One frequently hears of "rubber
bullets" being used by police in riot-control scenarios. Such
projectiles when used within reasonable limits are an effective means of
riot control and to disperse protests. Rubber bullets are used in the
defense industry and also used by civilians for self protection and at
times as recreational use like hunting. There are various manufacturers
who are continuously working to improve bullet performance so as to
attract buyers, but importance should be given to various aspects like
social and political considerations, health, safety, environmental
issues etc.
What are Rubber Bullets?
Rubber bullets are rubber or rubber-coated projectiles fired from guns.
They are "less than lethal devices" but can be dangerous
enough to pierce skin. They are non-lethal, when fired at short range
and can be used for short range target practice. These bullets are small
enough to be fired from a pistol.
Materials used in Making Bullets
Bullets are made of a variety of materials like as follows:
- Lead
- Lead Alloy
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Bronze
- Bismuth
|
- Plastics
- Steel
- Tin
- Tungsten
- Rubber
|
Of all the materials mentioned above, rubber bullets are
considered to be the non lethal and safest type of bullet by police and
defense force. However, this is not always true. As per many study
reports, rubber bullets used by police during riot controls can causes
severe injuries to people. This is because most of these bullets, though
are supposedly made of rubber are actually made of metal, bonded with
rubber.
Thus when we talk about rubber bullets, the term refers to both bullets
made completely of rubber and also bullets that are made of rubber on
the outside and metal inside.
Rubber Bullets as a Recreational Use
Rubber bullets are often used for short-range indoor target practice or
training, and used generally only with handguns. They are intended only
for target shooting. Rubber bullets, can also be recovered undamaged
after firing when used with a backstop. Such bullets can be re-used
numerous times.