Ballistic Shield questions

[Aglifter]

I presume they're legal to own, as they're just bent Lexan. Now, can anyone really think of a reason why I need one? (The "World's Most Useful Neighbor" has a CNC plastic shop, and has offered to make me one fairly cheaply.)

I'll probably get one anyway -- how thick should it be? 1/2," 3/4"?

[HTRN]

as they're just bent Lexan.

That depends - the ones that are all clear are basically acrylic or polycarbonate. The ones with little windows in 'em? Yeah, they made of all sorts of stuff, like Kevlar matte, polyetheline armor, etc.

Acrylic does a lousy job of stopping bullets.


HTRN

[Aglifter]

Really? He uses it to make bullet proof windows regularly? (It's what's on the cab of most construction equipment, and stops some pretty impressive impacts.)

[HTRN]

Acrylic to stop most handgun rounds, has to be at least 3/4" thick. I think .44 mag needs 1.5".

The stuff they make "bulletproof" glass out varies. If it's very transparent, it's probably very thick acylic. The stuff they use alot in prisons though is called "Hygard" and is a laminate of acylic and polycarb. a 4 layer version that's rated to stop 44 mag is 1.325". That comes straight out of Emco's '97 catalog. There's a bunch of others on the market as well.

Keep in mind - that security sheeting at your local bank, that's like an inch thick? that's only really good for the likes of 9mm.


HTRN

[HTRN]

Something you might want to read

From post #8:

From a bench they took 1 shot each at a row of 1" thick acrylic plates clamped together on a platform/table. The .223 penetrated pretty much through the 2nd plate with some cracking outward. The 7.62 penetrated more than 3.5 plates

Some interesting pictures.

Armortex comparison charts


HTRN

[Combat Controller]

Still, shields are better in phalanx formation. Get several made.

[Steamforger]

I can't imagine that a shield would differ legally from body armor. As long as you don't use one in the commission of a crime, you should be ok.

I'm not a lawyer, I don't play one on t.v., yadda yadda yadda you get the point.

[Aglifter]

Well, Useful Neighbor can get, AFAIK, any plastic made, and dang near doesn't take money from me -- he does accept ice cream, however.

So, is there a plastic to have it made from? I'll ask about the laminated polycarb tomorrow.

[HTRN]

all the stuff that's labeled "bulletproof" seems to be a laminate of one form or another. My suggestion is to see what he has on hand.

Another suggestion, ask for a scrap piece of said plastic, take to the range.. I think you'll find it eye opening.


HTRN