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TheDucksQuacker t1_j29l0dt wrote

It’s the distribution of the force.

All that force is coming down on a single point when the bullet hits.

Like pushing in a drawing pin, the thin end goes into the wall and the thick end doesn’t hurt your finger because the same force is distributed over a larger area.

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Tratakaro OP t1_j29l8x5 wrote

Is the force not also distributed using a bullet proof vest?

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frustrated_staff t1_j29onhq wrote

You're missing the fact that the recoil is already distributed over a larger area when it impacts the vest (the butt of the weapon has a much larger impact area than the point of the bullet)

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Slime_Giant t1_j29tjdk wrote

It is, and that's one of the ways the vest protects you, but it can't absorb all of the force and that's why you get a bruise instead of hole in you.

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Mental_Cut8290 t1_j2apovk wrote

It would be like holding the gun at your chest. Pretty painful.

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Antman013 t1_j29n2ij wrote

Yes. But you are also talking about a LOT more energy, as noted elsewhere in this thread.

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