Does anybody have knowledge on body armor?

[DerringerUser]

Im thinking of purchasing some body armor, just to show off, and maybe for personal protection, and to scare soliciters away. Anyway, what is the usual price range for body armor that is classified as Type II. Also, i life in southern california (yes it sucks), is there any laws on body armor limitations here, or any permits required?

 

[trashpickinman]

I am not completely sure of California law, but I believe you cannot own body armor if you are a convicted felon. I bought my vest used, but anything new will probably been in the $500 + range, of course price might be higher or lower depending on exactly what and where you buy. But expect to pay a lot.

To me body armor is not something I want to show off, concealable vests are usually meant to be that. I don't want to use the vest to scare off solicitors or show it off to people on the street. Because doing so might put me a tactical disadvantage of people knowing that I am wearing body armor. Two main reasons; they might aim where I'm not wearing armor, head, groin etc..., second any rifle round above a 22lr will penetrate level II armor. Your phrase "just to show off, and maybe for personal protection" tells me you should probably get your priorities straight before making a decision.

 

[DerringerUser]

No, not people on the street. Bragging to my friends. It looks weird when you're wearing it openly, and its really not in style (no, im not gay). Its just another think cool to have, like a Desert eagle .50AE, or something ridiculous of that sort.

 

[Powderman]

Body armor for the "cool factor"? I don't think so.


At best it's hot, and can be uncomfortable. At worst, it's like wearing a straitjacket.

Then, there's the cost. Are you prepared to pay at least five to six hundred dollars for something "just to show off"? Moreover, you'll pay even more for some of the top end vests out there--some can exceed $1200 in cost.

Finally, if you "show it off" consider your frame of mind. Body armor is not a toy, nor is it something that is "neat to have". Rethink the idea of body armor.

 

[orangelo]

Yeah but unless you are wearing NIJ Level III armor with plates it won't help against elmer fudds with deer rifles anyway.

Check on Ebay if you just want something cheap to have around in case of the total breakdown of society.

I got a fairly decent current-issue level IIIA vest for around $200 a couple years ago.

 

[Justin]

Closed. No useful content in the original post.

Buying body armor just to look like a tough guy seems like a great way to get punched in the teeth.

 

[Correia]

I'm a body armor dealer.

And if you came into my store, and told me that crap, I wouldn't sell you a damn thing. I wouldn't care how green your money was.

Find an old carrier and stuff some carpet padding into it.

Edit: Sorry Justin, didn't realize you had already locked this.