Confidence in Your Product, Bullet-Proof Vest Department

[Bullseye 2620]

I think this about says it all. . .

It's a public domain photo from the Library of Congress showing the testing of a bullet-proof vest by the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Police circa 1925.


Bullseye

 

[Iggy]

Why didn't that guy fly backwards through the air?

 

[sheriffoconee]

That was the days before Hollywood told us that is what happens when you shoot folks Iggy....

I figured it was a firing squad for illegal bike riding....

 

[ladder13]

Why does the shooter need a vest?

 

[ASA335]

Why does the shooter need a vest?

In case the test "fails" and the dummy (er, tester) is angry for being shot, and then decides to get even?

My observation is: Pretty smoky, for a presumed "smokeless" powder loading (C 1925, should be a smokeless powder load - shouldn't it? ).

Peace,

 

[Maximumbob54]

I thought you average winter jacket could stop a .38 WC??? Or am I missing the point that this was mad science back in the day??? I love the pomade hair though. That was style.

 

[Rule3]

I want to see the slow motion replay from several different angles. That guy looks just to happy being shot.

 

[Evil Dog]

Not sure how much truth there might be to it, but have often heard the story where salesman was demonstrating vest to local police department. Muzzle to vest with a 357 had little effect. He shouldn't have tried to demonstrate a knife though... went right through it.

Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.

 

[ladder13]

Looks like the shooter missed, look at his face, he's pi**ed.

Btw, were they expecting a flood?

 

[Iggy]

I think they filled the barrel of the gun with talcum powder to increase visual effect.

I watched the feller that developed the Second Chance vests shoot himself with a .38. He sure din't stand there as non-nonchalant as that shootee.

 

[m1gunner]

"Here's your sign"

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Google 1923 bullet proof vest test. Then click images for results.

You'll see another picture at the same location with a different shooter and another standing by with a handgun. It must have been quite an afternoon....

 

[keith44spl]

My issued vest was one of them there second chance zylon models that got recalled...Gees

 

[Iggy]

I had one of the first Second Chance vests. They sent a sample swatch for you to test.

It stopped a .357 JHP with about 3 Kevlar threads still holding the bullet. I can tell you that sure would have smarted and left a nasty bruise.

A 9 mm HB went right through it. I sent it back and got a refund.

 

[DeathGrip]

I wonder who the bike belongs to and if he rode it home.
Just because it's old don't mean it's real.
Just because it's from the library of congress don't mean it's real.
Just because it's from Washington D.C. tells me it's not real.

 

[LedFowl]

Smokeless powder??