Do I need a tactical vest?

[mechredd]

I **** you not, I have sold nice quantities of handgun ammo to people who think the CDC was serious about the zombies.

I love the CDC

DARPA probably came up with a Rage or T virus and figured they should have the CDC create a WCS plan and warn people, just to cover their asses when the zombies get loose.

[karcent]

Vests are hot and heavy, which leads to fatigue.

[mechredd]

I actually like this idea.
http://olongapooutfitters.com/index....d&productId=57

Its a grab and go ammo bandoleer that can be converted into a chest harness by swapping straps.
I haven't used one myself but it seems like a good idea.

[HVYMTLMEC]

If you want one get one but practice with it. Lying prone with a vest on or better yet a vest with a plate in it is a mofo to shoot with. It changes everything in your geometry of shooting. Having a chest plate sitting under you is like having a phone book underneath you that is trying to ride into your throat.

[06camarodude]

If you want one get one but practice with it. Lying prone with a vest on or better yet a vest with a plate in it is a mofo to shoot with. It changes everything in your geometry of shooting. Having a chest plate sitting under you is like having a phone book underneath you that is trying to ride into your throat.

True. I learned to shoot a rifle in the Army, we had to wear our IBA's and ACH's. Add to the helmet the fact that I wear glasses, and the helmet rides forward into the top of my glasses, I can't see a darn thing when shooting like that. The plates didn't bother me much, because like I said, I learned how to shoot like that. Of course, I also learned to shoot a pistol wearing all that crap, that was even worse, but I managed to qualify "Expert" with both.


And about plates causing fatigue, that may be true, but if you train with it, you're better off, and the trade-off is more protection from rifle fire. If you are taking fire, I think you'd rather be hot and tired while better protected than the alternative. . .

[Leader]

Yes you NEED one !

It is the absolute BEST place to pin your CCW badge.

[karcent]

And about plates causing fatigue, that may be true, but if you train with it, you're better off, and the trade-off is more protection from rifle fire. If you are taking fire, I think you'd rather be hot and tired while better protected than the alternative. . .

The OP said nothing about plates. My comment earlier was only in regards to a vest, that most people overload with a lot of ninja/cool guy crap to the point of being heavy and hot.

For the average guy, they make no sense. Better to invest in a battle belt or chest rig and carry the extra stuff in an "active shooter" type bag.
But that's just my thoughts.

[Knightrider03m]

Yes you NEED one !

It is the absolute BEST place to pin your CCW badge.

[Jetplane19]

Replies to this thread have been great. I can't thank y'all enough for your input!

As OP, I must say that I just can't bring myself to drop some bucks on a good vest system.

I need to focus my resources on my stay @ home gear and my 72hr bag out in the garage near the car, full of my family's change of clothes, diapers, tampons, flashlights, etc. To me, that is tactical. I have learned over the past few years that the term 'tactical' is different for each of us.

P.S. I just got the cheap made-in-China UTG vest. It can stay in the packaging for all I care, but IMHO, I'd rather have it and not need it, than......

Heck, I can always trade it for a roll of TP or can of beans, right?

[mechredd]

Replies to this thread have been great. I can't thank y'all enough for your input!

As OP, I must say that I just can't bring myself to drop some bucks on a good vest system.

I need to focus my resources on my stay @ home gear and my 72hr bag out in the garage near the car, full of my family's change of clothes, diapers, tampons, flashlights, etc. To me, that is tactical. I have learned over the past few years that the term 'tactical' is different for each of us.

P.S. I just got the cheap made-in-China UTG vest. It can stay in the packaging for all I care, but IMHO, I'd rather have it and not need it, than......

Heck, I can always trade it for a roll of TP or can of beans, right?

I think you made the right decision, besides some cargo shorts and a good belt from Meijers can hold all the same crap as a tac vest and look better doing it.