Personal Protection. No Permit Required.
Byrna LE Launcher vs. Byrna SD Launcher
Founded in 2005, Byrna is the leader in less lethal self-defense launchers that can be effectively used at a distance. These hand-held devices are designed for use by civilians, law enforcement officers, and security professionals.
| BYRNA LE | BYRNA SD | |
| | ||
| MUZZLE VELOCITY: | 330 fps (avg.) | 280 fps (avg.) |
| EFFECTIVE RANGE: | 60 Feet | 50 Feet |
| ENERGY: | 16 Joules | 11.8 Joules |
| LENGTH: | 8.1 inches | 6.5 lbs. |
| LOADED WEIGHT: | 1.7 lbs. | 1.2 lbs. |
| TRIGGER PULL: | 4-6 lbs. | 6.5 lbs. |
| PISTOL SIZE: | Mid-Sized | Compact |
| MAX MAGAZINE CAPACITY: | 7 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Co2 CARTRIDGE: | 12g | 8g |
| AVAILABLE COLORS: | Black, Orange | Black, Orange, Tan |
Byrna LE Launcher
Byrna SD Launcher
The most powerful Byrna launcher, the Byrna LE is the ultimate in non-lethal personal protection. It offers the most stopping power of any launcher on the market, firing rounds at an average of 330 feet per second. Each 12g C02 cylinder has a shot capacity of 30 rounds — providing the most firepower before the gun must be recharged. Additionally, the redesigned body can hold the newly released 7 round magazine, ideally suited for the Byrna Kinetic Projectiles.
The Byrna SD Launcher has been the workhorse of this brand for years, offering a proven track record. With a velocity of 280 feet per second and 20 rounds per 8g CO2 cartridge, it gives you a strong defense against attackers. With its compact size, the Byrna SD can be discreetly carried, giving you the advantage of surprise.
MUZZLE VELOCITY:
330 fps (avg.)
EFFECTIVE RANGE:
60 Feet
ENERGY:
16 Joules
LENGTH:
8.1 inches
LOADED WEIGHT:
1.7 lbs.
TRIGGER PULL:
4-6 lbs.
PISTOL SIZE:
Mid-Sized
MAX MAGAZINE CAPACITY:
7 rounds
Co2 CARTRIDGE:
12g
AVAILABLE COLORS:
Black, Orange
MUZZLE VELOCITY:
280 fps (avg.)
EFFECTIVE RANGE:
50 Feet
ENERGY:
11.8 Joules
LENGTH:
7.28 inches
LOADED WEIGHT:
1.2 lbs.
TRIGGER PULL:
6.5 lbs.
PISTOL SIZE:
Compact
MAX MAGAZINE CAPACITY:
5 rounds
Co2 CARTRIDGE:
8g
AVAILABLE COLORS:
Black, Orange, Tan
Byrna LE Launcher
Byrna SD Launcher
The most powerful Byrna launcher, the Byrna LE is the ultimate in less lethal personal protection. It offers the most stopping power of any launcher on the market, firing rounds at an average of 330 feet per second. Each 12g C02 cylinder has a shot capacity of 30 rounds — providing the most firepower before the gun must be recharged. Additionally, the redesigned body can hold the newly released 7 round magazine, ideally suited for the Byrna Kinetic Projectiles.
The Byrna SD Launcher has been the workhorse of this brand for years, offering a proven track record. With a velocity of 280 feet per second and 20 rounds per 8g CO2 cartridge, it gives you a strong defense against attackers. With its compact size, the Byrna SD can be discreetly carried, giving you the advantage of surprise.
MUZZLE VELOCITY:
330 fps (avg.)
EFFECTIVE RANGE:
60 Feet
ENERGY:
16 Joules
LENGTH:
8.1 inches
LOADED WEIGHT:
1.7 lbs.
TRIGGER PULL:
4-6 lbs.
PISTOL SIZE:
Mid-Sized
MAX MAGAZINE CAPACITY:
7 rounds
Co2 CARTRIDGE:
12g
AVAILABLE COLORS:
Black, Orange
MUZZLE VELOCITY:
280 fps (avg.)
EFFECTIVE RANGE:
50 Feet
ENERGY:
11.8 Joules
LENGTH:
7.28 inches
LOADED WEIGHT:
1.2 lbs.
TRIGGER PULL:
6.5 lbs.
PISTOL SIZE:
Compact
MAX MAGAZINE CAPACITY:
5 rounds
Co2 CARTRIDGE:
8g
AVAILABLE COLORS:
Black, Orange, Tan
How to Choose Your Byrna Launcher
Both the Byrna LE Launcher and the Byrna SD Launcher are a superior choice for those who want a form of less lethal self-defense. As you compare these two Byrna guns, there are a few key questions to consider:
Do You Want the Maximum Stopping Power?
Hands down, the Byrna LE Launcher has the most stopping power, firing more rounds at a greater speed. If stopping power is your primary focus for your self-defense Byrna gun, then there’s no comparison.
What’s Your Budget?
There’s a $100 cost difference between the SD and LE launcher. If budget is a concern, you may opt for the SD launcher to save a little upfront. Once you have purchased your launcher, the cost of ammunition and Co2 cartridges are nearly equivalent. The primary difference between the SD cartridge and the LE cartridge is the LE cartridge can fire up to 30 rounds before it needs to be replaced (10 more rounds than the SD).
What Size Byrna Gun Do You Want?
The Byrna SD is equivalent to a compact pistol, making it slightly easier to conceal. If you’re concerned with discretely carrying your Byrna gun, you may decide the slimmer frame is a better option.
FAQ
How Long Will a Byrna Launcher Last After the First Shot?
At the first trigger pull, the Byrna launcher will pierce the Co2 cylinder, giving you the maximum velocity with your first shot. Over the next 24-hours, the Co2 will leak from the cylinder, gradually reducing the launcher’s effectiveness and eventually rendering it inoperable.
In the event that you use your Byrna launcher (either for practice or self-defense), it’s strongly recommended that you replace the Co2 cylinder so your personal-defense weapon is ready.
Can Byrna Launchers Stop an Attacker?
Byrna launchers have shown to be extremely effective at stopping an attacker. In Hawaii crime rates have been increasing. Both police and civilians have begun using Byrna guns to provide less lethal protection. Individuals have also been reported as using these less lethal guns to stop home robberies.
Can You Leave a Byrna Gun Loaded?
Definitely. Byrna’s patented “1st shot pull-pierce” technology only pierces the Co2 cartridge on the first trigger pull. Once the Byrna launcher has been loaded, it can be securely stored for days, weeks, months or even years until it’s needed.
Are Byrna Kinetic Projectiles Effective?
Byrna sells two different kinetic projectiles. Each projectile is highly effective for its intended purpose and should be used with caution. Depending on your state, province, or territory, there may be some restrictions on which projectiles can be used.
The following briefly describes the six different kinetic projectiles provided by Byrna:
-
Byrna Kinetic Projectile — Solid plastic projectiles designed for both practice and self-defense. These reusable rounds deliver excruciating pain and stopping power. Use with extreme caution.
- Byrna Eco-Kinetic Projectile — Biodegradable, water soluble rounds designed for practice. These eco-friendly projectiles offer easy cleanup, with either a hose or Mother Nature’s liquid gold (aka rain water).
Can I Reuse Byrna Training Projectiles?
The Byrna Kinetic Projectiles are reusable. Once fired, these hard plastic balls can be collected and reloaded into a magazine.
Is a Byrna Launcher Legal for Felons?
A felon can legally carry a Byrna in 45 states. The exceptions are Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Are Byrna Guns Legal?
Byrna guns are not technically guns. They are less lethal self-defense launchers and 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 place restrictions on Co2 powered weapons, such as a Byrna gun.
In Washington State, the only restriction on a Byrna LE Launcher is age. 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.
FAQ
Are Byrna Guns Legal?
Byrna guns are not technically guns. They are non-lethal self-defense launchers and 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 place restrictions on Co2 powered weapons, such as a Byrna gun.
In Washington State, the only restriction on a Byrna LE Launcher is age. 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.
Can Byrna Launchers Stop an Attacker?
Byrna launchers have shown to be extremely effective at stopping an attacker. In Hawaii crime rates have been increasing. Both police and civilians have begun using Byrna guns to provide non-lethal protection. Individuals have also been reported as using these non-lethal guns to stop home robberies.
Can You Leave a Byrna Gun Loaded?
Definitely. Byrna’s patented “1st shot pull-pierce” technology only pierces the Co2 cartridge on the first trigger pull. Once the Byrna launcher has been loaded, it can be securely stored for days, weeks, months or even years until it’s needed.
How Long Will a Byrna Launcher Last After the First Shot?
At the first trigger pull, the Byrna launcher will pierce the Co2 cylinder, giving you the maximum velocity with your first shot. Over the next 24-hours, the Co2 will leak from the cylinder, gradually reducing the launcher’s effectiveness and eventually rendering it inoperable.
In the event that you use your Byrna launcher (either for practice or self-defense), it’s strongly recommended that you replace the Co2 cylinder so your personal-defense weapon is ready.
Is a Byrna Launcher Legal for Felons?
A felon can legally carry a Byrna in 45 states. The exceptions are Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Are Byrna Kinetic Projectiles Effective?
Byrna sells two different kinetic projectiles. Each projectile is highly effective for its intended purpose and should be used with caution. Depending on your state, province, or territory, there may be some restrictions on which projectiles can be used.
The following briefly describes the six different kinetic projectiles provided by Byrna:
-
Byrna Kinetic Projectile — Solid plastic projectiles designed for both practice and self-defense. These reusable rounds deliver excruciating pain and stopping power. Use with extreme caution.
- Byrna Eco-Kinetic Projectile — Biodegradable, water soluble rounds designed for practice. These eco-friendly projectiles offer easy cleanup, with either a hose or Mother Nature’s liquid gold (aka rain water).
Can I Reuse Byrna Training Projectiles?
The Byrna Kinetic Projectiles are reusable. Once fired, these hard plastic balls can be collected and reloaded into a magazine.