body armor legal in CA?

As LEO goes, we get a chilly feeling when we get a perp with body armor.. even more so when they're armed.

Having said that, it's protective wear... not a weapon. I can't see any legitimate argument against civilians being able to wear it. It's clothing.... It's very tough clothing;)

I hate wearing it though, it's very constraining.

Best--

Coop
 
dcpopo said:
As LEO goes, we get a chilly feeling when we get a perp with body armor.. even more so when they're armed.

Having said that, it's protective wear... not a weapon. I can't see any legitimate argument against civilians being able to wear it. It's clothing.... It's very tough clothing;)

I hate wearing it though, it's very constraining.

Best--

Coop
Click to expand...

I'm not aware of any jurisdictions where possession would be a crime, BUT understand that if detected (and it usually ain't hard) you will come under a GREAT deal of scrutiny from the police. I might understand if you worked 2300-0700 at the local convenience store though.
 
moving-van.jpg
 
is there any limit as to the protection level of the armor that could be owned??? Helmets ok too??
 
probably not...but you're gonna look awfully funny waddling around covered in 2" ceramic plates and a riot helmet :D
 
the only restriction i can find is if you have been convicted of a violent felony you are prohibited, with a few exceptions, or if you are in the commission of a violent felony, there is an enhancement.

as far as level of protection, the only restriction is your wallet.
 
Same in NY as Morimotom has qouted....only illegal if used in a crime and there are some restrictions on felons possessing them
 
i thought i should add that i know of no vendor that will sell to non law enforcement personnel.

though not regulated necessarily on the open market, i think most manufacturers require that vendors sell only to agencies or private companies that require armor for their duties, ie armed guards, armored car drivers, etc.
 
yeah ive checked this out myself and had to be sure, had been waiting for Moris response. Cool so i can get war memorabilia! Oh is there a minimum age, 18 or 21 mori?
 
Galls would probably sell body armor to civilians. I asked them about stuff I thought would be restricted before and they told me that legal possession and use is the buyers responsibility. I know that when I worked security in Sacramento that the uniform shops only sold to LEO and security officers, though.

There are stores that sell special business type garments with ballistic panels in them. But like dcpopo said, if LEOs or security detect the body armor and dont detect a good reason for you to be wearing it their alert level is gonna go through the roof. I know we get intel reports to look out for certain types of clothing because it was intercepted somewhere being worn by a bad guy up to no good. We also do body armor drills during firearms training so me dont do the "WTH - I know I hit him?!?" routine. If two to the chest don't stop the threat it's time to move upstairs.
 
fdd19 said:
yeah ive checked this out myself and had to be sure, had been waiting for Moris response. Cool so i can get war memorabilia! Oh is there a minimum age, 18 or 21 mori?
Click to expand...

there is no age minimum per the penal code that i could find. any age requirements would be instituted by the vendor.

galls caters mainly to law enforcement, though they have several stores which are all onen to the public. i do not know their policy regarding sales to civilians of body armor or balilstic helmets.

war memorabilia is available through many sources. if you are just a collector, you should have little problem finding what you want. if you are looking for new merchandise you would have to check with various companies and see who will sell to you.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
i thought i should add that i know of no vendor that will sell to non law enforcement personnel.

though not regulated necessarily on the open market, i think most manufacturers require that vendors sell only to agencies or private companies that require armor for their duties, ie armed guards, armored car drivers, etc.
Click to expand...

Go to eBay and type in "bulletproof vest" and you will find dozens of vendors willing to sell body armor to anyone.
 
Rich_S said:
Go to eBay and type in "bulletproof vest" and you will find dozens of vendors willing to sell body armor to anyone.
Click to expand...

id never look on ebay for something that is intended to save my life, though i dont doubt you are right.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
id never look on ebay for something that is intended to save my life, though i dont doubt you are right.
Click to expand...
I know practically nothing about body armor, but I have always been of the understaqnding that it was one of those things that is supposed to be professionally fit for the individual end user. Buying off eBay or other non face to face method would impede on that, wouldn't it?
 
mp510 said:
I know practically nothing about body armor, but I have always been of the understaqnding that it was one of those things that is supposed to be professionally fit for the individual end user. Buying off eBay or other non face to face method would impede on that, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...

it should be professionally fit and custom cut. if its something you are going to wear every day, comfort is of the essence. as well as proper coverage.
 
What would they do? Arrest you for carrying concealed armor? You could always wear it on the outside just so they know where you're coming from. I think it's mandatory in Miami and Detroit. Don't forget your ski mask.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top