on a side note, every classroom should have one of these:
https://www.botach.com/hardwire-20x40-level-iiia-large-bulletproof-whiteboard/

Write some quadratic equation on it to confuse attackers.

The standard hand held shields are not usually for 5.56.

I was thinking that. You can order the fiberglass material in different ratings at different thicknesses. The weight will also depend on how large the shield as well. Haven't calculated the weights depending on the size and rating yet. Was really just looking for the vendor is all.

I was thinking that. You can order the fiberglass material in different ratings at different thicknesses. The weight will also depend on how large the shield as well. Haven't calculated the weights depending on the size and rating yet. Was really just looking for the vendor is all.

I am not saying one does not exist but I know of no vendor in Hawaii that sells what you are looking for.  There are vendors for armor, but the base materials, I am unaware.  For a minimum of level III for 5.56, you will need quality advanced composites to keep the weight manageable, so you are often looking at an alumina aramid or similar.  It is a big step from level IIIA to III.  There are some pretty amazing products being put out now in rifle rated body armor and ballistic shields that are lightweight, but trade-off is always cost and often multi-hit capability may suffer depending on construction and materials.  To produce a quality one off DIY item may not be cost effective, unless if money is not an issue.

Will not stop 5.56.

true but much more than half the attacks are with pistols and shotguns so it would help in those cases.
i doubt most teachers could even hold up a shield strong enough to stop 5.56 let alone maneuver it


p.s. i have the zt0801 box in my trunk still. i believe i saw you at the range once but wasnt sure if it was you.

true but much more than half the attacks are with pistols and shotguns so it would help in those cases.
i doubt most teachers could even hold up a shield strong enough to stop 5.56 let alone maneuver it


p.s. i have the zt0801 box in my trunk still. i believe i saw you at the range once but wasnt sure if it was you.

You're correct on the shield, however he had asked for ballistic coverage up to a 5.56 which changes the game quite a bit.  There are Level III and Level IV shields.  Protech and Paraclete make shields that are under 30lbs.  Usually the lights, handle, rechargeable battery and window on many shields can add a good bit of heft. 

Kinda forgot about the box, but will get with you for it.  I will be heading out of town again for a bit, so will shoot for when I get back.  If you see me or my car on the lower side, by all means come by, or shoot me a text to confirm.    

You're correct on the shield, however he had asked for ballistic coverage up to a 5.56 which changes the game quite a bit.  There are Level III and Level IV shields.  Protech and Paraclete make shields that are under 30lbs.  Usually the lights, handle, rechargeable battery and window on many shields can add a good bit of heft. 

Kinda forgot about the box, but will get with you for it.  I will be heading out of town again for a bit, so will shoot for when I get back.  If you see me or my car on the lower side, by all means come by, or shoot me a text to confirm.   

I am a big guy, I think I could handle 30lbs alright. I will try to check out those brands too. Problem is that I cannot afford to spend $1000 bucks on a shield.

I would like a FLIR system too but building that is way out of my expertise

I am a big guy, I think I could handle 30lbs alright. I will try to check out those brands too. Problem is that I cannot afford to spend $1000 bucks on a shield.

I would like a FLIR system too but building that is way out of my expertise

30 lbs would be a lightweight shield.  Those shield manufacturers are tops, but a no frills, no window, IIIA only shield is $1k. They can be a good 10lbs lighter without the window, lights etc...  There is a huge step up in difference in pricing when you go from IIIA to level III.   2.5x or triple that cost for a lightweight level III shield, but again that includes view port, handles, lights etc...  I have rifle plates from both of those manufacturers and $1K is the entry price for a pair.  Of course AR500 plates are cheaper but a full AR500 shield would be a bear.   

FLIR is great if you have the cash like you said, but there are pretty good NV set ups that won't kill you in cost.

30 lbs would be a lightweight shield.  Those shield manufacturers are tops, but a no frills, no window, IIIA only shield is $1k. They can be a good 10lbs lighter without the window, lights etc...  There is a huge step up in difference in pricing when you go from IIIA to level III.   2.5x or triple that cost for a lightweight level III shield, but again that includes view port, handles, lights etc...  I have rifle plates from both of those manufacturers and $1K is the entry price for a pair.  Of course AR500 plates are cheaper but a full AR500 shield would be a bear.   

FLIR is great if you have the cash like you said, but there are pretty good NV set ups that won't kill you in cost.

The steel plates with spall coating are about 9 lbs each IIRC and they are a little over a square foot. 4 square feet would be about 40lbs then. Maybe I should call Spartan armor to see if they could make something and what it would weigh. I am sure they could suggest alternatives too.

The Gen 1 NV goggles are between $100 and $200 for some of them, but they all seem to be zoomed ones, nothing great for actually walking around. At least the one I tried from a friend was very limited in what you could see.