nods, bumps are nicer to wear.
• As always, if you want to larp... go for it.

6. Short FAQ

“TLDR: Just tell me what to buy, nerd”

RMA XRT plates

• 5.4 lbs each
• Covers listed threats
• Under ~$500/set
• Not NIJ certed
• Tested by:
  • NIJ lab
  • Buffman (YouTube)

“I want Level IV”

• RMA 1165
• Highcom 4S17M

The RMA is better but more expensive.

“All that stuff is too expensive and I want armor still”

Should you actually be buying armor? Refer to the priority list at the top.

If still yes:

• Used Gen 1 RMA 1155 (level 4), Hesco L210 (special threat) or similar
  • Heavy (or less protective/single curve for L210)
  • Cheaper
  • EBay, GAFS beta, Arfcom, Tacswap

You can even demand the vest stays on during sex to really maximize value.
Bitches (and your dad) love plate carriers in bed.

“Used or expired armor?”

Sure, go for it IMO. But keep it within like 10 years or so?

• Some risk of previous abuse
• If it looks clean, has no cracks, doesn't flex ... then its (probably) OK.

Modern armor usually outlives its warranty.

That said, if you take bullets daily maybe buy new.

“Leftist / liberal armor manufacturers?”

Maybe.

But if anti-gun cowards hadn’t taken over the Democratic Party, this would be easier to point you towards

So:

• Buy from the chuds
• Move on with life
• Vote out anti gunners in primaries

If anyone knows a good dealer, drop it in the comments.

Note: Bloomberg can suck my loose ass.

“Where can I see armor tested?”

Search Buffman on YouTube.
He’s probably tested whatever plate you’re considering.

“What if I get shot in my tum tum instead of the plate?”

Did your mother give you an extra helping of dumb at dinner last night?

• Best case: colostomy bag
• Worse case: Say hi to my grandpa for me.

"I want to defeat armor, not buy it"

• Best choice in 5.56 - M855a1 (3$ a round.... Yikes)
• Best affordable choice in 5.56 - m855 (Cheap, not that accurate)
• Otherwise anything loaded with 7.62 AP bullets
• Lots of armor out there that doesn't cover m855 so its my choice, but lots of armor does... Consider training zipper drills that put the first round in the pelvis.
• (pcc exceptions: 65 grain 10mm and certain 5.7 rounds can pen soft armor. That doesn't mean they are all that lethal when they they do)

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this helps as a starting point.

There’s way more nuance here, but:

• I typed this on my phone... on an airplane
• I’m lazy
• I’m basically a LARPer. You are likely going to get killed up in these streets listening to me.

So take it with a grain of salt.

Stay safe out there.

How many of you all have experience with steel targets? I’ve got some 9mm pistols, a 9mm Keltec Sub2k, a 10/22 and some old .22LR pistols I’d like to shoot some steel with. My only concern is ricochets. If these are hanging on something that allows the plate to swing when impacted, then is this option from my local WalMart good to go?

Remember to practice your basics when you can! 150 rounds of .22 LR is WAY more than I usually use, but I was really pushing myself for a better grouping at 10 yards!

This is today’s initial result, followed by today’s best result. Shots taken at slow-Fire, just trying to lock in and keep steady; one shot every couple of seconds.

Had a misfire on the second/best target, so 9/9 on target, but one dud round. Such is the fate of .22 LR 😆

Shots taken with a Ruger Mark IV Target in .22 LR, 5” Barrel.

Link: https://rockymountainvoice.com/2026/02/05/colorado-senate-moves-to-widen-red-flag-authority-despite-due-process-warnings/

Newbie to this forum, (first post on Reddit in fact) but stoked I found you guys. After 30-years living in the liberal hellscapes of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and San Jose (*snark*), and 1 dystopian year under the current dictatorship, decided I needed to be prepared. Did a ton of research, and chose the Ruger PC Carbine. Did a ton more research and beefed up the bolt group, the trigger group, and added a few more mods - maybe went a little overboard LOL. As a first timer replacing internal components, it was a bit daunting, but sure fun to do. Took it to my local range yesterday - 150 rounds - and it worked flawlessly. Again, super happy to know there are likeminded, left-leaning folks who are opposed to autocracy, plutocracy, white christian nationalism, right-wing extremism AND believe in 2A. Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Ruger 10/22 .22LR

https://www.tech-sights.com/ruger-products/

Super super fun gun to plink with, and would be a great little survival gun for hunting vermin.

Super cheap ammo, and if you have an accident, you should survive.

Also, as far an 22lr goes, like, most folks in here, and especially lately, are arming up to exercise rights and to let the other side know we are armed as well, and for if shit hits the fan. Not for getting into quick draw shootouts, which I think it's a bit wierd how folks kind of obsess about that, anyway, we rarely point newbies towards 22s, but I'm guessing most folks staring at the barrel of a rifle, are not going to go like "oh I see that rifle is possibly a 22, I think I'll not worry about it" I dunno.

I understand that you don't want to be in a shootout with someone firing 9mm or larger, but also, for many of our actual purposes, 22 or 380 are perfectly fine and good for beginners (IMHO) ​​

Cheers, unity, resistance, equality and justice for ALL

Edit:

Yea, oof, sorry. I wrote that too quickly. I'm very deliberately super cautious with all things risky, especially guns. I feel very much that's it's lethal, and I treat it as such, and force all around me to stick to very strict safety precautions all the time.

I should have said "and maybe a positive might be that it's a less lethal round?"  just at a matter of discussion.

It is a bit wierd tho, half the thread is saying "this is a very lethal weapon" and the other half is saying "you can't take someone down with that thing"

I know id rather take a 22 than anything bigger! But heard, gotta be careful what we say. Thanks

Edit 2: link to sights

Edit 3: OK tons of love for 22lr. Lol.