What is the primary purpose of Level II body armor?

The primary purpose of Level II body armor is to protect against lower velocity handguns, specifically those that typically fire ammunition with a muzzle velocity of less than 1,200 feet per second. This type of armor is classified under the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, which evaluate the effectiveness of body armor against various types of ballistic threats. Level II armor is designed primarily for handguns such as 9mm and .40 S&W, which are common in law enforcement and civilian contexts.

While comfort and wearability are important considerations in the design of Level II armor, they do not define its primary purpose. The deterrent effect of body armor can be a secondary benefit, but it is not the main function. The capability to protect against rated rifle rounds is characteristic of higher levels of body armor, such as Level III, which is specifically designed to handle more powerful ammunition. Thus, the distinction lies in the armor's intended use, focusing on lower velocity handguns for Level II.