Can a private citizen own a bullet-proof vest?

[gtsting]

Hello from South Carolina.

Is it legal for a private citizen to buy/own a bullet-proof vest? If so, who sells them to private citizens? The only reason I ask is that most sites on the web explicitly state that vests may only be puchased by law enforcement entities.

Thanks, in advance, for your time in answering my questions.

[Mas Ayoob]

To the best of my knowledge, ballistic vests are legal for law-abiding citizens to own and even wear in public in all 50 states. Some states have laws forbidding their possession by people convicted of felonies or crimes of violence, and some have enhanced penalties for crimes committed while wearing it.

The "police only" rule is manufacturer policy, with no power of law behind it, at least in this country. Cruising the gun shows or Google should find you a source.

Best,
Mas