FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?
We offer free ground shipping for all orders on the website over $150. For orders under $50, there will be a $9.99 charge for ground shipping, for orders between $50.01 – $149.99 there will be a $12.99 charge for ground shipping. All orders under 10 lbs. will be shipped via USPS, and orders over 10 lbs. will be shipped via FedEx.

I AM TAX-EXEMPT, HOW DO I ORDER ON YOUR SITE?
To apply for tax exemptions please create an account here, Then fill out the Tax Exemption form found here.

HOW DO I RETURN A PRODUCT I PURCHASED ON YOUR SITE?
Please click here to for more information on our refund policy. Please click here to fill out our returns form.

I SEE PRODUCTS LIKE HELMETS & BODY ARMOR, BUT CAN’T PURCHASE THEM. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE?
To purchase these types of products please visit one of our dealers. To see what dealers are in your region please use our Dealer Locator.

CAN I SHIP TO AN APO OR AFO?
Unfortunately, Safariland.com is not able to ship to APO/AFO locations at this time. Please contact a local Dealer/Distributor. 

CAN I SHIP TO A PO BOX?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not ship to these addresses.

CAN I SHIP TO AN INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS?
No, shipping to an international address is prohibited. Safariland.com products are not intended for export outside the USA and can not be shipped to US territories.

CAN I SHIP TO A FREIGHT FORWARDER OR OTHER PACKAGE COMPANY (EX: UPS STORE, MAILBOXES ETC.)?
The use of freight forwarders or package companies to circumvent shipping outside the USA is prohibited. Orders found in violation of this policy will be canceled and may not be eligible for a refund.

Visit the Holster Education Center for answers to any questions about holster carry options, materials, retention and security.

CAN SAFARAILAND MODIFY MY HOLSTER?
Your holster should only be used with the specific handgun and under the specified circumstances for which it was designed. Any alteration to your handgun or holster may increase the chance for an accidental discharge of your firearm.

WHAT IS “BLUNT TRAUMA”?
Blunt trauma is also known as BFS, Backface Signature or Deformation – It is the greatest extent of indentation on the backing material caused by a nonperforating impact on the armor. The BFS is the perpendicular distance between two planes, both of which are parallel op the front surface of the backing material.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD ARMOR AND SOFT ARMOR?
The design of hard armor, plates, helmets and shields rely on both art and science of armor engineering. This combination of materials such as aramids, uni-directional polyethylene, alumina ceramic, and fiberglass with proprietary designs and advanced manufacturing allows Safariland to produce the most advanced hard armor products in the industry. When the bullet hits or strikes the soft armor the fibers in the Kevlar® or ballistic material push back, absorbing the disbursed energy. The fibers of the Kevlar® or ballistic material disburse the energy from the point of impact over the entire area of the vest, which absorbs the energy. The energy is dispersed due the interlaced ballistic weave of fibers. So, when the bullet hits the vest it is basically caught in a web of ballistic material, like that of a ball is caught in a catcher’s mitt.

IS BODY ARMOR ACTUALLY BULLETPROOF?
No, there is no body armor that is truly 100% bulletproof. Both soft and hard armor used separately or together, defeat the vast majority of ballistic threats; however, there is always the chance of bullet penetration.

WHAT IS V-50?
The Ballistic Limit for a given bullet type, the velocity at which the bullet is expected to perforate the armor 50% of the time. The ballistic limit is typically denoted as the v50 value.

HOW LONG IS SAFARILAND’S ARMOR VEST WARRANTY AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD A VEST BE REPLACED?
Each unit of body armor is made up of two parts: the ballistic panels and the carrier. The ballistic panels are warranted for five years, and a replacement is recommended at the end of that period. The carriers are warranted for 12 months and should be replaced as needed. The warranty is null and void if improper care, misuse or neglect occurs. See Warranty Information for exact details and our Body Armor Use and Care page for tips on cleaning and maintenance of your vest..

HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY VEST FITS PROPERLY?
You can be fitted at one of our many distributors. The advantage of a distributor sizing you is that they can use specialized sizing vest to determine the proper fit and ensure your vest will offer maximum protection and optimum mobility. For additional information, view our Body Armor Sizing Videos and Body Armor Use and Care page.

TO WHAT STANDARDS ARE SAFARILAND BODY ARMOR VESTS CERTIFIED?
All new Armor Models are certified to the stringent NIJ 0101.06 Standard.

WHAT LEVEL OF BALLISTIC PROTECTION SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Each officer faces different situations, but we recommend that you choose a vest which is rated to stop your duty weapon and any other authorized weapons that may be carried by your department or surrounding agency. See our Body Armor Selection Guide to learn more.

CAN I BUY SAFARILAND BODY ARMOR FACTORY DIRECT?
American Body Armor vests are only sold by authorized distributors. To locate a dealer near you, please use our Dealer/Distributor or contact us.