This.................I got shot in the early 90's at almost point blank with a .38Spl and had alot more than a welt. A guy had an AD that caught me just below my knee and stopped under my skin above my ankle. It was the most intense burning sensation I have ever experienced and yes, it hurt, alot. I was very angry. Luckily a paramedic was in the building and came to my assistance because I was bleeding all over the floor.
At the hospital the took out and handed me a perfectly expanded PMC Starfire +P bullet that looked just like the ads back in the day. The recovery sucked as putting my 6'2" 195 pound frame on that leg was not a good time. That said I left the ER on crutches and was back framing houses in 7 days, on alot of Vicodin....I did get quite a rep at work for being a tough SOB. especiallythe day we were lifting walls and I started to bleed out again when I popped the stiches.
Lesson learned: situational awareness, body armor at the range (would not have helped my leg but would hate to have taken that one in the chest), try to control your anger, easy for the guys with no bullet in them to say. (cops had a talk with me about that, hey like I said I was angry, and armed.) And finally, the .38 +P while not my choice is no slouch at close range, those things will can make you dead even with a periferal hit if you catch an artery. Luckilly I did nit take it in the vitals and had no interest in giving up the ghost. The only reminder I have now are the in and out hole scars and occasionally its a bit tender in the cold and tingles sometimes.
I have a buddy that was a Ranger with 3 trips to Nam, hes got 3 still in him and parts missing including his ear who makes me look like a big ***** so I dont get to ballsy on how tough I am , this guy is 100% american badass. Gotta have perspective.
Not to crap all over the OP, but I am going too, if it bounces off or gives you a little cut you aint been shot......I get annoyed with these threads off bb's hitting guys, bouncebacks from .25 or .22 shorts, etc, etc. I have had way worse than that at work with nailgun hit thru my hand, stepping on 3" framing nails coming out the top of my shoe, hit it head by falling lumber and ladder collapses. And thats just job related abuse, stuff happens, and most where when I was not paying adequate attenion......again situational awareness boys, it can save ur bacon.....And yes, I am getting to old to be doing carpetry now after 23 years....
Surmon over, be careful out there boys, stuff can hurt you.