An Easy-to-Understand Guide for Everyday People
Byrna’s most compact, less-lethal self-defense tool.
Are you looking for a way to feel safer without carrying a traditional firearm? The Byrna CL might be the perfect solution for you. Whether you’re new to less-lethal defense or already own a Byrna launcher and want something smaller, the Byrna CL is a powerful, compact option built for personal protection.
At NW Safe, we help people like you find smart, safe ways to defend themselves and their families. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Byrna CL, including:
What Is the Byrna CL?
The Byrna CL is the world’s smallest less-lethal pistol. That means it’s designed to stop a threat without using deadly force. It’s about the size of a smartphone — just under 7 inches long and weighing less than 1 pound. Even though it’s small, it packs a serious punch.
It shoots .61 caliber projectiles at 400 feet per second — that's as fast as 273 miles per hour! These projectiles can be either hard kinetic rounds or chemical irritants. This gives you powerful stopping ability without using bullets. The CL also has a range of up to 60 feet, which gives you a good amount of space between you and a possible threat.
Powered by an 8-gram CO₂ cartridge, it holds 5 rounds at a time in its magazine. It also comes with helpful features like:
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A Picatinny rail for adding accessories
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Bright fiber optic sights to help you aim
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Red Dot sight readiness for faster target locking
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Color options in Black or Safety Orange
Who Should Use the Byrna CL?
The Byrna CL is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable, less-lethal self-defense tool that is easy to carry. Because it’s compact, you can fit it in a purse, backpack, or even a fanny pack. It’s also much easier to conceal compared to Byrna’s larger models like the Byrna SD or Byrna LE.
If you’re confident in your aim and have practiced a bit, 5 rounds should be enough to stop a threat. But if you’re brand new to handling these types of tools and think you might need more shots, there are other options too. Byrna’s Mission 4 or TCR models offer more capacity and are better for people who want extra firepower.
Still, for most people looking for quick protection on the go, the CL fits the bill perfectly.
When Should I Buy a Byrna CL?
If you’re thinking about adding a self-defense option to your daily life, the best time to buy a Byrna CL is now. The launcher is available for the public. At Northwest Safe, we have them in stock and ready to ship right away. Most orders ship within just 1 to 2 business days.
If you’ve been on the fence about carrying something for protection, the Byrna CL offers a powerful, legal option that doesn’t require a background check in most states and doesn’t use live ammunition.
For those in the greater Seattle area, you can try the Bryan CL at our indoor range. The range is located within our Enumclaw store. All usage of the range is overseen by a range safety officer.
Why Do I Need a Byrna CL?
The Byrna CL is made for everyday people who want to feel safer — at home, in the car, walking the dog, or running errands. Life can be unpredictable. Having something like the Byrna CL gives you peace of mind that you’re not defenseless.
What makes it stand out is how easy it is to carry and how powerful it is for its size. Other models might be too large or bulky to bring with you everywhere. The CL fits into your life and your daily routine — without drawing attention.
It’s also a good option for people who want an alternative to traditional guns. Whether you don’t feel comfortable owning a firearm or live in a place with strict gun laws, the Byrna CL gives you a strong layer of protection.
How Much Does the Byrna CL Cost?
The Byrna CL Launcher - Universal Kit is priced at $549. That may sound like a lot at first, but let’s look at what’s included:
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1 Byrna CL Launcher
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2 Five-Round Magazines
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2 Byrna 8-Gram CO₂ Cartridges
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1 Tube of Byrna .61 Caliber Pro Training Projectiles
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2 Tubes of Byrna .61 Caliber Kinetic Projectiles
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1 Byrna Carrying Case
This kit gives you everything you need to get started — including both practice rounds and actual self-defense rounds. And unlike most firearms, you don’t need to buy expensive ammo or wait for paperwork. You're ready to go right out of the box.
How Can I Buy a Byrna CL?
Buying your Byrna CL from Northwest Safe is easy. You can order directly from our website, and we’ll ship your launcher within 1 to 2 business days. We ship to all 50 states.
If you’re near one of our store locations, we invite you to stop by and test the launcher for yourself. You can hold it, see how it works, and ask any questions before you make your decision.
Either way, our team is here to help you make the right choice for your personal protection.
Where Should I Store My Byrna CL?
While the Byrna CL is not a traditional firearm and is not under the same regulations, it is still a weapon. You will want to restrict access to authorized individuals only. Due to the nature of this personal self-defense weapon, you will also likely want to be able to access it quickly when needed.
We recommend a quick-access handgun safe, such as Vaultek Essential Slider SL2e or the 2. Vaultek Safe® DS5i Smart Station. Need help deciding which quick access safe is right for you? Check out our comprehensive guide to quick access safes for Byrna Launchers.
Which Byrna Launcher is Right for You?
While the Byrna CL is the newest launcher and offers some serious advantages, each Byrna launcher model has its unique features. From size and velocity to round capacity and proven track record, discover which Byran is best for you.