Here is a question for everyone who is training for self defense. Do we still even need rifle chest rigs when we have plate carriers and plates reasonable priced? What domestic threat situations could you, a civilian, find yourself in that a rifle and a chest rig alone is better than a low profile plate carrier with a few mags on it?
Some may say that they only use the chest rigs at training courses. Well, what are you training for? If it is for anything other than self protection, then a chest rig is all you need. But honestly, you could get by with a simple belt rig for training.
One situation I can think of is hunting animals that can’t shoot back. Another is doing operations in a jungle environment or extremely rugged terrain and only if you are burdened with additional weight for mission requirements.
When I am back home, I got a plate carrier near my bed that I can quickly throw on it needed. Another one is in my trunk. Wearing armor is almost second nature to me because I am required to use it at work.
Yes, you can throw a chest rig over a vest, but not as fast as it takes to throw a plate carrier over your head.
I am a big proponent of wearing armor plates if you expect to get shot at.