D.C area sniper and bulletproof vests

Factual Questions
1

I assumed that this question would have been asked by now, but a search on bulletproof and kevlar did not point me to any answers. If I missed it, please direct me to the correct thread, otherwise …

So I figure the best way to combat the D.C. area sniper would be to get a bulletproof vest. I’ve found them in various places on the web for around $100.

My boss argues that the power and shape of the bullet from the .223 cartridge would allow the bullet to get through any bulletproof vest. He says that the vests are only good against handgun ammunition and that the .223 bullet is more slender and pointed, allowing for a higher concentration of force at the point of impact thus penetrating the vest.

As he had no evidence to back his claim, I thouhgt I’d turn to you.
So, disregarding the price of the vests, and assuming anyone can get one quickly, would the vests do any good against the .223 round?

3

FWIW, the woman shot yesterday was struck in the head. I don’t know, however, if the shooter has been going for head shots on other victims or not.

4

Both head and body shots. I’m unsure of whether the bullet would be stopped by body armor (not that you could supply the entire DC metro area with vests) but remember the sniper is shooting from quite a distance. Does distance work into the effectiveness of body armor?

5

It’s not cheap, but here’s a site that has ceramic rifle plates that would be inserted into a vest that are said to stop a .223. Still, nothing but dumb luck will save you from a head shot.

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Body_Armor_Accessories_RIFLE_Protection.shtml#Ceramic

6

I don’t mean this to be humorous or to travel too far from the OP but in my mind the best defense for any DC area gas pumper would be not to buy a vest (especially since, as DeniseV pointed out, head shots are a possibility) but to do a modified funky chicken while you refuel. As a game hunter, I’ve found that a clear target is optimal. If someone is jerking sporadically to the point where I can’t draw a bead, they present a very unattractive, albeit humorous, target.

7

I don’t know how to do the Funky Chicken. Will the Mashed Potato work instead?

8

uh… shouldn’t that read someTHING…

9

Shadowfyre: You’re boss is correct. I believe even a 22LR can penetrate most “bulletproof” vest.

10

Hmm - has lieu slipped up there?

Do you own a white van?
Where were you on these dates…?

11

Hmm - has lieu slipped up there?

Do you own a white van?
Where were you on these dates…?

12

Do you own a .223 rifle?
Are you a good shot? :smiley:

13

If I owned a gas station, I’d put up some of those clear screens that surround the President on stage. Steal other gas station’s customers.
I wonder if that would be cost effective…

14

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Quick_Answers.shtml

15

Yes, distance would be a factor if he were shooting from quite a distance, but he isn’t. AFAIK, all the shots have been a couple hundred yards or less.