Understanding the Pain of Being Shot While Wearing Body Armor
The question of how much it hurts to be shot while wearing body armor is a serious and often under-discussed topic in the field of defensive and protective gear. For those who have experienced this scenario firsthand, the answer is unequivocal: it hurts. Here's a deeper dive into the experience, the factors affecting pain, and the potential consequences of being struck by a bullet, even when wearing body armor.
Risk and Reality: Pain vs. Survival
When a bullet strikes body armor, the kinetic energy of the impact is not fully absorbed by the armor itself. This means that part of the force continues to pass through, causing a significant amount of pain and potential injury to the individual. In cases where the armor does not stop the bullet, the pain can be excruciating, but even in situations where the bullet is deflected, pain and injury are still very real.
As stated by an experienced individual, suffering from injuries such as 6 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, internal injuries, and a hematoma, even when a bullet does not fully penetrate the armor, can be incredibly painful. These injuries, while painful, are often far preferable to the alternative—death.
Types of Body Armor and Their Effectiveness
Body armor is available in various forms and materials, each offering different levels of protection. Two common types are 'chicken plates' and Kevlar vests. Chicken plates, typically made of steel or ceramic, are less flexible but offer better protection against certain types of firearms. These plates are inherently heavy and will cause noticeable force when hit by a bullet. On the other hand, Kevlar vests, while lighter, are more flexible and offer varying levels of protection.
To understand the force of impact when being shot through body armor, one can visualize a scenario where a 9mm bullet hits a chicken plate. The sensation would be akin to a 'love tap' due to the weight and stopping power of the plate. However, the impact when a bullet hits a Kevlar vest is markedly different. The Kevlar vest, being much lighter and offering less stopping power, will distribute the impact over a smaller area, leading to more significant pain and injury.
The Experience of Pain
The pain experienced can vary widely depending on the type of ammunition and the armor worn. As one person described, the experience is similar to having a sledgehammer swung at a wooden plank, which is placed on your chest and you lie down on it. This visualization gives a sense of the force and pain involved, especially when combined with the weight and impact of the shot.
For a more specific case, a 45 caliber round is described as potentially breaking ribs, collapsing a lung, and causing internal injuries even when the bullet does not fully penetrate the armor. These injuries, when combined with the pain of the impact, can be exceptionally disabling. The pain is described in significant terms, from "That HURTS!" to "DAMN that HURTS!" and beyond, reflecting the high level of discomfort experienced.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Being shot while wearing body armor is undoubtedly a painful and potentially disabling experience. Factors such as the type of ammunition, the armor used, and the individual's body type all play a role in the severity of the injury and the level of pain. It is important for individuals using body armor to be prepared for the potential pain and injuries they might face. Understanding the risks and being aware of the different types of body armor available can help in making informed decisions about protective gear.