A projectile rifle
Slugthrowers represented a category of handheld projectile weaponry. Rather than utilizing energy-based projectiles like a blaster, these weapons employed kinetic energy to propel physical projectiles, known as slugs. Various types of weapons, including the slugthrower pistol, slugthrower rifle, and scatter gun, could launch these slugs. Shotguns bore similarities to the slug-based scatter guns.
The inhabitants of Carnelion IV, specifically the Open and Closed factions, employed a diverse range of slugthrower-type weapons during their conflict. Certain gatling gun versions were even mounted on the large bipedal walkers used by the Open faction. Inhabitants of Haruun Kal also utilized rudimentary slugthrowers, though these proved ineffective against Stormtrooper armor.
Generally, individuals with Force sensitive abilities who wielded lightsabers could easily deflect or parry slugs. Nevertheless, there were instances where slugthrowers demonstrated surprising effectiveness against lightsabers. When a high-velocity slug impacted a plasma blade, it would simply melt instead of being deflected like a blaster bolt. This could result in molten fragments and/or shrapnel scattering towards the face or unprotected hands of the lightsaber user, potentially causing injury if they were not cautious.
In the time leading up to the Battle of Jakku, Jas Emari utilized a custom-built slugthrower rifle. Marauders operating on Hetzal Prime were known to use slugthrower rifles and scatter guns. Cyn's team made use of slugthrower pistols.