What are rubber bullets? They are kinetic impact projectiles built from rubber, foam, or composite materials and fired from 12-gauge, or 37 mm platforms. They are designed to deliver blunt impact rather than penetrate the target.
What are rubber bullets? They are kinetic impact projectiles built from rubber, foam, or a composite materials , fired from a 12-gauge, or 37mm platform designed to deliver blunt impact rather than penetrate the target instead of a wound.
The category includes a range of impact munitions, including solid rubber, rubber-coated, foam-tipped, and composite materials, depending on the manufacturer and intended application.
In Canada and most jurisdictions, these rounds and the launchers that fire them are restricted to police, corrections, military, and other government-authorised agencies, not sold over the counter to the general public.
A rubber bullet is a tool with a specific job: achieve subject compliance or create distance while reducing the likelihood of a fatal outcome, not eliminate risk altogether.
Getting this equipment decision right carries weight that goes beyond a line item on a purchase order. A training coordinator building a certification program answers for every officer who carries that round on duty. A procurement officer signs off on equipment that may ultimately be scrutinised in the field, during internal reviews, or in court.
Choosing the wrong round, or the right round without the training to back it, does not stay a paperwork problem. It becomes a use-of-force incident with a name attached to it, an agency’s name and an officer’s.
This post lays out what the term actually covers, how rubber bullets compare to other less-lethal ammunition, what training and legal requirements apply, and what a procurement review should confirm before any product reaches inventory.
Types of Rubber Bullet Rounds
Rubber bullets are a commonly used term for a range of less-lethal impact munitions. Depending on the application, it may refer to solid rubber projectiles, rubber-coated rigid-core rounds, or rubber- or foam-tipped rounds fired from 12-gauge, or 37 mm, platforms.
Two products both marketed as rubber bullets can differ substantially in construction, mass distribution, and how they are meant to be deployed, which is exactly why the specific product’s documentation, not the general category name, should drive a procurement decision.
For a closer look at how these rounds transfer energy on impact, see our guide on how rubber bullets work.
Where This Fits Among Crowd Control Ammunition
Rubber bullets sit within a broader family of crowd control ammunition, forming part of the riot control equipment used by authorised agencies for public order, crowd dispersal, and subject control operations, alongside beanbag rounds, sponge rounds, and multi-projectile rounds fired from 12-gauge platforms, or 37 mm launchers.
Agencies typically select a round based on the operational scenario: individual subject control, dispersal of a crowd, or a barricade situation where standoff distance and accuracy both matter.
A round intended for close-range individual control is not necessarily suited to a dispersal scenario, and the reverse is also true. Matching the round to the scenario, not defaulting to whatever is already in inventory, is one of the more common gaps agencies find during a use-of-force equipment review.
Rubber Bullets Compared to Other Less-Lethal Ammunition
Rubber bullets are one of several less-lethal solutions available to agencies, alongside beanbag rounds, sponge rounds, and other kinetic impact munitions designed for specific operational scenarios.
| Round Type | Typical Platform | Primary Use Case |
| Rubber bullet / rubber-coated round | 12-gauge, or 37mm | Individual subject control, short to mid range |
| Beanbag round | 12-gauge | Individual subject control, close to mid range |
| Sponge round | 37mm | Longer standoff distance, reduced deformation risk |
| Multi-projectile round | 37mm | Crowd dispersal, wider impact pattern |
None of these categories is a direct substitute for another. A department replacing an aging 12-gauge beanbag program with a 37mm rubber bullet platform is changing standoff distance, accuracy profile, and training requirements, not just swapping ammunition.
Specifications, effective ranges, and recommended use cases vary by manufacturer and product line. Procurement decisions should always be based on current technical documentation.
Also read: How Do Rubber Bullets Work? A Complete Guide to Kinetic Impact Projectiles for Law Enforcement
Training and Certification Before Deployment
No less-lethal launcher or kinetic impact round should be deployed without certified operator training. Like all specialised law enforcement equipment, launcher systems require documented training, qualification, and ongoing recertification before they are carried for operational use.
A baseline program typically covers safe handling and storage, effective range for the specific platform, target zone selection to reduce the likelihood of serious injury, and documented qualification on the exact launcher and round combination the agency carries.
Agencies evaluating a launcher platform should confirm hours of certification training required, recertification intervals, and whether the manufacturer or distributor provides instructor-level training.
This detail is often the deciding factor between two products with similar specifications on paper.
Documented Risk and Why Standards Exist
Kinetic energy munitions, including rubber bullet ammunition, are not without risk. Their use requires documented training, clear operational policies, and careful munition selection based on the intended application.
Canadian agencies rely on approved public safety equipment , manufacturer guidance, and established use-of-force frameworks to support safe deployment, with factors such as engagement distance, target area, and munition type playing a critical role in reducing the risk of serious injury.
This is the context procurement and training leads should bring into any conversation about a specific product’s safety record. A documented safety record tied to a specific round and platform is meaningful. A blanket claim of safety across an entire catalogue is not, and any agency evaluating a supplier should ask for the former.
Legal Status and Procurement in Canada
In Canada, rubber bullet availability is generally limited to police, corrections, military, and other authorised agencies, with eligibility depending on applicable laws and procurement requirements.
These products are not sold to the general public, and any legitimate distributor should confirm this eligibility as part of the sales process rather than treating it as a footnote.
For an agency starting a procurement review, that starting point narrows the conversation quickly: confirm eligibility, confirm the operational need, then compare specific products against that need rather than against a general category.
Getting Specifics for Your Agency
Choosing a rubber bullet platform comes down to matching a specific round and launcher combination to a documented operational need, backed by a training program the agency can sustain. General category information is a starting point, not a procurement decision.
Once an agency has identified its operational requirements, the next step is evaluating compatible launcher platforms, approved munitions, training support, and ongoing documentation. Less Lethal DefenX supports agencies throughout that process, from specification reviews to training coordination.
Contact us to discuss your agency’s requirements, request product documentation, or speak with our team about the most suitable less-lethal platform for your operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Rubber Bullets?
Rubber bullets in Canada are less-lethal kinetic impact projectiles fired from 12-gauge, or 37 mm, platforms. They are used by authorised agencies for subject control, crowd management, and public order operations.
How Do Rubber Bullets Work?
A launcher propels the round to deliver a blunt impact rather than penetrate the target. The launcher propels the projectile to deliver blunt kinetic impact rather than penetrate the target. Its design and energy transfer depend on the specific munition.
Are Rubber Bullets Considered Less-Lethal?
Yes. Rubber bullets are classified as less-lethal munitions, but they are not without risk. Serious injury or death can occur if they are used improperly or strike vulnerable areas.
What Are Rubber Bullets Made Of?
Construction varies by manufacturer and application. Common designs include solid rubber projectiles, rubber-coated rounds, and foam- or rubber-tipped impact rounds.
Are Rubber Bullets Legal In Canada?
Yes, for authorised users. They are supplied to police, corrections, military, and other government-authorised agencies, not the general public.
When Are Rubber Bullets Typically Used?
They are commonly deployed for subject control, crowd dispersal, and public order incidents. Agencies select the appropriate round and launcher based on the operational scenario.
How Are Rubber Bullets Different From Live Ammunition?
Live ammunition is intended to penetrate, while rubber bullets are designed to deliver blunt force. Their goal is temporary incapacitation, although serious injury remains possible.
Can Rubber Bullets Be Used For Training?
Yes, where approved training rounds are available. Agencies should always use manufacturer-approved training munitions for the specific launcher platform.
What Safety Precautions Should Be Followed When Using Rubber Bullets?
Only trained personnel should deploy rubber bullets, following manufacturer guidance and agency policies. Maintaining recommended engagement distances and avoiding vulnerable target areas are essential.
What Types Of Launchers Are Compatible With Rubber Bullets?
Rubber bullets are commonly used with 12-gauge less-lethal shotguns and dedicated 37 mm launchers. Compatibility depends on the specific munition and manufacturer.
