Being a gun owner is not a single category. Depending on where you live and if you use your weapon strictly for defense or as a tool for a job, you will need different additional equipment and body armor for gun owners and professionals that use a handgun or rifle daily. There are three categories of equipment and body armor depending on the use:

Individual Personal Defense
Home and Family Defense
Public Defense and Security Detail

The reasons for this differentiation are plentiful. For one, there are different risks when you are alone and minding your business, and when you are professionally protecting people and venues. Also, when it comes to equipment, some things are not necessary for certain conditions. You don't need to conceal carry in your home, meaning that all of the equipment for such a task is unnecessary. Finally, when it comes to those that are buying equipment for personal defense, optimization is key. You need to be as effective as possible while keeping yourself light and mobile. This is why modular body armor for gun owners, in general, is such a good investment.

Legal and Social Restrictions

Aside from some shipping hurdles in certain states, nothing is preventing law-abiding citizens from buying, owning, and wearing any type of body armor and tactical gear. And, even those who have been convicted for non-violent crimes and have served their time can purchase a bulletproof vest if it is needed for their job and they file a legitimate request. But, there might be social restrictions that can prove even more constricting than any law made by the State. Generally, some places don’t look kindly on people walking around in full tactical gear and you might be seen as an aggressor in that situation. Always make sure to look appropriate for the community you are living or working in. Only when everyone is calm you will be able to spot possible aggressors and act in time to stop a tragedy from happening.

Know Your Rights

While this is a good general rule for every citizen, it is especially important for gun owners. You need to know both the federal law and constitutional rights that guarantee you the right not only to own but to use arms when necessary. Also, you need to know about the obligations that come with those rights. Every gun owner needs to use their arms responsibly. This includes good maintenance and a modicum of training. This responsibility toward the law is what makes the whole system functional. Because of it, we can safely protect ourselves and our families and promote peace and tolerance in every community. Such is the legacy of the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Types of Equipment for Gun Owners

The three types of equipment and body armor sets can be distinguished by their optimization. And while individual modules might be different for every situation, the general categories will be quite similar. Primarily, there is individual defense that should be optimized for comfort. Next, there is home safety, which is optimized for accessibility. And finally, there are security jobs that should be optimized for effectiveness.

Individual Defense

You never know when disaster might strike. This is exactly why people should bear arms in general. But, you don’t want to tax yourself too much for something that might never happen. For the same reason, most people only carry a sidearm for protection, equipment, and body armor should be comfortable as well. Using something as armored clothing or soft vests will probably be the best idea, as they are discreet, comfortable, and can be worn just as easy as regular clothes. Combined with a compact holster and a Velcro pad in the car for additional ammo, it makes for perfect defense.

Home and Family Defense

When it comes to your family, you want to be able to get ready from a stupor in seconds. This is why you need external hard plate vests and a shotgun. You don’t want to aim and you know you won’t be running around, so playing it safe is always the best idea when protecting your family.

Security Contracts

Finally, there are jobs where you are either required or should wear both weapons and armor. Protecting a venue is such a situation, and you want to stay as effective as possible. While a soft vest in such a situation is probably the best idea because of the weight, having a battle belt with a med-pack, plastic ties, and some additional ammo might come in handy.