Armor for the Minutemen MML No. 15

Today we take an in depth look at armor and what it means to the minutemen, different ratings, hard vs soft and sometimes no armor at all. #firearms #prepared #preparedness #prepper #shtf #teotwawki #wrol #prepping #minutemen #bugoutbag #armor #bodyarmor #preppergear #guns #firearmstraining
Affiliates of the Channel:
linktr.ee/uncl...

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

Paul Harrell tested a magnum 12 Gauge slug. Paul's conclusion is that you would still die with 3a armor. However, the slug would not go through you and your budy standing behind you would still live.

[@unclefreedom213]

NIJ states that the backface deformation would still be in non lethal range that said it might not kill you but you ain't gonna be happy about it

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

@unclefreedom213 From Standard pressure slugs, I agree. Paul was testing magnum slugs (probably not tested by the NIJ) that were traveling over 1700fps (if I remeber the velocity correctly). It was enough force to still destroy whatever organ was in the path of the slug (ultimately resulting in death, but maybe not immediate death). Your 3A body armor saved the guy behind you, though.

[@64samsky]

It will feel like somebody hit you with a sledgehammer! You will be out of a fight.

[@ethanmcvay6333]

Thanks for continually putting out the most digestible content, at least for me, really appreciate it!

[@reesemcgee708]

Do you have an opinion on the Hesco 211? Seem like a pretty good upgrade over the 210s. For me as a civilian, they seem like a good compromise of protection, weight, and cost.

[@tomyoung8563]

Folks should consider having more options for body armor than firearms and there are an awful lot of .30 06 out here

[@unclefreedom213]

oh yeah and so is m2ap ammo

[@charles17508]

Liberty makes 9mm that i carry going over 2,000 fps

[@robertandreasen6023]

The 55 gr. Lose velocity at an exceptional rate, and the penatration value drops rather quickly

[@robertandreasen6023]

Wondering how the safelife fras plates perform in reality. The ads, of course say, m855 ,m80, 7.62x54r ect.

[@jamesprewitt1501]

I donno man I hear lvl4 plates in black multi cam will stop 30mm depleted uranium but only if the plate and carrier are black multi cam

[@unclefreedom213]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@YTsux24-7]

28:40 have you seen the video of the lady ATF agent wearing an actual steel target in her vest? You can literally see the form of the hang tabs sticking out. Her and her partner, who was wearing and actual armoured vest, were filmed while looking for forced reset triggers.🤣🤦‍♂️

[@unclefreedom213]

Yeah that shit was wild I couldn't even believe what I was seeing

[@Watchdog_UFOtestpilot]

If folks hadn’t made .308 lowers as “pistols” to get around the SBR law, then owning black tip .308 would be legal and I’d have a shit-ton of it. That said, if the ATF and the NFA were to be completely eliminated, it would cease to be an issue. To the main point, people always cite current relevant statistics when talking about “likely to encounter” scenarios. I’m 100% positive that if things popped off, the societal norms would change completely, and thus the “likely to encounter” scenarios will also change completely. More folks would be using rifles, of all types, thereby altering the statistical landscape.

[@wowblackhawk]

My issued gear made me tired for sure. But that turtle shell effect from the vest, made my naps amazing. Especially sitting up.

[@unclefreedom213]

Oh hell yes it did I propped my ass up numerous times with my ruck still on and just passed out

[@tbjtbj4786]

Had a game warden buddy a few years ago show me a plat hit with 85gr out of a 257wb mag at supposedly 3900 fps. Yea it zipped right through it.

[@jcc6356]

Amazing review! Cheers from Montreal, Canada.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

Steel plates are the best. Proper steel plates have a lips and even kevlar layers on top to protect from skidding, and spall protection on the back. You're forgetting that you should have soft armor on underneath. If you are spazzing out over the extra 1.5 lbs, then take that as a sign to hit the GYM. Steel plates are what provide the MOST protection, period. I have a friend fighting in Ukraine who was saved by steel armor two months ago. He got lit up by a PKM and took 16 rounds to his plate (and some that missed the plate!). He would have been a wad of hamburger wearing a bag of wet rocks and sand had that plate been ceramic. Ceramic plates are designed to do one thing very well: make the company money. 32:10 ok I didn't realize this was a troll channel. LOL. "don't wear a 10 lbs plate because that will just be way too hard and will impede your ability to outrun bullets". LMAO good one dude

[@rouchenelvann]

I bought tacticon armaments level 4 ceramic uhmwp plates. I’m not looking to justify my purchase, so if anyone is aware of any issues with their plates, please feel free to share that information.

[@Seffry365]

Level 4 from bullet safe and from guard dog... also have steel cause i didnt do enough research before buying. 😅😅 but the videos ive seen on the level 4 seem like itll do its job assuming its hit. Any thoughts.?

[@jordendavid8992]

It’s weird that there isn’t more developments for abdominal body armor at least Law enforcement applications, I understand modern medicine is great but I would wanna risk a severed spine for it

[@BuffRANGE]

M2AP is a 163-165gr FMJ Tool Steel Core projectile, no tungsten there. It's surplus form was rated at 2,7XX fps from a 24" barrel. The NIJ rates M2AP at 2,880 fps for worst case scenario. A point of clarification. Just like with current level III plates they are only "designed to stop M80 ball" and nothing else unless the company tests it. The same applies for Level IV. We can apply some general knowledge to say "sure M855A1 isn't as tough as a threat as M2AP" but NIJ Level IV and upcoming RF3 ONLY encompass M2AP, and No other "lesser threats" are defined. If the company doesn't list a NIJ test for M80A1, don't 100% trust your level IV will stop it :D UHMWPE doesn't melt to catch bullets. I thought that was the case too, but it's more so about the first few layers slowing the bullet down, and then subsequent layers catching the bullet because it can't break the tensile strength of the fibers :D

[@unclefreedom213]

Glad you stopped by I didn't know that with the uhmwpe. I eat sleep and breathe ballistics and have a higher understanding of armor but nowhere near your level. I was also misinformed on M2AP thank you for correcting me.

[@robertandreasen6023]

They did make and issue a tungsten core round, but I doubt that it was ever sold as surplus. It wasn't called m2ap though. If they did good luck finding it.

[@brianedwards231]

As always a great info filled video. Posted 37 minutes ago, 7 views, and 50 thumbs up? Am I missing something or is there something going on behind the scenes?

[@unclefreedom213]

it's lagging which is a good thing means lots are watching

[@Toastification]

I do a LOT of homework before buying anything. Just good practice. Everything you’ve discussed in this video reaffirmed all my research and personal experiences. Well done sir! Thank you! (Yes, lvl4 ceramic is the way to go. Don’t wear steel targets! Amen!)

[@unclefreedom213]

As you should I always recommend people look into it and use videos like these as a confirmation or a starting point

[@TexasNationalist1836]

I want soft level 4 armor

[@unclefreedom213]

hell yes

[@joemarchinski914]

👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲👍👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲👍👍👍.we all appreciate you and your knowledge...we are all members of the community family...and will have each other's 6

[@mrpatriot76]

If anyone is looking for a plate carrier with plates I’d highly recommend Apex armor solutions like Uncle freedom said

[@PewLand]

Nice street Bowie in the thumbnail, that's my everyday carry 👍

[@unclefreedom213]

Love that knife I really need them to release the manix 2 in Crucarta

[@thefrogking481]

A femeral artery wound is just as effective as taking one to the ticker. If ya dont wanna test your armor, dont get in a gun fight. Run! Avoid fighting on your opponets terms, run from the threat. Tis far better to live to fight another day than to die for your cause. Do not rely on armor! If you cant run three miles in your gear, you will die. Its just that simple.

[@unclefreedom213]

another reason that frag from a steel plate is so scary

[@Derek-ls3wg]

Great video. Just came across your channel. Spot on with your armor facts.

[@Amtrak___]

Great video as usual, commenting for the algorithm.

[@unclefreedom213]

Thanks for that!

[@tbjtbj4786]

Ar10 243 55gr fmj

[@jamesmay6181]

It looks like highcom only sales to LEO or gov

[@unclefreedom213]

Apex armor carries them

[@chadcoxthehunterchadcox8252]

Sounds like ceramic is the way to go

[@unclefreedom213]

yes indeed

[@TexasNationalist1836]

To stop the fragmentation with steel plates you could run level 3A soft armor infront of the plate so the bullet hits the plate frags then the soft 3A will catch the fragmentation

[@triggercrysisjames142]

Ricochet is a real thing, my friend. Seldom in a gun fight are rounds straight, angles +bullets + steel plates = ricochet.

[@triggercrysisjames142]

While on duty we always have soft body on, the only time we wear hard body armor is doing response team stuff or if you have time before responding to a bad situation. It is possible to add hard armor under 60 seconds over soft armor. It blows my mind some agencies allow hard armor only for patrol. (Mostly city police departments)

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

Well Chicago police are more likely to face greater threats.

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Keep in mind these NIJ ratings are tested at 50 yards not real combat distances like 200+ yards where the bullet loses velocity and thus penetrating power

[@GmanGSW]

You said what I've thought... Much appreciated! Maybe they ought to have separate NIJ testing, like they finally upgraded the NIJ testing, recently. Maybe Standard NIJ testing and Tactical or Practical NIJ testing? Of course, the latter would cost more... It also depends on where you think you'd take most shots from, depending upon area. I'm in Suburbia, but "fall back" is to relatives in rural areas (>range).

[@unclefreedom213]

NIJ testing distance is 49.2 feet from the muzzle with velocity taken at 6 feet from the muzzle. I wouldn't recommend selection my armor with the thought that I'll only get shot from 150+ yards away. Always stack your deck for the worst possible scenario ie inside a house not across a field

[@TexasNationalist1836]

@@unclefreedom213 i think it would have more to do with your role if you are a point man your gonna be fighting at 10 yards but if you are a Minute man Marksman you are going to be taking rounds for 3-800 yards so I would think it would be situational and philosophy of use case

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa]

Good info man, appreciate it

[@unclefreedom213]

Thank you and fantastic name my friend

[@readyalready4697]

Get steel

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

Steel plates with a coat of bedliner (for anti spaling) is what you give your buddy who doesn't have any armor at all.

[@frostriver4547]

Or get some trauma pads

[@GmanGSW]

Good armor info. You say it as it is! I've lived and learned. I have a Police-type 3A Vest (NIJ Approved). It can hold 2 10"x12" plates and for my first plates? I went with lvl 3 ESAPIs. Wrong! I got lvl 3+ Swimmer Cut. I ended up also getting lvl 4 Shooter Cuts! Also, got a Condor(?) Plate Carrier and Cumberbund (with lvl 4 6x6"plates, if I want). I love the way the 3A "Police-type" Vest is evenly weighted around my body. Last resort? I'd use the lvl 3 ESAPIs in the back compartment, only (can't put my arms across) and hope! I also have separate lvl 3A plates, with a 2" book behind, in back packs. May get SRT plates for that. Less weighty. All my armor is Ceramic and I take care of it all!

[@matthewriegner5180]

When I saw some 55gr fmj m193 rip through a lvl 3+ I knew lvl 4 was the only option.

[@GmanGSW]

I have both types of armor and I concur. What is odd, to me, is that it seems that level 4 Ceramic is sometimes cheaper than level 3+. Admittedly, the "weight" game comes into play, but you get more out of level 4, imo. When I purchase more armor, going with more Level 4 and I purchase Swimmer or Shooter Cut, having learned about ESAPI, in purchasing my first set of armor; I can't reach across it, easily.

[@unclefreedom213]

I agree 4 is the way

[@jefftabor595]

Thank you for sharing good information on your glorious day off.

[@unclefreedom213]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@terrypadgett4258]

Bring the good word Unk

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Single curve or multi curve?

[@unclefreedom213]

multi it cost more but it definitely makes a difference in comfort

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Highcom level 4 plates are $230 is that for one plate or both plates

[@unclefreedom213]

that's for one

[@TexasNationalist1836]

@@unclefreedom213 Jesus fuck that’s a lot of money for something you might never use

[@unclefreedom213]

@TexasNationalist1836 yep but if you ever need it it quickly becomes the best investment ever made

[@TexasNationalist1836]

What is the maximum barrel length to have the best velocity for 556 right before velocity drop off

[@kevinlawler3252]

I’d imagine a “20 barrel.

[@TexasNationalist1836]

@@kevinlawler3252 no I mean absolutely max barrel length like 25 inches

[@unclefreedom213]

you're still gaining velocity at like 28 inches but optimal is 18 to 22 for usable velocity and still being a usable length

[@kevinlawler3252]

Oh.. ok, I see.

[@alananzures1734]

What are your thoughts on RTS lvl 4s? You mentioned having a pair on your Scarab Video.

[@unclefreedom213]

I'm torn on them they have proven to stop what they say but for the money Highcom is a better option

[@jaytowne8016]

10 mm 140 grain Lehigh 1600 fps out of 6inch barrel..right on the 3a edge.

[@unclefreedom213]

Yeah that right on the edge and I wouldn't be comfortable with how close it is

[@jamesludwin6752]

Come on uncle. A yugo can be stopped simply by saying bad words to it. Good info. 😁

[@unclefreedom213]

I always told people yugo was an oxymoron cause You don't go anywhere

[@darylthompson5071]

Good vid bud .

[@vicerichter1163]

i think the best ammochoice is learning how to make it yourself. Copper molded tungsten core, use of carbide, carpenter steel or a modified type of steel. Get it to a certain weight and use the fastest powder possible that doesnt blow up your gun. Wouldnt really matter how good your armor is. Tungsten core and any hard enough metal will go right thru it.

[@unclefreedom213]

Yeah except level 4 eats tungsten core 30-06 without an issue

[@vicerichter1163]

not until the tungsten core round is uploaded into 7mm remington mag or 300WM where the speeds out of the cartridge is like 3000+, i think at 3100fps it does penetrate. They said on their websites the armor on most brands can take 2900fps from 30-06 and maybe up to 3000fps but any faster and it does penetrate sadly. I think you're better off getting good camo and find ways to conceal yourself with decent armor than to try to get the best money can buy. Also other materials can be made into the copper cast like carbide or improved versions of tungsten core that can make the material harder to combat the UHMWPE plates.

[@unclefreedom213]

UHMWPE gets wrecked pretty easily but alot of stuff with a solid core. I've seen good IV plates eat the M2AP projectile loaded into 300wm I've done almost 3250 fps still stopped it there's very little that modern IV won't stop even Mach Jesus handloads

[@unclefreedom213]

agreed though if you can avoid detection that's your best bet. You get someone who gets lucky..... well body armor only works if people shoot you in the armor

[@vicerichter1163]

@@unclefreedom213 I think at distance you might fare a chance. But at point-blank. You get some spooked untrained bad guy or someone who isnt gonna go down without a fight is probably gonna spray and then you gonna catch a stray. Also like you said. A trained guy takes a round in the stomach or leg unless its with a big enough round, they're gonna either fight or run. Then again, we dont know what kind of combatants we are gonna face with, sometimes even just if they catch a round in the plate is enough to discourage them from continuing the gunfight if they realize they're up against folks who can shoot accurately. Even better at distance considering how hard it is at 100M+

[@TexasNationalist1836]

What’s a good price for each of the level 4 plates steel ceramic and poly?

[@unclefreedom213]

170 to 300 highcom is about 500 for the set

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Can you do a video on boots?

[@unclefreedom213]

sure can

[@TexasNationalist1836]

@@unclefreedom213 wondering what boots to get and I need steel toe for the job site but for rucking and MM stuff I want to know if I could kill two people with one car and use steel toe boots for rucking/ MM

[@rufiofromhookmaybe1694]

I enjoy your videos thoroughly. Keep it up

[@unclefreedom213]

Glad you like them!

[@mobilegamersunite]

What was the armor brand you suggested? I'm looking into getting some polyethylene plates for my plate carrier that goes over a 3a balistic carhart as a trama pad with extra side protection as well.

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Honestly you can literally use a 1 inch thick foam sheet as a trauma pad

[@mobilegamersunite]

@TexasNationalist1836 yeah the carhart has solid side protection that a plate can't offer. And it will at least stop pistol rounds..it just doubles as a trauma pad as a free bee. 🙃

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

Can you layer armor? So like a concealed vest under clothes and a plate carrier over top? What are the downsides? Even the soft cumberbunds seem much slimmer than the coverage of a soft vest.

[@unclefreedom213]

You can and I have like throwing a plate carrier over a concealed soft vest it can be hot and cumbersome but it will mitigate alot of blunt force trauma

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

​@@unclefreedom213 cool thanks! Do you generally recommend that over the gear we are seeing in Ukraine right now (basically looks like bomb squad stuff in some pics)? Or is a plate carrier with side plates and soft inserts enough? I figure any attack on USA will involve sneaky stuff at first, then escalate into all out bombardment similar to Ukraine

[@woodsghost9088]

The Armor you need depends on the threats you face. Are the threats shrapnel? Bullets? Really big bullets? He went I to this like 3 minutes into the video.

[@TexasNationalist1836]

Is armored republic good

[@unclefreedom213]

no sir it is not neither is spartan

[@TexasNationalist1836]

@@unclefreedom213 why are they not good uncle freedom?