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September 25, 2024
At Premier Body Armor, we believe in upholding the right to self-defense through responsible access to body armor and firearms. We sat down with Sam Paredes recently and had a great conversation about the Second Amendment, what it means to not compromise, and the role of body armor for self-defense. Check out the full interview, or read more below for an overview and more information.
Sam is a prominent advocate for Second Amendment rights, who shares his insights into the ongoing battle to preserve these rights. He also serves as a board member for Gun Owners of America (GOA), is the Executive Director of Gun Owners of California (GOC), and a national spokesperson for GOA.
In our conversation, Sam reflects on the history and mission of Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners of California (GOC). Founded in 1975, GOC emerged as the nation’s oldest pro-gun political action committee, created to fight against handgun bans in California.
“We are no compromise. We will not compromise on the Second Amendment ever in any way,” says Sam.
GOA and GOC focus on three main goals:
Sam has spent over 45 years advocating for the Second Amendment. He passionately described how defending these rights is not just a job but a life’s mission.
“We're in it to win it, all the way to the end. And once we do that, maybe we’ll pull up the old rocking chair on the front porch and sit down, but we're not there yet,” Sam reflects.
With a team of passionate advocates and grassroots support, GOA remains steadfast in their efforts to safeguard the right to bear arms.
The discussion naturally transitioned into a conversation about body armor for self-defense—one of the many tools available for personal protection. Sam emphasizes that body armor, much like firearms, is protected by the Second Amendment.
Sam recounts a pivotal moment when he testified before the California legislature, defending the right to own body armor. With help from Premier Body Armor, Sam delivered a powerful show-and-tell highlighting the essential nature of body armor for civilians.
“You’re not going to prevent me from protecting the lives of my grandkids,” Sam declared, pulling out Premier Body Armor backpack inserts from his grandchildren's backpacks during his testimony. His argument was simple: body armor is a passive form of protection, not an offensive weapon. It saves lives.
Many people hold the misconception that body armor is solely a tactical, militaristic item. In reality, Premier Body Armor provides everyday body armor solutions such as backpack inserts and discreet body armor shirts, offering protection without drawing attention.
Sam highlights how Premier Body Armor delivers practical protection for civilians:
“It’s not about wearing military gear; it’s about discreetly protecting yourself and your loved ones.”
Sam explains that the fight to protect the Second Amendment isn't just about individual organizations. It’s about partnerships across the firearms and body armor industries. The recent GOA Leadership Summit exemplified this collaboration, bringing together over 250 companies committed to preserving Second Amendment rights.
“We need to be partnering with organizations that are truly our friends. They're not behind us. They're not in front of us. They're right beside us moving forward,” says Sam.
At Premier Body Armor, our commitment to this cause has strengthened our relationship with GOA. As both organizations strive to protect self-defense rights, we also focus on educating civilians about how body armor plays a key role in personal safety.
Looking forward, Sam stresses that the fight is far from over. With constant attacks on Second Amendment rights, from proposed body armor bans in states like New York to gun control legislation nationwide, GOA remains vigilant.
Sam highlights several key Supreme Court Second Amendment cases that have helped shape gun rights law, includingHeller v. Washington D.C.,McDonald v. Chicago, andCaetano v. Massachusetts.
“Anything that is used for offensive or defensive purposes by lawful citizens is protected by the Second Amendment,” Sam explains.
Despite these victories, the battle continues as anti-gun groups seek to chip away at rights through incremental legislation. Sam urges all Americans to stay informed, participate in elections, and remain vigilant.
For those wondering how to stay informed and protect their rights, Sam offers practical advice: get involved with organizations like GOA, stay updated on local legislation, and use available resources to make your voice heard.
“If you're not registered to vote and you're not involved, your opinion doesn't matter. You're not part of the fight. So if you want your opinion to matter, register to vote and inform yourself,” says Sam.
Staying informed about local and federal gun control legislation is crucial in ensuring that your rights as a law-abiding citizen are not infringed.
At Premier Body Armor, we stand proudly alongside Sam Paredes and Gun Owners of America in the fight to protect Second Amendment rights. Whether it’s through lobbying, litigation, or education, the goal remains the same: to preserve the right of every American to defend themselves and their families.
If you’re interested in learning more about body armor for personal protection, check out our articles or explore our full range of everyday body armor options.
According to landmark Supreme Court cases such as Heller v. Washington D.C., anything used for self-defense, including body armor, is protected by the Second Amendment. Body armor provides passive protection and is an essential tool for civilians and law-abiding citizens.
While body armor is legal in most states, certain states like New York have enacted body armor bans. Gun Owners of America continues to fight these unconstitutional restrictions to restore Second Amendment rights for all. To find out if body armor is legal in your state, read our article on body armor laws.
Premier Body Armor offers a range of everyday body armor solutions, from discreet body armor shirts to bulletproof backpack inserts. These products provide practical, discreet, non-intimidating protection for civilians.
Body armor is essential for personal protection because it offers defense without posing a threat to others. It’s not offensive or a weapon, and allows individuals to stay protected in dangerous situations.
The best way to stay informed is by joining organizations like Gun Owners of America and subscribing to legislative updates. These organizations provide detailed information on Second Amendment battles across the country.
Grassroots support is vital in defending Second Amendment rights. Organizations like GOA rely on the backing of everyday Americans to push back against gun control legislation and fight for constitutional rights in the courts.
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January 02, 2025
December 20, 2024
I bought the carrier, and it arrived within a few days. I was happily surprised by the low weight, and rugged construction of the Alpha Carrier. I put a level 4 plate in both front and back, both of which fit like a glove. The sizing was easy to adjust, and the one size fits most is true of this product. Huge adjustment range. Very impressed by the Fortis Alpha Carrier, along with everything I have ever ordered from Premier Body Armor. Great job, guys!
After wearing my full body armor for 30-years, it isn’t conducive to under cover plain clothes work that I do now and it is so hot to wear during the summer. I put this armored t-shirt on and it fits like a glove, but is not uncomfortable. The first day I wore it alone, but the second day I wore a form-fitting micro fiber tank top under it and it really felt good. I actually had no wetness because the bottom top absorbed it. It was a warm day, but nothing like sweating intensely with full body armor. I ordered a second carrier shirt to switch out for washings. With my gear on and plain black tactical shirt, I am so much more comfortable on my feet for long hours. I should have bought this years ago.
As someone with extensive experience wearing a wide variety of body armor in the military, law enforcement, and physical security industries, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing protection, comfort, and concealment. The Everyday Armor T-Shirt has exceeded my expectations on all fronts.
This is by far the most comfortable body armor option I’ve ever worn. The lightweight design and breathable material make it ideal for all-day wear, whether you’re on duty or just out running errands. It’s so well-concealed that it doesn’t print, even under a fitted shirt, making it perfect for discreet protection without sacrificing mobility.
What sets this apart is how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. Unlike traditional armor that feels bulky or restrictive, the Everyday Armor T-Shirt feels like part of your everyday wardrobe while still providing reliable peace of mind.
If you’re looking for everyday protection that doesn’t compromise comfort or discretion, this is an outstanding choice. Highly recommend!
PBA is awesome. I own 3 backpack panels from them. I own panels for Vertx ReadyPack, Eberlestock Fade Sling, and now the Fade Adapt.
The Fade Adapt panel is huge. Fits snug into the backpack and covers a lot. Mainly gonna be used for traveling and camping. I feel comfortable carrying it knowing I'll have a huge panel to hide behind.
Thanks again PBA for the great products.
When it comes to armor, if you want something light so you can be quick and/or carry more ammo, med supplies, etc., and still want the best protection… get these. Sure they’re not level 4… but they cover the most likely rounds to be used in an urban environment. Quit thinking Level 4 is the best and get these, you’ll be thoroughly impressed. Hell even my 10 year old loves them! Would be great for their backpack too.
Love this new little sling with the panel in it beautiful exactly how it describe on the website
Have always worn soft armor, generally in outside carrier working law enforcement and military. Needed to up protection from rifle fire. Did not want heavy steel plates. Polyethylene the ticket for weight and protection. The Fortis III+ very nice. Light, 3.4 lbs each, multi curve, comfortable, have protective coating, fabric, nice. I put them in a Agilite K19 carrier. Overall more comfortable, easier to move than the outer carriers and soft armor I have worn before. Weight is crucial in extended wearing of vest, especially when adding pouches, ammo, radio, etc. These plates really help in reducing weight and no compromise on protection. The price was a factor along with quality and protection level. These plates nailed it, don't know how you could get anything better for this price. Company is legit, background In manufacture sold me also. You will not be disappointed in the Fortis III+ multi-curve plates.
I’ve put it to use on the job as an AEMT and it does it’s job well. It keeps me at more of a peace of mind knowing I have a bit of protection going to calls and it doesn’t get in the way of my patient care.
First, I want to thank the customer support team that helped me with my return. The first sling pack was way too small. Y’all suggested another one that was larger. It was a perfect size and I love the way it hugs my body. Second, love the way your body armor fits in the sling pack. It’s a perfect pairing. Now let’s talk about the combo. This has to be one of the nicest packs I have ever bought. Honestly I didn’t know much about the Viktos brand. WOW!! Very nicely constructed. I love the fact I can put in my side x side while out on the ranch. It holds everything that might be needed.
Again thank you to everyone. Pease keep up with quality products like this. You have a customer for life! Thank you!
James Moffat
Caballo, NM
Fantastic Product - Armor Fits like a Glove. Also, it was very convenient to get the bag with the armor.
While it inherently seems a little bit silly to armor a fanny pack, premier and VertX are a perfect match as always. And silly or not, now I've got an extra layer of 3A soft armor to throw over one of my children, sling across my chest, etc if ever needed. It's big enough to protect vitals, and my gun rides in the socp pack as well. This is a great setup for short walks and hikes, or summertime on the boat
By far the most concealable body armor I own. I am 5’11 and 155 lbs. I got a small and was so worried that the armor wouldn’t be concealable since I’m on the thinner side, but I was dead wrong. I had a hoodie ready to throw on in order to show it concealed further, but there would be no point. You can’t see anything with this size SMALL under-armor polo on…that’s actually impressive premier. Great job.
I have wore the product multiple times now and have received many compliments on the fact that you can’t hardly tell I’m wearing it. Also it is very comfortable in comparison to other similar products on the market. I’m very happy with the product.
Fit as described quality products from a American family company.
Great shirt. Very discrete to wear. Proud to support and American company