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Product Review: Lightfield's Less Lethal Ammunition
By Lindsey J. Bertomen
I tested three 12-gauge less lethal products from Lightfield Less Lethal Research (www.Lightfieldlesslethal.com) : The Star Lite (LSLR-12), Super Star (LSSR-12) and the Mid-Range Rubber Slug (LMRS-12). My tests concluded that Lightfield Less Lethal Research has done their homework and they get an “A+”.
Lightfield Less Lethal’s approach differs from most other companies in a unique way. Rather than use a “one size fits most” philosophy, they extend the officer’s margin of safety by employing the right tool for the right job.
Lightfield is a complete munitions company which makes a variety of products for sportsmen and law enforcement. The Lightfield Less Lethal Research side of the house includes 12 gauge projectiles for humane wildlife control, and 12 gauge Specialty Impact Munitions(SIMs).
Lightfield Less Lethal’s approach differs from most other companies in a unique way. Rather than use a “one size fits most” philosophy, they extend the officer’s margin of safety by employing the right tool for the right job.
Less lethal employment will always be a compromise. That is, if a product is too effective or too protective, it is unsuitable. Manufacturers must maintain a range of effectiveness which can only be a series of compromises. For example, effective short range products may not be accurate at longer ranges. Effective long range products may cause traumatic injuries at short ranges.
There are no two things about it: employing any type of force option has the potential for injurious consequences. Agencies should only use this type of product for its intended use, with adequate training, equipment and certification. Impact projectile products are kinetic energy products. They require specific targeting on the body and prescribed distances for proper deployment.
Less lethal technology should not be used as a singular solution. It should be part of an integrated use of force system. This use of force system must include three goals: maximize officer safety, produce effective control and minimize trauma. The other parts of the system must include policy and (especially) training. I believe that Lightfield Less Lethal’s approach makes them an excellent choice in this arena.
Lightfield Less Lethal has a complete solution approach to shoulder fired impact projectiles. The Star Lite LSLR-12 round has an engagement distance from1-10 yards. The Super Star LSSR-12 has an engagement distance from 2-15 yards. The Mid-Range Rubber Slug (LMRS-12) is designed for 20-40 yards and the LERS-12 Extended Range Rubber Slug can reach out from 40-60 yards.
Lightfield uses translucent shell cases and distinct colors, which allows for reliable visual inspection. The Super Star and Star Lite projectiles are bright green and bright yellow respectively, which allows for visual target confirmation. When I fired theses products, spectators could accurately tell where they struck the target. In case anyone was wondering, a good cell phone camera could track one too.
The Star Lite and Super Star payloads consist of a single rubber “star” which looks like a ...Read More
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