diff --git a/code/modules/projectiles/projectile.dm b/code/modules/projectiles/projectile.dm
index 3270288131..b398de7d2f 100644
--- a/code/modules/projectiles/projectile.dm
+++ b/code/modules/projectiles/projectile.dm
@@ -401,7 +401,7 @@
 				P.activate()
 
 /obj/item/projectile/proc/impact_effect(var/matrix/M)
-	if(ispath(tracer_type))
+	if(ispath(tracer_type) && location)
 		var/obj/effect/projectile/P = new impact_type(location.loc)
 
 		if(istype(P))