Rubber bullets (also called rubber baton rounds) are a type of baton round.[1] Despite the name, rubber bullets typically have either a metal core with a rubber coating, or are a homogeneous admixture with rubber being a minority component. Although they are considered a less lethal alternative to metal projectiles, rubber bullets can still cause fatal injuries as well as other serious injuries such as blindness or other permanent disabilities.[2][3]
Like other similar projectiles made from plastic, wax, and wood, rubber bullets may be used for short range practice and animal control, but are most commonly used in riot control and to disperse protests.[4][5][6]
Rubber bullets were invented by the British Ministry of Defence for riot control purposes in Northern Ireland during the Troubles,[7] and were first used there in 1970.[8]
Rubber projectiles have largely been replaced by other materials, as rubber tends to bounce uncontrollably.[9]
- ^ Hogg (1985) p.67
- ^ Millar, R.; Rutherford, W. H.; Johnston, S.; Malhotra, V. J. (1975). "Injuries caused by rubber bullets: A report on 90 patients". British Journal of Surgery. 62 (6): 480–486. doi:10.1002/bjs.1800620613. PMID 1148650. S2CID 20892343. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013.
- ^ Haar RJ; Iacopino V; Ranadive N (2017). "Death, injury and disability from kinetic impact projectiles in crowd-control settings: a systematic review". BMJ Open. 7 (12): e018154. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018154. PMC 5736036. PMID 29255079.
- ^ Emily Yoffe (4 October 2000). "What Are Rubber Bullets?". Slate.com.
- ^ WILLIAM D. CASEY. "Meister Bullets, Inc. Purchases 'X-Ring' Primer powered rubber bullet company". Officer.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2010.
- ^ Anthony G Williams. "Less-lethal Ammunition".
- ^ New Scientist – 3 February 1983. p.292
- ^ A Chronology of the Conflict - August 1970. Conflict Archive on the Internet (CAIN).
- ^ Hogg, Ian V. (1985). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ammunition. London: The Apple Press. ISBN 1-85076-043-8.