Ballistic Shields

[Rentsy]

While Wikipedia trawling, I somehow got to Ballistic shields. Huh. If I were ever actually in danger, I sure would want one of those. Too bad I'd be insane to carry one of those bunker-types with me 24/7.

Then, I saw something interesting. Police thought they'd be insane to carry around a big, bulky piece of metal and plastic too. However, some companies are making light, foldaway shields from polycarbonates that provide level IIIA protection.

These things are supposed to be light and small, and we've all got a little room in the trunk, right? Certainly for something that could save our life if we found ourselves in the middle of an active shooter situation.

The one thing I don't know, and I suspect is the answer as to why we don't see more of these, is the cost. These materials are hardly cheap.

What is the state of the ballistic shield-civilian market?

[edit, after one post] The Baker Batshield costs 3,000 dollars.

[clyde621]

I suspect that you would only find such items in the high security business, maybe for VIP protection situations.

[Whirlibird]

Oh, I don't know about the high security bit, we're trying to get two of them for the entire county to share. Felony warrant service and the possible barricaded suspect make them very alluring. The issue out here is longguns not handguns.

Problem is out here in the wastelands, there's a whole 12 full time sworn officers including a wildlife officer in the county. (Three of these still in training)
So assembling anything resembling an entry team requires time and planning. Shield? Someone could bring it with them.

And the polycarbonate sheilds are nice against handguns, but out here there's more than one old M-1 stacked in a corner still loaded with black-tip.

[Aglifter]

If it's just for your own use, check out a plastics fabricator -- just sheets of lexan don't cost nearly that much -- and can easily get to quite bullet proof.

[Aaron]

Unless you plan on forcing entry to a potentially covered door or making an opposed ascent/descent of a stairway, you don't really need one. In the context of defensive use, you'd be better to keep both hands free for shooting and maximizing your maneuverability.

[DougWojtowicz]

Quickly... ROBIN... the...BAT shield...

[Dub_James]

Reminds me of a device, called a "Scumshield", that I used to fit to Lego Mad-Max style cars when I was a kid. Basically a hinged transparent cockpit lid that lay down over the windscreen, so that when you hit someone and they splatted all over the windscreen...well, you get the idea.

Yeah, I know; I was that kid...