Slugthrower/Legends

Slugthrowers were weapons that used an explosive chemical to launch a solid projectile (a "slug") at a high velocity. Blasters were fashioned in style and function after these more primitive weapons.

A typical pistol had a maximum range of 60 meters, whilst on a rifle this was extended to 300 meters. Their firing rates varied immensely; some were single shot weapons, whilst others fired thousands of slugs a minute. Slugs also varied, some were made of metal, some ceramic or even hardened plastics. Ammunition for slugthrowers was often rarer than blaster gas however and thus more expensive. Varying calibers sometimes compounded this problem.

Slugthrowers were considered by many to be a primitive, inferior technology when compared against blasters, and were often used by those without access to better weapons, such as primitive cultures. However, they remained popular for the unique advantages they offered. For example, during the days of the Galactic Republic, mercenaries fearing an intervention by Jedi Knights used rapid-fire slugthrowers that were more difficult to deflect than blaster bolts. They were also popular amongst forces looking to take advantage of the explosive nature for intimidation or to ensure destruction. What they lacked in power and accuracy they regained in stealth. A slugthrower could be silenced, while a blaster could not. Also, blaster rounds were almost always visible. Although this could be seen as an advantage, non-tracer rounds used by slugthrowers added an extra element of confusion and surprise. Furthermore, slugthrowers were generally cheap and easily repaired. In addition, the projectile itself could have unique properties. Explosive, pyro and mercy slugs each had different effects. Explosive ammo dealt additional kinetic damage to a target. Pyro ammunition could cause burns that were as dangerous as the projectile, or set items on fire. Mercy bullets made of rubber or semi-rigid plastic gave a way to set a slugthrower on 'stun'. Of course, this meant carrying extra ammo or magazines - and special rounds are costlier and rarer than conventional slugs. Bounty hunters that carried slugthrowers tended to make extensive use of special ammo in their work. Some mix rounds in the same magazine, starting with mercy bullets and working their way up to more lethal types in case the less deadly projectiles fail to stop their opponent.

Czerka was a large manufacturer of slugthrowers, throughout its history. Other manufacturers included Merr-Sonn and Oriolanis.

Tatooine's Tusken Raiders used the Tusken Cycler as a long range weapon when they were not close enough to use gaderfii. Most Slugthrower projectiles could penetrate a Stormtrooper's helmet lens or vulnerable neck area, so when stormtroopers arrived on Tatooine, Tuskens often used them as target practice.

Several Rebel detachments carried slugthrowers, including Rebel SpecForce units. The Dresselians carried them at the Battle of Yavin.

Weapons

 * Mandalorian Ripper
 * 6-2Aug2 hunting rifle
 * Adventurer (weapon)
 * Blackout
 * Oriolanis Striker Projectile Pistol
 * Outland rifle
 * Tusken Cycler Rifle
 * Imperial Heavy Repeater
 * Concussion bow

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 * Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Shatterpoint
 * Star Wars: Clone Wars
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
 * Star Wars Empire: Darklighter
 * Tatooine Ghost
 * Dark Force Rising
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
 * Dark Empire II

Behind the Scenes
Slugthrowers are, of course, guns. Zam Wesel's rifle in Attack of the Clones appears to be a long-barreled musket with a scope.