Which level of body armor protects against lower velocity .38 and 9mm?

Level II body armor is designed to protect against lower velocity projectiles, including .38 Special and 9mm rounds. This type of armor is typically rated to stop bullets traveling at moderate speeds, making it suitable for use in law enforcement and civilian applications where there is a risk of such firearms being used.

Level II armor is specifically tested against a variety of handgun rounds; it ensures a reliable level of protection while still being relatively lightweight and flexible, which is important for wearability in active scenarios. It is ideal for situations where the threat from handguns is present, but heavier armoring may not be necessary.

In contrast, other armor levels such as Level I, IIIA, and IV provide varying degrees of protection that might not specifically address the threats posed by the lower-velocity .38 and 9mm rounds. Level I is the least protective and typically not sufficient for these calibers. Level IIIA is designed for higher velocity threats, like .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum, while Level IV is intended for rifle threats, making them unnecessary and potentially cumbersome for handgun protection.