Ballistic Shield Use
 

Been trying to find some videos on ballistic shield use that is public domain.


I've found this, from the manufacturer. It's not the best, but it's all I can find.
http://www.bakerbatshield.com/video.asp#tactical

If anyone has good videos, please post them. One of the things about the BAT shield is it's curve/flexiblity, doesn't behave like more ridgid/traditional shields.

However, it is good for showing, when in two man teams, that the shield operator is -just- the shield operator. Too often you'll see a Shield Operator (SO) drop the shield as they attempt to engage the target. This comprimises the SO's defensive ability. (But, on the other hand, sometimes shit happens or you're the only one there, so train both ways).

Oborous

I'm not too happy about shields or force fields as I like to think of them.

All I see is folks with big chunks of clear lexan that weight as much as a kite and are fully clear.

If you were out with one that mimicked the little viewing port, and was 1:1 on the weight of a real one then maybe I'd consider it not shrugging hits. That goes double for someone who says they're training for the real world.

Same goes for folks with empty plate carriers and skate helmets that protect them from all harm.

My ex-team, the GITQ, used to have a very realistic shield. It was left at the Beauharnois CQB field and someone stole it.

Anyway, when used corecly, it's a good tool. But the operator must know how to use it, and the rest of the team must know how to utilise it effectively.

A lot of shield operators tend to squat down with the shield, trying to protect their legs from being shot, defeiting the purpose of the shield, witch is allowing the team to breach with some cover.

Anyway, ours was the medium size shield that, when raised, would cover the upper leg, torso and head. We had a viewport made of resistent plexiglass, that ended up shatering under the exessive abuse.

The shield was made of wood and covered with metal. The whole thing was riveted together and painted black. Very impressive work.

But I agree, shield should only be used when they are realistic and with a team, not as a personnal bunker, impervious to everyting.

We had one in use years ago at Trek here in calgary. Went good for 2 years then a new guy was a little to energetic and drop kicked it while I had it.

Needless to say i was on my back and fast and the shield was a little more worn then normal. The bright side to this was hearing him cry out when the 3 guys behind me opened up on him from 6 feet away lol.

All around I would use them for a SWAT style game other then that maybe certain games but not in every game I play.

Someone stole the shield?... Damn that thing was so fun! It wasn't shoe proof though :D It was heavy also, mimicking the real one, you deff couldn't ninja people when using that thing.

I agree with the realism thing.
I still play paintball occasionally. The last time I did (at Bigfoot, Lanaudière), some dude was turning every corner with one, shooting through the cheapo wiremesh viewport.
Those shields are wooden plates, small size I may say, and light compared to a real ballistic one I suppose! They ruin the game, even a paintball game.

Unless someone uses it in a Non-Counter-Strike way, I'd probably agree to let 'em use it.

Any "shield" used on the field should weigh no less than 20 pounds.

I believe real ones are 50lbs

Only time I think of shield use as ok without it weighing a ton is in small friendly skirmishes (i used one made outa cardboard) was fun... but it was a pain at the same time. Only used it the once, never want to do it again, we blew it up with the left over pyro we had that wasn't turned into frags.

Not according to my recent google search...they average between 18 and 27lbs.

I am corrected. Well at least the ones used by a certain police force a few years ago (can't remember which) were the 50lbs ones. I just assumed that the norm and they haven't changed.

So im guessing a metal trash can lid would be frowned upon..........lol

would definatly be funny though.

Squeek!

We've used the tac shields that CQB has for our scenarios on various occasions.

They proved very usefull in "progressing the scenario". Instead of guys getting wiped out at the doorway, teams were able to push in and overwhelm the Op-For. These shields were non-penetrable.

Used this way...they're excellent.

A non-penetrable shield used for skirmishing/fun is not so good in that even with concentrated sustained fire...there's times when you can't get the guy (and the guys behind him). Tactics quickly evolved to hucking a grenade or blasting a 40mm to take out a group with a shield (they conveniently cluster behind it...LOL).

That's because you're doing it wrong...

http://www.hellenica.de/Rom/Militaer/Testudo2.jpg

Weight is dependant on the expected threat level that the shield is suppose to stop, the original post talks about only a Level IIIa (basically all handgun rounds), where as mil guys would want at least a level III that is also tested to M193 and M855 5.56 rounds; this quickly gets heavy. Weight is also dependant on size.

So, I agree, you should have a minimum weight for a shield to actually be considered 'realistic', I also agree that you should not be just using a clear riot shield (unless you're playing in a zombie game, as hosted in Alberta a few times).

Oborous

Exacly, modern shields are as light as 10lbs. Depending on the size and accessories.
Ours was about 30-40lbs. It was a rugged bitch to carry. Good thing the handles where made like the real ones and confortable to use.

I read some where before, you can use a oil barrel to DIY a shield and you can even mount a tac light on top...

Let me see if I can remember what material used.
Oil Barrel; Plexiglass; window rubber molding (like those used on PC mod); 1" water pipe and angle pipe nipple for handle; Screws too add realism.

Only indoor and only for breaching scenerios. I cannot stand campers who sit in the one bunker with full cover for them and wait so I will not aid those style players with a shield!!

What about Consumable shields? A Metal or Wood Frame where the body and internals are made of hard insulation foam, maybe 1 inch thick. Real shields after being shot a few times end up giving, heavier calibers also can go through it. So I figure higher FPS guns like bolt actions etc with heavier weights should be able to punch through it while higher rof guns shooting less than 300 would take 5-10 rounds to go through it. This would allow for limited use of the shield, and prevent bunkering.

Your thoughts?

i REALLY like that idea. that way snipers can have that extra little edge over standard troops with an anti-material purpose. also, it prevents the shield user's from running too close to people in fear of getting shot through the sheild. that, and the fact that they only have a pistol, really limits their combat effectiveness, thus balancing the game.

EDIT:

forgot to add, it should only be consumable up to a point. in that the frame and plexi-glass window should be made tough, but the actual sheild part should be consumable and be able to be replaced after each use . i.e.: the door frame is made to last, but the door (in this case the actual part that stops the bbs) is made to be consumable.

If the idea is something that the community supports, I may consider making a prototype. Im not a huge shield user (I find them too bulky for outdoor use) but the idea intregues me.

If you can find a decent sized, NIJ 0101.06 Level III or better shield for 10 lbs, please PM me with the details.

DonP, of Unconventional Airsoft, did some 'pain' testing of BB's that was shot into floral foam; that might work.

Modern shields, for non 7.62 AP rifle threats (aka Level IV shield) must be able to withstand six hits, with a specified proximity. There are a variety of armors that exceed this standard by a fair margin, assuming it's not close proximity (i.e. same hole).