The Byrna CL is the latest addition to Byrna’s less-lethal launcher lineup. It is designed for those of us who want powerful protection in a smaller, easier-to-carry package. More compact than the SD and LE models, the CL offers speed, accuracy, and customizable features — making it a smart choice for everyday defense without the risks of a firearm.
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Episode 21 Discussion Questions
2:00: What is a Byrna CL?
2:33: What do you think sets the Byrna CL apart from the rest of the burn lineup?
4:26: What comes with the Byrna CL and what are some of the extras you recommend customers buy?
7:34: What are the benefits of carrying a burner over a firearm?
9:56: Where can someone buy one of these?
Episode 21 Discussion Question Synopses
2:00: What is a Byrna CL?
The Byrna CL is the newest addition to the Byrna lineup. It’s a compact version of the LE and SD launchers that’s easier to carry and more concealable.
What makes it great is its versatility. The smaller size fits comfortably in the hands of people who may find our larger models too bulky. It also uses a smaller projectile, making it a solid option for those looking for something lighter and more manageable.
Plus, the Byrna CL has a few customizable features, so we can adjust it to fit our individual needs. We believe this launcher is going to be a great choice for many people who are interested in joining the Byrna family.
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.
2:33: What do you think sets the Byrna CL apart from the rest of the burn lineup?
We’ve used both the Byrna SD and the LE. While they work well, they’re just too big to comfortably carry — especially if we want to keep them concealed. Sure, we can open-carry them on our hip while hiking, but they’re not practical for concealed carry. That’s where the Byrna CL comes in.
The CL fires a smaller ball, but it moves faster. This gives us about the same energy as the LE. It also comes with a better factory sight system. And, unlike the others, we can even mount a red dot sight for improved accuracy.
Plus, it’s now available in the always-popular O.D. Green.
To put its size in perspective, the CL is about the same size as most smartphones (like a Google Pixel or iPhone) making it much easier for us to carry wherever we go.
4:26: What comes with the Byrna CL and what are some of the extras you recommend customers buy?
When we open up the Byrna CL kit, here’s what we get:
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Byrna CL Launcher
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2 Magazines
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2 CO₂ Cartridges
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10 Rounds of Kinetic Ammo
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10 Rounds of Pro Training Ammo
The training rounds are filled with an inert powder that breaks apart when shot at a hard surface. This helps us see how pepper rounds would spread — whether we’re indoors or outdoors, even in windy conditions.
The CL uses different magazines than the SD and LE. While the SD and LE models share magazines, the CL’s are smaller because it fires .61 caliber projectiles. The kit also includes accessory options. There’s a Picatinny rail slot on the bottom so we can add a compact laser or light, like a Crimson Trace or O-Light. It’s also cut for universal red dot sights, giving us more flexibility to customize.
From the factory, the CL comes with a premium sight system: a green reflex sight in the rear and either a red or green front post. It also has white dots on both the front and back sights, which are much easier to see in low light compared to the all-black sights on the SD. That’s a big upgrade we really appreciate.
Another key difference is the safety. Unlike the SD and LE, the CL doesn’t have a manual safety. Instead, the trigger itself acts as the safety, much like on a Glock or Smith & Wesson. For those of us who are used to that system, it feels natural and avoids the frustration of forgetting to flip the safety off before shooting. Byrna likely made this change based on customer feedback—especially from folks familiar with firearms that don’t use manual safeties.
7:34: What are the benefits of carrying a Byrna over a firearm?
One of the biggest benefits of the Byrna is that we can carry it in places where a firearm wouldn’t be allowed or would feel uncomfortable—like when we’re traveling across state lines.
Another advantage is that in many self-defense situations, a firearm just isn’t appropriate. In fact, the FBI reports that about 90–95% of assaults don’t require lethal force. If all we have is a firearm, we can’t use it in those cases. With the Byrna, we have options. We can scare someone off, cause some discomfort, or disrupt an attack—without risking the deadly and legal consequences that come with using a firearm.
This matters because in some states, even if we use a gun to defend ourselves the “right” way, we could still face aggressive prosecutors, legal battles, or civil lawsuits. The Byrna gives us a non-lethal alternative that avoids many of those risks. Plus, it’s not a firearm, so we don’t need a background check to buy one.
That said, it’s still a serious weapon, which is why it doesn’t come with an orange tip. Buyers must be at least 18 years old. We’ve also seen many women choose the Byrna for self-defense. Sometimes, they face threats from an ex or a stalker, and while getting a firearm could take weeks, they can pick up a Byrna the same day and immediately have a way to protect themselves.
9:56: Where can someone buy one of these?
At NW Safe!