Glaser Safety Slug
Definition
Pre-fragmented pistol round using a conventional brass jacket enclosing compressed birdshot pellets; disperses shot within approximately 6 inches of tissue penetration; wound radiograph shows multiple small spherical fragment traces, distinguishing it from JHP and FMJ wound patterns.
- Construction
- Brass jacket filled with compressed birdshot pellets
- Dispersal range
- Approx. 6 inches (15 cm) in tissue
- Purpose
- Limited penetration, reduced overpenetration risk
- Radiographic sign
- Multiple small spherical fragment traces
Common questions
How does a Glaser Safety Slug wound differ from a jacketed hollow point wound?+
A JHP expands into a single mushroomed projectile with one continuous wound track, while a Glaser slug disperses many small shot pellets shortly after entry, producing a cluster of shallow radiating tracks rather than one deep track.
Why would this round be selected over a full metal jacket round?+
It is designed to reduce the risk of a projectile passing through a target and striking bystanders or penetrating walls, trading penetration depth for reduced overpenetration risk, at the cost of less performance against barriers or heavy clothing.
What does the radiograph show that helps identify this ammunition type?+
Instead of one or two large fragments as with a JHP, an X-ray shows a scattered pattern of small, roughly spherical, radio-dense pellets clustered near the entry track, which is diagnostic of a pre-fragmented shot-filled round.
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