The Byrna is roughly the size of a compact 9mm handgun. We sell tactical holsters that have been custom designed to comfortably hold your Byrna and nylon holsters designed for compact 9mm handguns. Please see the Product Spec Sheet for more info.

Both of our chemical irritant projectiles are very effective. The Byrna Pepper rounds contain a powder mix containing 5% Pava (a synthetic form of oleoresin capsaicin – i.e., pepper). The Byrna Max rounds contain a powder mix containing 8% CS (tear gas) and 1% OC (oleoresin capsaicin). Certain states restrict the sale of sprays or powdered projectiles that include CS. See Shipping Restrictions for further information.

Byrnas are not equipped with an orange tip because they are not toys. The orange tip conveys that the “gun” is not an actual weapon. The Byrna is a weapon, albeit a less-lethal weapon. Accordingly, we do not sell to anyone under 18.

While using a Byrna for self-defense is generally legal, as with any weapon, the determination of self-defense is case-specific and fact dependent. Additionally, certain municipalities prohibit using CO2-fired weapons, such as the Byrna. Use of the Byrna in restricted areas may subject you to civil and criminal penalties, including incarceration.

Using the Byrna offensively or in furtherance of a crime is always illegal and may subject you to civil and criminal penalties, including incarceration.

Like any other weapon, be it a hammer, knife, or baseball bat, the Byrna should never be brandished or used in a threatening or menacing manner except as necessary to defend oneself or others.

The FAA allows you to carry an unloaded Byrna in your checked luggage. This is specifically permitted under the exception afforded to “Compressed Gas” guns. The Byrna LE Training Team regularly carries their Byrna launchers in their checked luggage.

We recommend ordering CO2 canisters to be delivered to your destination before air travel. **The TSA does not permit CO2 cylinders to be carried on a plane. We also recommend that you can print out and include in your luggage (with your Byrna) the TSA Regulation for Compressed Air Guns

8-gram Byrna CO2 canisters power Byrna HD and SD Launchers. A 12-gram Byrna CO2 canister powers the Byrna LE. Suppliers have no standard size for these canisters, so we recommend you use only Byrna brand cartridges, which may be purchased from our online store. Using non-conforming cartridges may compromise your Byrna’s performance, damage your Byrna, or get stuck in the launcher. For this reason, the use of non-Byrna CO2 canisters will void your warranty.

Additionally, in every box of Byrna 8-gram and 12-gram CO2, there is one “Oiler” canister that contains a non-oil-based lubricant. It is important to keep your Byrna lubricated to improve performance and extend the life of the launcher.

A single Byrna 8-gram CO2 canister should consistently fire 20 – 25 projectiles. The Byrna 12-gram CO2 canister should consistently fire 25 – 35 projectiles.

Yes. Please refer to the Operating Manual. Relying on any tool for your protection means you need to ensure that the tool is properly maintained. One of the advantages of the Byrna launcher is how easy it is to maintain. Here is a short BYRNA PRO TIP video that explains how to maintain your launcher with our oiler and brush kit: https://byrna.com/blogs/byrna-nation/byrna-pro-tip-launcher-maintenance. 

Byrna Chemical Irritant Projectiles are constructed to break on impact, so a puffy jacket, loose clothing, or anything that partially absorbs the force of that impact can make them less effective. The Byrna can be aimed to impact the ceiling above the target, the wall next to the target, or a nearby tree if they present a more accessible point of impact. Here is a short Byrna Pro Tip video where we discuss your options for shot placement during encounters where impacting someone directly may not be your best option or not an option at all: https://byrna.com/blogs/byrna-nation/byrna-pro-tip-shot-placement. 

Byrna launchers have an operating range from 32° Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) to 120° Fahrenheit (48° Celsius). Colder temperatures will reduce the pressure of the CO2. They will adversely affect the launcher’s performance, reducing the projectile’s speed and the number of shots you will get from a single CO2 canister.

Suppose you have a problem with your launcher in cold weather. In that case, we recommend that you remove the CO2 canister and, clear the breach of any projectiles according to the instructions in your operations manual, load a fresh CO2 canister at room temperature.

To prevent problems related to cold or frozen CO2 canisters, we recommend the following:

1. Storing your loaded launcher and CO2 canisters at room temperature;
2. Not leaving CO2 canisters or loaded Byrna launchers in your glove box or outside for an extended period when the weather is below freezing; and
3. Carrying your launcher and your spare CO2 canisters under a jacket or vest and in close contact with your body when carrying Byrna Launchers outside in winter conditions.
   These precautions will reduce the risk that pressure in your cartridge will drop below the level needed for effective operation.