The Byrna LE Launcher is a less-lethal self-defense weapon designed for law enforcement and personal protection. It is the most powerful Byrna gun — featuring a completely redesigned trigger interface and valve assembly to fire .68 caliber rounds at speed of up to 330 feet per second. 

Byrna guns are legal in all 50 states. However, some states place restrictions on the “pepper” and “tear gas” ammo that can be used. Additionally, certain municipalities have restrictions on C02-powered weapons, such as Byrna guns. 

In Washington State, age is the only restriction on a Byrna LE Launcher. According to RCW 9.91.160:

It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years old unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, to purchase or possess a personal protection spray device.

Like with a traditional gun, the Byrna LE Launch is most effective at stopping an attacker when you actually hit the attacker. But unlike when you fire a traditional firearm, this less-lethal device won’t kill an attacker if you hit them and it can provide protection even if you don’t hit them. 

If the ammo breaks within six feet of the attacker, the pepper spray will be dispersed. This extreme irritant helps you thwart a threat, making it a very effective self-defense weapon.   

In Hawaii, where crime rates have been increasing, police have begun using Byrna guns to help stop criminals. Citizens have also been reported as using these less-lethal guns to stop home robberies.

The Bryna LE Launcher is accurate up to 80 feet away. This is the furthest shooting non-lethal, personal defense weapon available — allowing you to defend yourself without being in arm’s reach of your attacker.

The Byrna LE Launcher is similarly sized to a 9mm. In Washington State, there are no restrictions on how to carry a Byrna gun. They can be carried in multiple ways, including:

• a purse or bag
• the center console of a car
• a hip holster (like the Byrna Nylon Waistband Holster or the Byrna Level II Holster)

Carrying pepper spray may be restricted at certain venues, such as large sporting events. T-Mobile Park, for example, does not allow you to carry self-defense sprays within the venue.

Unlike a firearm, Byrna launchers don’t face the same legal requirements for storage. That being said, it’s strongly advised that you keep them secure from children and unauthorized individuals. We recommend storing them in a quick-access safe. The following are our top picks:

• DS2i Smart Station Safe
• Vaultek LifePod
• Vaultek 10 Series
• VT Series
• Vaultek Slider Series

Loading the Byrna LE Launcher requires a few simple steps:

Unscrew the C02 end cap, utilizing the hex head on the magazine base plate, if necessary. Insert the cartridge neck first and replace the C02 end cap. Use the hex head to tighten the end cap until it gives you a bit of resistance. The end cap should be flush with the front face of the launcher.

Load the magazine with your choice of projectiles by pushing them straight down into the opening of the magazine. Once the magazine is loaded, insert the magazine into the launcher until it is fully seated.

At this point, the first round is loaded into your launcher. Make sure the launcher’s safety is on until you're ready to fire and securely store it.

The Byrna LE Launcher is extremely easy to use. Byrna redesigned the LE trigger from previous iterations to give it a lighter, smoother pull. This makes it easier for novice shooters to shoot accurately.

While practicing using your Byrna gun is not required, it is strongly recommended. The more accurate your aim, the better you will be at protecting yourself. Byrna recognizes this fact, which is why they sell practice rounds.

One of the nice things about practicing with a Byrna gun is that you don’t have to go to a gun range. You can set up a target in your backyard. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to shoot against a solid surface, such as a fence or wall. Because while they aren’t lethal, your neighbors likely won't appreciate being pelted with target rounds.

Byrna LE Launchers are designed to be used by both men and women. Thanks to their light weight design and ease.

1. Ensure your launcher is unloaded and does not house a C02 cartridge.
2. Use the provided brush to ensure the barrel is free of dust, powder, or any other residue.
3. Place the oiler guide into the C02 chamber. Insert the oil applicator and squeeze to dispense 2-3 drops of oil.
4. Insert a fresh C02 cartridge and operate your launcher to the oil through the system.

The Byrna LE Launcher Kit comes with two, 5 round magazines — just like the Byrna SD Launcher. However, the completely redesigned LE launcher can hold the Byrna 7-round magazine. 

Due to the design, rounds in the bigger magazine are loaded under more force. This additional force increases the chance a chemical payload could break in the magazine. Those concerned about this occurrence tend to load their 5-round magazine with chemical payloads and reserve the 7-round magazine for kinetic projectiles.

You should perform regular maintenance on your Byrna gun to keep it in proper working order. Generally speaking, most Bryna guns should be cleaned every 10 C02 cartridges or every 500 shots. The frequency of maintenance can vary, though, depending on a variety of factors, such as:

• How many projectiles you’ve fired
• Excessive time between uses
• Exposure to the elements