Oh, I believe it. And bullets would rip through even full-plate armor, I suspect, and bring nasty bits of shrapnel with them. I'm not serious about preferring armor to these vests in this case. For one thing, the vests weigh a lot less. Far easier to dodge in. I am serious about missing the sword though. And it'd certainly make an impression, don't you think? Shiny sword to match the shiny buttons on my new uniform!
...waaaaaaaaait a minute, you're speaking from experience? About being shot?