You're right, context is EVERYTHING.
But, you context appears to be vastly different from that of the OP. You're an LE, so you're getting paid to go there and do that. The OP is some dude who's just bought his first gun, who thinks he needs to armor up to to attend a competition. That indicates a mindset issue to me.
Once, I was hit in the shin by a ricochet fragment while on a range. I was also doing medieval reenactment at the time, but I didn't show up the next time in a suit of armor, though it would have been awesome.
I think the OP needs to moderate his fear along with his expectations.
I'm one of the guys who never gets ice in his drink. I ain't payin' to water it down.