Posted by Daniel @ ArmsUnlimited on 13th Dec 2025

Impact Munitions in Law Enforcement: Less-Lethal Options for De-Escalation

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to less-lethal impact munitions to resolve high-risk situations without resorting to deadly force. These tools, including 40mm projectiles, 12-gauge rounds, and stingball grenades, deliver kinetic energy to cause pain and temporary incapacitation through blunt trauma. The primary goal of less-lethal tools is to save lives and avoid using lethal force.
In scenarios involving suspects experiencing a mental health crisis—where force is necessary to end the threat but fatality is undesirable—less-lethal impact munitions provide a viable option to gain compliance and resolve the incident safely. This underscores the paramount importance of a robust less-lethal program in modern policing.
A key doctrinal principle: If an officer is justified in firing one less-lethal round, they are typically justified in firing multiple (multishot capable launchers or multiple officers come to play). The strategy employs overwhelming force with less-lethal impact tools to quickly end the incident, overwhelming the subject's ability to resist without the need to escalate to lethal force.
40mm Impact Rounds: 40mm munitions are launched from dedicated single-shot/multi-shot launchers, offering greater range, accuracy, and stability compared to shotgun-based options. They are ideal for stand-off distances in crowd control, barricaded suspects, or individual targeting.
  • Sponge Baton (Foam/Sponge Round): A spin-stabilized projectile with a dense foam nose and plastic body (e.g., CTS Model 4557). It delivers precise blunt impact for point-of-aim targeting, effective up to 50 yards, with zero-stand off required. Commonly used for individual incapacitation. High velocity variants available, requiring 20-30 foot standoff.
  • Rubber Pellet Rounds: Multi-projectile loads dispersing rubber balls (e.g., .60 caliber stingers in CTS models like 4558).
  • Bean Bag Rounds: Less common in 40mm but available as frangible or drag-stabilized variants for area saturation.
  • Other Variants: Frangible impact rounds that disperse marking or inert powder upon hitting the target.
These are deployed in scenarios requiring extended range, such as dispersing crowds or engaging armed but non-immediately lethal threats. Combined Tactical Systems (CTS) offers high-quality 40mm impact munitions, including the popular Model 4557 sponge round, available through authorized distributors like Arms Unlimited.
12-Gauge Impact Rounds: Fired from standard or dedicated shotguns, 12-gauge less-lethal rounds provide close- to mid-range options, often carried by patrol officers for rapid deployment.
  • Bean Bag Rounds: A fabric "sock" or ballistic bag filled with lead shot or pellets (e.g., drag-stabilized Super-Sock styles). Upon impact, it flattens to distribute force, causing pain and muscle disruption. Effective at 5-30 yards for targeted incapacitation.
  • Rubber Pellet Rounds: Shells loaded with multiple rubber balls (e.g., .32 caliber stingers or buckshot-style).
  • Rubber Rocket/Slug Rounds: Solid or hollow-base rubber projectiles (sometimes called "rubber rockets" for their fin- or base-stabilized design), delivering high-velocity blunt trauma.
These rounds are used in dynamic encounters, such as subduing armed suspects, domestic disturbances, or mental health crises requiring immediate compliance. CTS produces reliable 12-gauge options, including Super-Sock bean bag rounds, accessible via Arms Unlimited.
Stingball Grenades: Stingball grenades are hand-thrown or launchable devices that combine diversionary effects (loud blast, bright flash) with kinetic impact. Upon detonation (typically 1.5-2.5 seconds delay), they disperse approximately 105 rubber balls (.31 or .60 caliber) in a 360-degree radius, along with optional irritant payloads.
  • Standard Variants: Non-irritant (pure rubber pellets for pain compliance).
  • Combo Models: With OC or CS powder for added chemical irritation.
CTS leads in stingball technology with models like the 9590 (non-irritant, ~105 .31 caliber rubber balls), 9593 (CS irritant combo), and 9594 (OC irritant combo). These are deployed in crowd management, room clearing, or against grouped threats to create area denial and overwhelming distraction without fragmentation risks.Stingball grenades excel in riot control or tactical entries, providing multi-effect stimuli to disorient and incapacitate. For premium options, CTS stingball grenades are available at Arms Unlimited
Deployment and Best Practices:
Impact munitions are selected based on distance, target type, and risk level:
  • Individual threats (e.g., knife-wielding suspect in crisis): Targeted single projectiles (sponge or bean bag).
  • Groups or crowds: Multi-pellet or stingball for broader effect.
  • Barricaded subjects: Extended-range 40mm for safety.
Officers should aim for specific muscle groups (legs, glutes, and lower stomach) for maximum efficiency and to minimize injury risk, avoid shots to head/neck/groin. Multiple rounds may be fired rapidly to achieve overwhelming force, ensuring quick resolution.
While highly effective, these tools require rigorous training to prevent misuse. A comprehensive less-lethal program—equipped with quality products from manufacturers like Combined Tactical Systems—empowers officers to protect lives, including those of subjects in crisis, by providing force options that bridge the gap between verbal commands and lethal response. Investing in such capabilities is essential for responsible, modern law enforcement.