Is it legal to buy a Point Blank interceptor OTV if you are not military?

I

Ingram

Moderator
It is a level 3 a vest with a front ceramic rifle plate.

Do you have to be military to own one of these? Ive been looking at BPV's and it seems like a good vest. I play airsoft on top of being a gun nut and it would be great to have the realism of a real military BPV.

So I have two questions.

Is it legal for me to own one?

and how long does the kevlar keep its strength (I read somewhere that kevlar deteriorates after a while).

I'd like to know how long the kevlar lasts because If I can buy an older one for cheaper and still be real military vest for airsoft I would like that.

Thx.


edit: Ok I just found on their website that they can't be resold. So does anyone have an answer to my last question?
 
I would assume body armor is not out for civs(least not the level III) so you might have to ask your PD for help.
 
They're sold only under contract to the militree so any specimen in private hands is basically stolen property. I suppose that's where the idea was started that the vest itself is illegal.
 
No it's not illegal for you to own one and there will be an experation date on the kevlar itself on the portion that faces you(at least thats where it is on mine), however, The vests are good for stopping bullets long after that date, provided they have been well cared for. BTW please buy from a reputable company(i.e. not ebay), as many of these vest were "stolen" by military personel, which is disgusting as there was a shortage of them in combat units for some time. I am sure you would not want to support these people by buying a stolen vest.
 
Oh, and btw, as always check your state laws on such things as well. Its not illegal federally or in CA but some sates have bizarre laws.
 
Blackwater ops do you know what the date is for the ones that were sold to civilians. The date on the vest says 2002, I've been told that is when the vest was made. I don't want to buy it if it is illegal but Ive been made an offer that is about 30% of its price new.

Does anyone know the laws for BPV's in washington state btw?
 
No, sorry I don't, but 2002 is when ALOT of those vest went "missing". I would take a carefull look at who you are buying it from. Also, 5 years is the general life of a kevlar vest, I would not pay more than 50% for a vest that will be "expired" in year or two.
 
You definately need to check state and local laws...iirc, in virginia balistic vests (of any variety) are legal to own, posess and wear, unless you are engaged in a criminal activity.
 
When you say criminal activity.......

Is it a felony if you get pulled over for speeding? Or get ticketed for jay walking?

Just because you are wearin bullet resistant clothig?
 
Ok thx for all the help.

I just have one final question.

When a vest goes past its 5 year lifespan is it totally worthless or does it just go down from its initial rating? Cause I hear that tbhose PSGAT flak vests still can stop 22's even though their kevlar has deteriorated somewhat.

I have searched online for a while and they just say that kevlar has a lifespan.... but no rate of deterioration or anything.

I need hep.
 
If you only plan to use the vest for airsoft it won't matter, but if you think there is a chance you will need to use it to stop a round don't chance an older vest. It could have been exposed to extreme heat or otherwise stored improperly thus rendering it ineffective at stopping a round, which you will never know untill it is too late. Also as far as those old Nam era jackets go, two things. One, any vest is likely to stop anything if you have it from a clothesline and fire at it, the flack jackets will stop a .45. Its not an effective test because the vest can swing back, likewise if you wrap a top quality brand new lvl II vest around a tree and fire sub-sonic 9mm rounds at it they will penetrate. Does not mean the vest will not be effective. Two, on the other hand, I have heard that those robbers in the infamous North hollywood shootout/bank robbery were among other BA wearing cut up sections of those surplus jackets taped together and they stopped 9mm. Bottom line, use only the best if your life will depend on it.
 
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