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If you’re shopping for your first concealed carry firearm, you might be overwhelmed by caliber debates. You’ll see heated arguments on gun forums over 9mm versus .40 S&W versus .45 ACP—sometimes even from die-hards who still swear by revolvers in .44 Magnum. These debates often boil down to myths, preferences, and outdated ideas about 'stopping power.' While 'stopping power' is a real concept—referring to how effectively a round can incapacitate a threat—it's not something you can reliably hedge your life on. In an actual defensive situation, shot placement, follow-up accuracy, and your ability to control the firearm matter far more. Relying on raw power over practical performance is a gamble that most professionals avoid. Some insist bigger is better, citing raw bullet size. Others prioritize speed, capacity, and control. As a first-time buyer, you’re looking for a gun that's effective, and manageable. 

The truth is that while a larger round does offer more stopping power per shot, the practical difference between smaller and larger rounds is negligible when it comes to stopping a threat. A man killed by a 9mm is just as dead as a man killed by a .45ACP. What matters more is how many rounds you have, how fast you can shoot them, and how confidently you can control your weapon.

Why 9mm Is the Smarter Choice

Modern 9mm hollow point ammunition is extremely effective, offering deep penetration and reliable expansion. That’s why most law enforcement agencies, after decades of carrying .40 and .45, have switched back to 9mm. Not only is it cheaper and more widely available, it’s easier to shoot accurately and faster to recover from recoil—especially important in a high-stress self-defense scenario.

If you’re carrying a compact .45 ACP pistol, you might get 7 or 8 rounds. A similar-sized 9mm pistol holds 15 to 20. In a real-world defensive encounter, adrenaline is high, hands are shaky, and you’re not going to be calmly placing perfect shots. Capacity matters. More rounds give you more chances.

Many new gun owners also underestimate the recoil of .45 ACP in a small pistol. It kicks hard. And when you’re practicing regularly (as you should), that recoil makes training more frustrating. A 9mm will allow you to train longer and more often. Plus, sticking with one caliber means you won’t need to stock multiple types of ammunition. Simpler is better.

In fact, plenty of experienced shooters have made the switch. As one of our team members put it: “I was tired of carrying 8 rounds of .45 ACP when I could have 20 rounds of 9mm in a gun the same size."

Law Enforcement and the Military

Police departments across the United States have never had a standardized duty weapon. From the 1970s through the 1990s, officers carried everything from .38 Special revolvers to .45 ACP semi-autos, and even oddball calibers like the .41 Magnum once used by SFPD. Today, while departments still choose their own sidearms, the overwhelming trend—from rural sheriffs to big-city PDs to federal agencies like the FBI and ICE—is toward 9mm.

9mm is easier to shoot, costs less to train with, causes less wear on the firearm, and allows for more rounds in the magazine. That means longer engagements without reloads, better performance under pressure, and less fatigue during training.

The U.S. military has followed the same path. The Marine Corps was the last holdout for the iconic 1911 in .45 ACP, but even they transitioned to the SIG Sauer M18 in 9mm. This mirrors a much older shift in rifle calibers: back in the 1970s and '80s, NATO forces considered standardizing on the heavier 7.62x51mm round, but the U.S. bucked the trend. They chose the lighter 5.56x45mm instead, realizing soldiers could carry more ammo and stay in the fight longer. The same logic applies to your handgun.

Protection Goes Beyond the Firearm

Owning a reliable concealed carry pistol is only one part of the equation. Personal protection also means preparing for the unexpected. That’s why soft body armor like the BulletSafe VP4 vest is a smart addition to your daily routine.

Lightweight, flexible, and rated at NIJ Level IIIA, the BulletSafe VP4 can stop common handgun threats without broadcasting that you’re wearing armor. It slips easily under a jacket or sweatshirt and provides peace of mind when you're out in the world.

Final Thoughts

If you’re new to concealed carry, choose a reliable 9mm pistol with good capacity. Practice often. Train realistically. And consider the VP4 as part of your everyday carry setup. Protection isn’t just about what you carry in your holster—it’s about what you wear on your chest.

Stay ready. Stay smart. Stay safe with BulletSafe.

Hollow point ammunition has been around for a long time, evolving from early designs in the late 19th century when shooters realized that a bullet that expanded on impact could do more damage to a target. The British Empire famously used Dum-Dum bullets—named after the arsenal in India where they were developed—which featured exposed lead tips designed to mushroom upon impact. These rounds were so effective at causing catastrophic wounds that they were banned for use in warfare under the Hague Conventions of 1899.

But while hollow points are never used for warfare, they’re the go-to for law enforcement and self-defense, because they do exactly what they were designed to do—stop threats quickly and effectively.

The Purpose of Hollow Points

Hollow point bullets are engineered with a cavity at the tip that causes them to expand upon impact. This expansion does two things:

1. Maximizes Stopping Power – Unlike full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which can punch straight through a target, hollow points dump all their energy into the target, causing greater tissue damage and reducing the risk of overpenetration. This makes them an excellent choice for defensive situations where you don’t want a bullet passing through an attacker and hitting an innocent bystander.

2. Better Terminal Performance – The expansion of the round increases its diameter, making it more effective at incapacitating threats. In law enforcement, this is critical because officers need to neutralize a threat as quickly as possible. In self-defense, it means fewer shots may be needed to stop an assailant.

3. Safer for Urban Environments – Since hollow points are less likely to overpenetrate compared to FMJs, they are a better option in crowded areas where missed shots could put bystanders at risk.

It’s no wonder police departments, concealed carriers, and even some security personnel rely on hollow points. They hit hard and stop threats fast. But there’s one thing they don’t do—penetrate body armor.

Hollow Points vs. Body Armor

Despite what Hollywood might show, hollow points are completely ineffective against modern body armor. That’s because body armor—especially soft armor rated at Level II or IIIA—is designed to absorb and distribute the force of a bullet, preventing penetration.

Hollow points, by design, expand when they hit a target. That’s great for stopping an unarmored attacker, but it works against them when hitting armor. Instead of punching through, the bullet mushrooms out even more dramatically, dumping its energy into the armor itself and failing to penetrate. That means if someone wearing soft body armor takes a hit from a 9mm or .45 ACP hollow point, they’ll feel the impact, but the round isn’t getting through.

So, if you’re worried about bad guys using hollow points, you should know that a BulletSafe VP4 vest (or any Level IIIA-rated soft armor) will stop them cold. But that brings us to a critical warning—what will penetrate body armor?

Rifle Rounds: A Different Beast

Soft armor is not designed to stop rifle rounds. Even though pistol-caliber hollow points won’t get through, common centerfire rifle cartridges like .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) and 7.62x39mm will cut through Level IIIA armor like a hot knife through butter. Why?

1. Velocity – Rifle rounds travel much faster than handgun rounds, with speeds often exceeding 2,500 feet per second. That’s far beyond what soft armor is designed to handle.

2. Pointed Shape and Construction – Unlike hollow points, most rifle bullets have a streamlined, full metal jacket (FMJ) or armor-piercing (AP) design that helps them maintain structural integrity on impact. Instead of flattening out, they pierce straight through.

If you want protection against rifle threats, you need hard armor plates rated at Level III or IV. These are the only options capable of stopping high-velocity rifle rounds, with Level IV plates being able to defeat armor-piercing rounds.

Hollow points are the best choice for self-defense, home defense, and law enforcement when dealing with unarmored threats. They deliver maximum stopping power while reducing the risk of overpenetration. But if you’re relying on them to defeat body armor, think again—they simply don’t have what it takes.

If armor penetration is the concern, rifle rounds are a whole different animal, and only Level III or IV plates can offer the protection you need.

So, if you’re running a BulletSafe VP4 vest with Level IIIA protection, you’re covered against handguns and even shotgun slugs. But if rifle rounds are a threat in your environment, upgrade to rifle-rated plates.

Know your ammo. Know your armor. Stay protected.

To shop BulletSafe bulletproof vests, click here.

When the rule of law degradesthe rule of law degrades—whether due to civil unrest, economic collapse, or a total grid-down disaster—you need to be prepared for anything. That means having food, water, medical supplies, and, most importantly, protection. A bulletproof vest isn’t just for law enforcement or military personnel. It’s a critical piece of survival gear that could be the difference between life and death when the world turns dangerous. But not all body armor is the same, and choosing the right one for an SHTF (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario is essential.

Why Body Armor Matters in SHTF Situations

In any large-scale crisis, one of the biggest threats you'll face will come in the form of unprepared people willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Desperation leads to violence, and when law enforcement is overwhelmed or ceases to exist, self-defense becomes a personal responsibility. Looters, armed gangs, and panicked civilians can pose a deadly threat. In these situations, having body armor can mean walking away from a fight instead of being carried out of one.

Even if you're not expecting a direct confrontation, stray bullets become a serious concern in chaotic environments. A gunfight down the street could send rounds flying in your direction. A panicked store owner could fire warning shots that don’t go where they’re intended. Wearing a concealable bulletproof vest keeps you protected without making you stand out, ensuring you're ready for unexpected dangers without drawing attention to yourself.

Choosing the Right Level of Protection

When it comes to bulletproof vests, protection levels vary, and not every vest is suited for every situation. In a survival scenario, the type of armor you wear should match the threats you're most likely to face.

Soft armor, such as Level II and IIIA vests, is designed to stop common handgun rounds like 9mm, .45 ACP, and up to .44 Magnum. These vests are lightweight, flexible, and comfortable enough for all-day wear. If you plan to move through urban areas or interact with others while keeping a low profile, a concealable bulletproof vest is your best bet. It offers discreet protection without making you look like a threat.

Hard armor, such as Level III and IV plates, provides protection against rifle rounds like .223, 5.56, and .308. Level IV armor will even protect against .30-06. While it offers superior defense, it comes with a major trade-off: weight. Rifle-rated plates can add up to 20 pounds to your loadout, which can be exhausting, especially if you're on the move. If you're defending a fixed position, such as a homestead or bunker, wearing plate armor makes sense. But if you need to stay mobile and agile, carrying that extra weight might slow you down at the worst possible moment.

Concealment vs. Tactical Loadout

Survival situations require different approaches to body armor. In some cases, blending in is the best strategy, while in others, openly wearing armor and carrying gear is necessary.

A concealable bulletproof vest is ideal for anyone trying to avoid unnecessary confrontations. In a lawless environment, looking like an armed threat could make you a target, either from desperate civilians or from whatever remains of law enforcement. A low-profile vest allows you to stay protected without attracting unwanted attention. If you're traveling through high-risk areas, dealing with unknown groups, or just trying to avoid looking like a combatant, wearing concealable armor under your clothes is the smarter choice.

A tactical plate carrier, on the other hand, is useful when you expect a direct fight. If you're defending your home, traveling with an armed group, or planning to engage threats head-on, having rifle-rated protection and the ability to carry extra gear is a huge advantage. However, an overt plate carrier instantly marks you as a combatant, which could invite trouble. If you wear one, you need to be prepared for the attention it brings.

Mobility and Weight Considerations

When planning for an SHTF scenario, your main objective should be centered around surviving long-term. Mobility is just as important as protection.

Soft armor is the best option for staying mobile. It allows you to move quickly, climb, run, and evade threats without being weighed down. If your survival plan involves bugging out and covering long distances, lightweight protection is the better choice.

Hard armor provides superior protection, but at the cost of endurance. The added weight makes running, climbing, and maneuvering more difficult, which can be a serious disadvantage in a situation where escape is the best option. If you choose to wear rifle-rated plates, you need to be in good physical condition and prepared for the extra strain.

The key is finding a balance. If your plan involves staying in one place, hard armor makes sense. If you're constantly on the move, soft armor gives you enough protection to survive without slowing you down.

How to Store and Maintain Body Armor in a Survival Situation

A bulletproof vest is only as good as its condition. In a survival situation, taking care of your gear is critical.

Soft armor panels should be kept dry and away from excessive heat. Moisture and prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade the ballistic fibers, reducing their effectiveness. Storing soft armor in a waterproof bag or container helps preserve its integrity over time.

Hard armor plates, especially ceramic ones, need to be handled with care. Dropping them or exposing them to repeated impacts can create small cracks that weaken their stopping power. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure they remain in good condition.

Every vest has an expiration date. Most soft armor lasts between five and ten years before it starts to degrade. If you're relying on armor for long-term survival, rotating your gear and keeping an eye on wear and tear is crucial. In a post-collapse world, replacements won’t be easy to find.

Legal Considerations for Preppers

Right now, body armor is legal for civilians in most of the U.S., but laws can change quickly, especially in a crisis. Some states, like Connecticut, restrict the sale of bulletproof vests to in-person transactions, while others might tighten regulations in times of unrest. If martial law is declared, access to body armor could be limited or outright banned.

If you're serious about prepping, the best time to get body armor is before you need it. Waiting until a crisis hits could leave you without protection when you need it most.

Final Thoughts: Is Body Armor a Prepper Essential?

For anyone preparing for SHTF scenarios, a bulletproof vest should be considered just as important as food, water, and firearms. When violence becomes a real threat, the right armor can keep you in the fight—or help you walk away from one.

A concealable bulletproof vest is the best choice for those looking to move undetected and stay protected without drawing attention. A tactical plate carrier is ideal for those expecting direct engagements and needing maximum protection. Whichever you choose, ensuring your armor fits your survival strategy is the key to staying safe.

When society collapses, being prepared is everything. Having body armor gives you an advantage in an unpredictable world. Whether you plan to bug out, bunker down, or move undetected, the right protection can mean the difference between survival and becoming another statistic.

To shop BulletSafe Bulletproof Vests, click here.

When people think about home defense, they usually focus on firearms, security cameras, and reinforced doors. But what about protecting yourself and your family from bodily harm? In a home invasion, gunfight, or even a civil unrest scenario, having body armor could be the difference between survival and disaster. So, should you add a bulletproof vest to your home defense setup?

When Would Body Armor Be Useful at Home?

You don’t have to be a SWAT officer to benefit from body armor. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your door being kicked in, knowing that an armed intruder might be inside. Should you choose to remain in a defensible position, such as your locked bedroom, having body armor within reach would give you extra protection if you reasonably have the time to put it on. Civil unrest is another situation where armor proves invaluable. If riots or looting break out in your area, stepping outside could be dangerous, and wearing a protective vest could make a critical difference. Those who prepare for worst-case scenarios, such as natural disasters or economic collapse, may also find body armor essential. In times of uncertainty, law enforcement response may be delayed or unavailable, leaving you solely responsible for your safety. Additionally, if you live in a high-crime area, having body armor is an added layer of security for potential threats.

What Type of Body Armor Makes Sense for Home Defense?

Not all armor is created equal. The right choice depends on your needs and how much protection you want. Soft armor, such as Level IIIA vests, is designed to stop most handgun rounds and offers lightweight, flexible protection. It’s ideal for home defense because it allows for easy movement and can be quickly put on in an emergency. The BulletSafe VP4 Advanced Vest is an excellent example, providing reliable soft armor protection while maintaining comfort and flexibility.

For those facing potential rifle threats, hard armor is the better choice. Level III and IV plates are designed to stop high-caliber rounds, making them ideal for more extreme scenarios. Though heavier and bulkier, hard plates provide the highest level of ballistic protection available. The BulletSafe VP4 Advanced Vest has the ability to accommodate Level IV plates, allowing you to upgrade your vest based on your needs.

Choosing between a plate carrier and a concealable vest depends on your situation. Plate carriers provide modularity, allowing users to attach extra gear and quickly swap out armor plates. However, they are bulkier and can limit mobility indoors. Concealable vests, on the other hand, are lightweight and offer discreet protection. They’re perfect for those who want quick, hassle-free protection without sacrificing comfort.

How to Use Body Armor in a Home Defense Scenario

Having body armor is great, but only if you can use it when needed. The most important factor in making armor work for home defense is accessibility. Storing a vest near your bed, in a safe room, or in a bug-out bag ensures that you can put it on quickly in an emergency. In high-risk households, it may also be worth considering providing armor for family members, especially if they may be exposed to danger while seeking safety.

Another smart way to enhance your home defense setup is by using BulletSafe backpack panels. These lightweight Level IIIA panels are not just for backpacks. They can be secured to doors or light walls to create protective barriers, giving you additional shielding in case of an attack. Whether placed in a designated safe room or used for mobile protection, these panels offer a simple yet effective way to enhance safety.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Investing in body armor may seem like an expensive choice, but when compared to other home defense tools, it’s a reasonable addition to your security setup. The cost of soft armor, like the BulletSafe VP4 Advanced Vest, is relatively low compared to the price of firearms and home security systems. Hard plates are a bigger investment, but for those who want maximum protection, they are worth considering. If a full vest isn’t practical for you, BulletSafe backpack panels offer an affordable and versatile alternative, providing protection without the bulk of a full setup.

What About the Legal Side?

Most people don’t realize that body armor is legal for civilians in the U.S., but there are some important restrictions. In most states, anyone without a criminal record can purchase and own body armor without needing a permit. However, New York and Connecticut prohibit civilians from purchasing body armor, limiting its sale to law enforcement and other authorized personnel. Additionally, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing bulletproof vests nationwide. Some states also have specific regulations on wearing body armor in public, making it crucial to check local laws before use. That said, using body armor for home defense is legal in most states and falls within responsible, law-abiding self-protection measures.

Final Thoughts: Should You Add Body Armor to Your Home Defense Plan?

At the end of the day, if you’re serious about home defense, a vest like the BulletSafe VP4, Level IV plates, or BulletSafe backpack armor panels could be a smart addition to your safety plan. Adding body armor to your home defense strategy ensures that if the worst happens, you’ll have an extra layer of protection between you and potential threats. Personal safety is about being prepared, and body armor is one of the most practical ways to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe.

To shop BulletSafe bulletproof vests, click here.

"Bulletproof" gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? If you're wearing a bulletproof vest, what can you realistically expect it to stop? And how do you know if it's the right level of protection for you?

A lot of people have the wrong idea about what a bulletproof vest can do. Some think it'll stop any bullet, from any gun, in any situation. Others believe wearing one makes you completely safe. The truth is a bit more technical—and more realistic.

What Actually Stops a Bullet?

Outside of body armor, people often assume certain objects are "bulletproof" just because they look tough—things like brick walls, car doors, or concrete blocks. But reality doesn’t always match the movies.

Take a cinder block, for example. It might seem solid, but a round from an AK-style rifle can punch right through it. On the other hand, thick, dense metal components like engine blocks or steel I-beams can actually stop many types of bullets in their tracks.

People tend to overestimate what counts as bulletproof. Items like car doors, drywall, and even most walls in an American house won't reliably stop a bullet—especially not from a rifle. Even thicker-looking materials like wood or sheet metal might slow a round down, but they rarely stop it outright. As a matter of fact, taking cover behind moderately thick wood is generally a bad idea because of wood shrapnel. When a bullet strikes wood, especially at high velocity, it doesn’t just stop or lodge cleanly like it might in soft armor. Instead, the impact causes the wood to splinter and explode, sending sharp fragments outward. These fragments can be dangerous on their own, creating secondary injuries even if the bullet doesn't directly hit you.

On the flip side, there are objects that actually can stop bullets, especially rifle rounds. Engine blocks, steel plates, thick hardwood logs, and large chunks of concrete can all offer meaningful protection—but only under certain conditions. It depends on the round, the distance, and the angle of impact.

These kinds of battlefield lessons are important because they remind us that real-world bullet resistance is determined by a combination of material, density, and angle—not just thickness. That same principle applies to body armor, which brings us to how protective gear is actually rated.

The Real Definition of "Bulletproof"

First off, no vest makes you invincible. For example, there is no vest on earth capable of stopping a .50 caliber round. There are, however, levels to what a vest can protect against.

When people say something is bulletproof, they usually mean it can stop a bullet from penetrating. But not all bullets are created equal. There’s a huge difference between a .22 LR and a 7.62x51mm NATO round. That’s why we have a standardized rating system to define what kinds of rounds a vest can stop.

Understanding the NIJ Rating System

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the organization that sets the standard for ballistic protection. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common NIJ levels:

• Level IIA: Protects against 9mm and .40 S&W FMJ rounds. It’s light and flexible but not very common these days.

• Level II: Stops 9mm and .357 Magnum. Still fairly lightweight but offers more protection than IIA.

• Level IIIA: Stops .357 SIG and .44 Magnum. This is considered the highest level of protection you can get from soft armor alone. It’s a solid choice for law enforcement, security, and civilians who want serious coverage without hard plates.

• Level III: This is where hard armor comes in. Level III plates are tested to stop 7.62x51mm NATO full metal jacket rounds. These are rifle rounds, so soft armor won’t cut it here.

• Level IV: The highest rating. These plates are designed to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds, including .30-06 M2 AP rounds. Level IV is what you want if you're expecting to face serious threats.

BulletSafe's VP4 Advanced Vest comes rated at Level IIIA straight out of the box. That means you're covered against most handgun threats, including high-velocity rounds like .357 SIG and .44 Magnum.

The VP4 is also built to accept ballistic plates. Just slide in a BulletSafe Level IV plate, and now you've got protection against armor-piercing rifle fire. This modular setup that gives you flexibility without overcomplicating your gear.

So what does it mean to be bulletproof? It means knowing your threat level, choosing the right gear, and trusting equipment that’s been tested to take the hit.

Check out the BulletSafe VP4 and upgrade your protection with confidence.