Body armor is a personal choice and it has many uses. I wear a vest when I shoot at the "gravel pit" for obvious reasons. I have several in my kit from soft concealable to plate carriers. I do not wear armor all the time (but when I do, I'm in seattle), only when I feel I will "need" it. Try Ebay, and save some bucks.
http://www.bulletproofme.com/Quick_Answers.shtml#13 A quick question and answer page on armor.
13. Is it legal for civilians to buy Body Armor?
In general, yes - for law-abiding folks.
A felony conviction makes possession of Body Armor illegal under federal law and in many states.
We have had civilian clients with
many different civilian needs for Body Armor so we understand the need for vests for civilians. Our policy is to only sell to law-abiding adults who have a lawful purpose for Body Armor. (A parent or guardian may buy for a minor with a legitimate need.)
Residents of Connecticut are prohibited from buying Body Armor unless the sale is face to face (or unless the buyer is a police officer, Police Department, or military). We can't ship to Connecticut, or even accept credit cards billed there...
We cannot ship to residents of Connecticut
who are not police or military.
Some states are considering new legislation to prohibit or restrict sales of Body Armor to civilians, e.g., New York. If you are in a state that passes such a law, you would be well advised to make your Body Armor purchase now before it becomes much more expensive and inconvenient, if not prohibited altogether.
