Should Defeating Body Armor Factor into Concealed Carry Gun Selection?
Unless you are part of a specialized tactical unit handling high-risk situations such as kicking in doors in Baghdad to combat ISIS insurgents, guarding VIPs against Boko Haram in Nigeria, or serving on high-risk warrants in Chicago, odds are you won't face a significant threat in body armor during day-to-day concealed carry.
Most Situations Don't Involve Body Armor
Even in high-risk scenarios, you are more likely to encounter ahoodie or a tee shirt than a fully armored criminal. The odds of running into a gang member wearing body armor for a mere robber job are slim.
When it comes to defensive shooting, the majority of interactions occur at close range. A single shot from a 9mm hollow point is often enough to compromise a Type IIIA body armor. Even if the initial shot is absorbed, subsequent rounds will still manage to knock the target off balance. A 357 Magnum or other powerful pistol rounds hitting the target's center mass can easily defeat most body armors.
Moreover, training to hit the center mass ensures that your shots have a greater chance of penetrating the armor and hitting vital areas. The Mozambique Drill is a testament to the effectiveness of these techniques, demonstrating that a well-placed head shot can incapacitate the threat much more effectively.
General Concealed Carry Gun Recommendations
For general concealed carry, the choice of a compact firearm with a barrel length under 4 inches, such as the Glock 43 or Walther P1 WWE, is ideal. These pistols are not only compact and concealable but also easy to carry and highly reliable. They are perfect for situations where a quick draw is necessary.
Why Not Focus on Armor-Protection?
The primary function of a concealed carry gun is to address immediate threats in close quarters. Rifles are better suited for scenarios where body armor is a significant concern, such as urban combat or high-security facilities. Even in rare situations where a criminal does wear body armor, the most effective approach is to keep your shots aimed at the center mass. If your first few rounds do not achieve the desired effect, shifting your aim to the head can be an effective follow-up move.
Therefore, while the capability to defeat body armor is a desirable feature in law enforcement and specialized tactical units, it should not be the primary factor in general concealed carry selections. The key is to find a firearm that is reliable, concealable, and effective in the most common and likely scenarios faced by the average concealed carrier.