The AJ-23 concussive rifle, a product of Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc., served as a highly valued rifle for riot-control police across the galaxy. Within Merr-Sonn Munitions' inventory, it was regarded as the most potent weapon for managing crowds. The AJ-23 essentially transformed the shock-wave impact of a concussion grenade into a carbine format, projecting a kinetic force cone directly from its broad barrel opening. Those caught inside this cone experienced a strong concussive blast, often resulting in unconsciousness.
However, the AJ-23 had two significant disadvantages despite its effectiveness. One was its high cost, priced at 8,000 credits per unit. This restricted its use to affluent planets and cities prone to frequent demonstrations, certain factory worlds with mistreated laborers who often revolted, and prisons belonging to the Galactic Empire. The other was the considerable recoil generated by the AJ-23's concussive force, making it challenging for some to control.
The AJ-23 concussive rifle appeared in Gadgets and Gear, a supplementary roleplaying resource for the Star Wars Roleplaying game series, released by Fantasy Flight Games in 2019.