Rubber Bullets: The Facts

Rubber bullets refer to the rubber coated bullets which are actually fired with the intention of inflicting superficial injuries to deter the crowd. It was introduced with the idea of being an alternative to metal projectiles to control a wayward crowd or an uncontrollable group of rioters. But ironically, the practical use of these non-lethal rubber bullets over a period of time has proved that it can been quite lethal if not used as per the recommendations.

It has been observed that police often fire either from too close or aim the target poorly. According to a study by the renowned Rambam Medical Center in northern Israel, 152 people injured by the rubber coated bullets had a total of 201 injuries during the riots by Israeli Arabs in the year 2000. Most of the injuries were in the limbs but few of injuries could also be traced to face, chest,neck and head. A study also shows that the bullets if hit the legs, cause minimum damage while bullets that hit the facial areas cause maximum damage.

Another common usage of rubber bullets is practicing short range bullet targeting and controlling wild and dangerous animals.

Check out few facts related to the rubber bullets here:

• Rubber bullets are rubber coated or fully rubber made projectiles fired by various firearms.
• Rubber, wax, wooden or plastic bullets are often used to deter the crowd.
• The rubber bullets used for short range indoor target practice are generally powered by primer used with handguns.
• Rubber bullet are not meant to be lethal but it can indeed render damage if fired from a short distance as these are heavy enough to pierce the skin.