diff --git a/shooter/README.md b/shooter/README.md
index 7916d2e..760ed55 100644
--- a/shooter/README.md
+++ b/shooter/README.md
@@ -150,6 +150,7 @@ Used by `shooter.register_weapon`
 	},
 	on_hit = function(pointed_thing, spec, dir)
 		-- May be used for arbitary shot effects like knock-back, etc.
+		-- Return `true` to override built-in damage effects
 	end,
 	spec = {
 		-- Weapon specifications
diff --git a/shooter/api.lua b/shooter/api.lua
index 02c5780..4f63590 100644
--- a/shooter/api.lua
+++ b/shooter/api.lua
@@ -206,6 +206,12 @@ shooter.is_valid_object = function(object)
 end
 
 local function process_hit(pointed_thing, spec, dir)
+	local def = minetest.registered_items[spec.name] or {}
+	if type(def.on_hit) == "function" then
+		if def.on_hit(pointed_thing, spec, dir) == true then
+			return
+		end
+	end
 	if pointed_thing.type == "node" and config.allow_nodes == true then
 		local pos = minetest.get_pointed_thing_position(pointed_thing, false)
 		shooter.punch_node(pos, spec)
@@ -223,10 +229,6 @@ local function process_hit(pointed_thing, spec, dir)
 			end
 		end
 	end
-	local def = minetest.registered_items[spec.name] or {}
-	if type(def.on_hit) == "function" then
-		return def.on_hit(pointed_thing, spec, dir)
-	end
 end
 
 local function process_round(round)