diff --git a/src/thingdef/thingdef_codeptr.cpp b/src/thingdef/thingdef_codeptr.cpp
index 34a9cf02c..e5d080095 100644
--- a/src/thingdef/thingdef_codeptr.cpp
+++ b/src/thingdef/thingdef_codeptr.cpp
@@ -2433,12 +2433,6 @@ DEFINE_ACTION_FUNCTION_PARAMS(AActor, A_SpawnItem)
 		ACTION_RETURN_BOOL(true);
 	}
 
-	if (distance == 0) 
-	{
-		// use the minimum distance that does not result in an overlap
-		distance = (self->radius + GetDefaultByType(missile)->radius);
-	}
-
 	if (ACTION_CALL_FROM_WEAPON())
 	{
 		// Used from a weapon, so use some ammo