Note to the uninitiated, FLAK jackets are for flak,
not bullets. They don’t do much for flak either, except
they make you feel protected which means you’ll get on
the airplane in spite of your imagination.
"she fired a shot at a friend in a bulletproof vest, but missed the Kevlar and struck him in the heart."
The best I can determine is that she didn't miss anything. She hit was she was shooting at.
Flak jackets can also serve to hold some of the pieces together while you’re waiting for the Medics.
Even the vest itself will stop 9mm. If you hit the vest.
But if you're in a situation where the vest is a necessity....the plate is a necessity. (even a plate carrier and plates rather than a bulky flak).
One of my Marines took a burst of steel core 7.62x54 and lived to tell the tale - plate stopped every round; he was upside down at the time (long story) one round missed the flak and went through the back and out the stomach.
I knew another guy that took two to the plate and continued on with just two small bruises.
The problem is with mass media and the rolling casualty ticker - the powers that be think everyone should be wrapped in bubble wrap, Kevlar, condoms, and glow belts, and provided a rape whistle; safe from any contingency.
- E.G. you're loaded down with so much crap it defeats the purpose because you can't move.
USMC - Uncomplicated Sh#t Made Complicated