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Tratakaro OP t1_j29l8x5 wrote

Reply to comment by TheDucksQuacker in ELI5: Why is the recoil of a gun not nearly as bad as getting hit with a bullet while wearing a bullet proof vest if they are both the same force? by Tratakaro

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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