Here is some advice for buying a bulletproof vest.  Choose your protection level.  Handguns or Rifle: Handguns: 89% of gun crime happens with handguns, and level IIIA soft armor will stop almost every handgun.  So level IIIA is my suggestion.  Rifles: If you might be involved in active shooter situations or you want something to wear while deer hunting on public land, you'll need rifle protection. This requires hard armor like our ceramic or PE plates.  Level III is good for active shooter scenarios, but if you are hunting go with level IV to stop the rounds that deer hunters use. Choose your coverage area.  Most people choose the coverage of a standard bulletproof vest. A vest covers almost twice the area of a standard plate carrier with 10x12 plates or soft panels, yet it costs just slightly more.   Choose your size carefully.  Bulletproof vests do not fit like a shirt.  Your shoulders, arms, and neck all fit outside the vest.  The most important things about finding the right vest is your height and weight.  Use our size chart to pick the right vest for you.  Find your height and weight on the chart.  Order this size show. If you are between two sizes: If you are fit and have a flat stomach, choose the smaller size. If you don't have a flat stomach, choose the larger size.  This size is probably not the size shirt that you wear.  Don't worry.  Height and Weight is more important.