Ballistic shields are used by law enforcement, prison guards, and response teams as less-than-lethal tools for riot control, clearing rooms, and isolating and immobilizing combatants. OpticsPlanet carries a variety of riot shields, including interlocking shields, ballistic shields with windows and viewports, clear riot shields, and accessories like carrying bags, shield lights, and replacement handles. Enhance the protection of your ballistic helmet with a tactical face shield and browse all our police gear for sale to save big on TASERs and stun guns, bulletproof vests, pistol lights, holsters, handcuffs, and other essentials to safely and effectively carry out your mission.![]()
Riot shields are not generally bulletproof, as they're made of clear polycarbonate and similar plastics. They're built to withstand blows from sticks and clubs and thrown projectiles like rocks. They may slow down a bullet a little bit, improving the performance of body armor typically worn by police and military, but this should not be counted on.
Ballistic shields, or tactical shields, are a stronger variation that looks somewhat similar to riot shields but are constructed from heavier materials that stop or deflect bullets. Of course, it's hard to truly call anything "bulletproof" as there are a lot of variables like distance from the firearm, caliber, etc. However, ballistic shields are definitely bullet-resistant and are employed by police and military personnel for situations where a riot shield is not going to be up to the task.
In the United States, a riot shield is not restricted and can be purchased by law-abiding citizens. However, felons can be and are restricted from owning them as they can fall under restrictions on body armor as outlined in federal law. There may be some areas where laws restrict the use or carrying of riot shields by civilians, so it's important to check all of your local regulations regarding shields before you buy one.
Just like riot shields, ballistic shields can generally be purchased by law-abiding citizens. Felons may be restricted from possessing them, and there may be some areas where laws restrict the use or carrying of riot shields by civilians, so it's important to check all of your local regulations regarding shields before you buy one. We offer options like LevelIIIA home-defense shields that provide protection and peace of mind for law-abiding homeowners.
Shop at OpticsPlanet.com to find the best deals on riot shields and ballistic shields from ExecDefense USA, VISM, Premier Crown Corp, and other top-rated brands. As a money-saving bonus to our customers, most orders over $49 get Free Shipping! We have plenty of articles on tactical equipment and a whole bunch of other subjects in our How-To Guides and Articles. If you ever have any questions, reach out and contact us to speak to one of our in-house product experts.