Byrna vs Salt/Mace Launchers

[Steve]

Anyone given a thought on the newest teargas and pepper ball pistols as a back up to our self defense tactics?
The current big boys Byrna and Salt are going head to head both have pros and cons, it comes down to preferences both are good.
The Salt/Mace have been used by the military for years and Byrna is being used by the LEO’s too.

It comes down to price and the magazine and 12 gram Co2 placements on the models.
Believe there other brands just as powerful coming up.
The problem is most of these pepper and teargas launchers all good in all 50 states, exception CA & NY have universal kits without the teargas/pepper balls these come with hard plastic balls instead. Maybe the Mexican drug cartels will profit in those two states to sell the pepper balls to us.

The manufacturers say not to use off brand balls then buying from them, I believe one mentioned it would void the one year warranty. In the real world most guys are going to use whatever ammo they can get, even the guys in the restricted states to defend themselves and family members too.

Can a modified Airsoft pistol be used with these 68 caliber pepper balls?
Any knowledgeable weapon experts give us some info on what’s up with these launchers, thank you.

[Joshua Caywood (Instructor)]

I want to start by saying I have not used these products, but as a firearms instructor I have some insights to share.

First, you would have to modify an airsoft gun to a high degree because airsoft uses 6mm projectiles while Byrna uses 17mm projectiles, essentially three times the size. Airsoft is designed to shoot the smaller projectile, so a “simple” barrel change would probably result in a significantly reduced fps as the mechanics aren’t designed to push that large of a projectile. Also weight factors as well. The heaviest airsoft projectile comes in at .03oz and the Byrna is .1oz, so significantly heavier, again major loss of fps. By the time you modified an airsoft platform to effectively use a Byrna projectile, you will have essentially built one from scratch, not sure how that compares in cost and reliability?

Now on to the use of a less-than-lethal launcher. The popular ones, like Byrna, are shaped like a firearm. This is likely to appeal to firearms users as an alternative, use the advantage of tried and true design platforms, and the psychological aspect of at night or “in the moment” the offender might not quickly recognize the difference. That being said, in the moment, you might get shot for drawing a “firearm”. Remember perception is reality, especially in self defense.

As a firearm type platform (and a weapon in general) training to use it effectively in a self defense situation will be paramount. Luckily, the same skills such as drawing and acquiring target are essentially the same as with a firearm so plenty of good training systems and fundamentals out there. However, like a firearm, there are the same considerations with fighting to your weapon, useable distance, etc.

Now you can engage a threat much further away, but why would you engage a threat from that distance with a pepper ball unless your law enforcement, security, etc.? If our goal in self defense is to create space to get away so we can live and go home, might as well run away at that distance. If you can’t run, then pepper balls employed at distance would only be slightly more advantageous than to pull your gun, knife, cane, pepper spray, etc. Not to mention you still gotta hit the target with a small projectile more easily affected by wind.

All that to say, it’s a tool. If you want a gun in looks and performance but not lethality, cool. If you think it’s going to provide some sort of clear advantage where other tools wouldn’t, I don’t think that is accurate.

I think it’s a fun toy and have been looking into getting something along those lines for fun. But CO2 is too expensive to treat it like a serious gun trainer, especially when they already have gun replica CO2 training platforms.

If you do get one, let us know how it goes.

*I also want to be clear there is a definite use for these products in the LE, Security, Military fields. Primarily as crowd control, which is where pepper balls shine. Again it’s a tool with a purpose, what’s your purpose for it?

• This reply was modified 7 months, 1 week ago by Joshua Caywood (Instructor).

[Joshua Caywood (Instructor)]

As a side note, Byrna projectiles are the same size as standard paintballs. Could probably easily modify a paintball gun to make it work. 🤷‍♂️

Also, while it’s legal in all 50 states without permits, and is not classified as a “firearm” be sure to check your local jurisdiction. My city for example prohibits the use of any projectile within city limits and considers them firearms; to include airsoft, paintball, archery, etc. One of the main reasons I went to a laser trainer pistol and not airsoft.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 1 week ago by Joshua Caywood (Instructor).

[Steve]

I am throwing this launcher idea as some people are interested in another layer of protection along with the self defense arsenal here.
The bad thing to think of is some launchers are total black color and someone CCW or law enforcement may see in the fog of war on the street as a firearms. Which could get oneself shot and be considered the aggressor.

So I am letting this post for people to voice their experience and opinions.
Have considered these for a backup, but there still are options to explore in this area.
Not a legal eagle so not sure if CA & NY with no chemical kits sent, that other states can have, if one did get those pepper or teargas balls. If legal to use in other states would those users get into hot water?

Those brand sellers don’t get into the weeds about that stuff, they just sell them.
It is good for future users to know these things before plopping money down, they are expensive items to use. The Co2 might be cheap but will it last long enough between uses. They say replace the used or partially used cartridge with a new one, the chem balls usually last to five years.
So we can explore these devices if they are a good fit for some, Law Enforcement and the military, civilians maybe if trained.

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