SHOT Show is chocked full of things that go bang and things that cut. However, there are also some options for situations that don’t require that level of force. While I’m personally an advocate of stun and tear gas grenades for personal protection, the authorities frown upon it. So, I stayed away from those and the big, less-lethal launchers. Instead, I focused on less-lethal weapons geared for personal defense, as well as some individual police and security items.
Less-Lethal Weapons from SHOT Show 2024
1. Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) Sport Defender 1 and 2
The ASP Defender line started as a law enforcement item but became popular with civilians as well. Recently, the company expanded the line to include the Sport Defender 1 and 2. The Sport Defender OC delivery system comes with a steel pocket clip or can be attached to your keychain.
In addition, the system features a thumb-release safety and is fired horizontally to keep your hand away from the spray. Correspondingly, it uses a replaceable “Heat” insert that uses the same OC spray used by law enforcement. Inert test sprays are also available for practice.
The D1 size Defender is 4.43 inches long and contains approximately six half-second bursts, with a five-foot range. Similarly, the D2 is 5.56 inches long and holds approximately twelve bursts. The systems weigh just 1.5 and 1.8 ounces, respectively.
MSRP: $25.00 (D1), $27.00 (D2), $9.00 (Replacement Heat inserts).
For more information, please visit ASP-USA.com.
2. ASP Be Your Own Defender (BYOD) Program
As ASP drifted into the civilian personal defense field with its Defender OC sprays, it started to get requests for civilian instruction. It wasn’t a model they had done before, and all of their training assets are geared towards LE training. However, it was an idea that had merit. It was from that idea that the Be Your Own Defender (BYOD) program was born.
The BYOD civilian training program is typically a two- to three-hour course. It is a combination of classroom instruction and what the company describes as moderately physical skills and drills. BYOD is geared towards anyone from teenagers to adults of any age, with the goal of training people to stay safe. So, while the course has some physical aspects to it, it’s made to be accessible to as many people as possible.
The 8-hour “Defender Instructor” courses are taught by ASP-certified trainers, and costs for those are typically under $300. Certified instructors then offer the 2-hour “Be Your Own Defender” classes to the public, with those classes typically running around $100 per student. The class prices for both courses are set by the instructors and cover the instructor’s time and any associated class costs. ASP doesn’t charge or collect any fees themselves for any of the training. Both the instructor and student courses include the nine-piece ASP training kit as part of the class.
The kit includes a Defender OC (pepper spray) device that students will use during class with inert training inserts. After completing the course, participants get to keep the Defender for personal protection, along with a provided Heat OC insert. The kit itself is worth over $90. So, it’s almost like you buy the kit and get the training for only a couple of bucks more.
MSRP: Prices vary based on instructor.
For more information, please visit BYODefender.com.
3. Byrna SD Launcher – Universal Kit
The Byrna SD (Self Defense) is a CO2-powered pistol that shoots .68 caliber round kinetic and/or chemical irritant projectiles. It has a 5-round magazine and uses 8-gram CO2 cylinders that are good for 20 shots with a 50-foot range. Additionally, it has fixed sights on top and a Picatinny rail on the bottom for lights or lasers.
The SD fires its less lethal projectiles at a velocity of 280 Feet Per Second and hits with 11.8 Joules of energy. Loading the CO2 cartridge does not pierce the seal, so there’s no chance of CO2 leaking out before it’s needed. Correspondingly, the first pull of the trigger pierces the cylinder and fires the first round at a slightly lower velocity. Subsequent rounds will fire at full velocity.
The Universal Kit comes with an SD launcher, a storage case, two 5-round magazines, and two 8-gram CO2 cylinders. In addition, the kit includes a 5-round tube of training projectiles, a 5-round tube of kinetic projectiles, and a 5-round tube of Byrna “Eco-Kinetic Projectiles.”
MSRP: $379.99 (kit), $24.99 (5-round tube of pepper projectiles).
For more information, please visit Byrna.com.
4. Byrna TCR Carbine
For a home defense pepper ball gun that packs a little more punch than a pistol, Byrna offers the Tactical Compact Rifle (TCR) Carbine. It has the looks of a submachine gun and comes in a black color. However, it does have orange highlights, indicating its less lethal nature.
It has a shoulder stock that holds a spare magazine, folding front and rear sights, and a vertical front grip. Likewise, it has 4 Picatinny rails for lights, optics, or other accessories.
The TCR uses an 11-inch barrel, increasing the velocity, giving it 295 FPS for 12 Joules of energy. Likewise, it’s powered by a 12-gram CO2 cylinder and has a 75-foot range.
The TCR requires you to pull the trigger once to pierce the CO2 cylinder before firing. So, your first action would be to take two fast shots. One to pierce the CO2 and the second to send a round downrange. It comes with both a 7-round and a 12-round extended magazine.
MSRP: $599.99.
For more information, please visit Byrna.com.
5. The Grimburg Gavle
The Grimburg Gavle v1.5 Less Lethal Launcher is a little different than other launchers. Specifically because it’s really designed as a firearm replacement for places where firearms might be prohibited. It’s a CO2-based, .68 caliber system like many of the others. However, the big difference is that it hits harder—a lot harder—at 36 Joules of energy.
The Gavle is even built like a real gun, machined out of aluminum and using Glock sights. Likewise, it has an optics cut and an under-barrel rail for mounting lights or lasers.
The CO2 cartridge is loaded through the grip, and the nut is tightened down until snug without piercing the cartridge. When you’re ready to use the gun, give it that last quarter turn to pierce the cartridge and prime it. The Gavle has a 5-round internal magazine that is not rapidly reloadable. However, as the Grimburg folks pointed out, less lethal situations rarely require reloading.
Grimburg has a KinetiCS projectile that contains a 10% CS + 2% OC combination. According to the company, it is the most potent irritant ball on the market, combined with the kinetic force of the 6-gram ball itself. Then there are the heavy JUL rounds that are 7.8 grams of magnetic Iron/Nylon composite. These are what get you that 36 Joule impact at 315 FPS.
MSRP: $499.99 (base Gavle), $34.99 (KinetiCS 7-round tube), $50.00 (JUL 50 rounds).
For more information, please visit Grimburg.me.
6. Mace SmartMace Pepper Spray
Mace has long been a leader in personal defense sprays for the civilian market. But the company had a new twist on the idea at SHOT thanks to Logan Nash and Matt Rogien. Nash and Rogien came up with the idea for SmartMace while at Michigan State University.
They wanted a way to not only provide friends and family a means to stay safe but also to alert someone when they were in trouble so that they could get help as soon as possible. The two partnered with Mace to make it happen.
The idea behind SmartMace is that it incorporates a GPS device into the Mace canister that tracks the user’s location. If the Mace canister is activated, it sends out an alert. The alert works with a phone app to notify a preset list of contacts, such as family or close friends.
These contacts get a text message that the spray has been activated, along with live tracking of the user’s location. The contacts do not need the app to receive the messages. Likewise, a subscription service will also be available that will handle contacting the police in the case of an emergency. It will operate much like a home security system or a crash system like OnStar.
MSRP: $75.00 – $100.00 (expected)
For more information, please visit Mace.com.
7. Mace Pepper Gun 2.0
As the name implies, this is a gun-shaped OC projector that uses a replaceable canister. The pistol shape makes for intuitive pointing, while a dual-mode integral LED light with a strobe enhances aiming. Not to mention distracting an aggressor. In addition, a Picatinny rail is also provided for mounting sights if desired.
When the trigger is pulled, the Pepper Gun fires a stream of OC spray up to 20 feet away. The OC mixes with a UV die to help with suspect identification later. One canister gives you approximately seven shots of OC spray. A manual safety also helps to ensure the Pepper Gun won’t fire until you need it. The gun ships with one OC canister and one water-based training canister for practice.
MSRP: $59.99 (base), $69.99 (with two bonus OC canisters).
For more information, please visit Mace.com.
8. Paradigm Tactical Systems PTX Carbine
For home users and LEOs, Paradigm Tactical Systems developed a more compact bullpup version of the Overwatch—the PTX carbine. It’s only 20 inches in overall length with a 10-inch barrel and feeds from an 18-round magazine. Correspondingly, it’s powered by an integral high-pressure pneumatic air tank and can shoot Paradigm’s bullet-shaped .68 caliber, less lethal projectiles at velocities of 350 FPS.
While I didn’t have a firm price at the time I wrote this, the Paradigm guns aren’t inexpensive. However, they represent a level of power, accuracy, and range that most other systems can’t match. Not to mention its 18-round detachable magazine and semi-automatic mechanism.
MSRP: TBD.
For more information, please visit ParadigmTacticalSystems.com.
9. Peacekeeper Products International Peacekeeper Less-Lethal Kit with 21″ Black RCB
Peacekeeper batons differ from other brands in their larger 1 ¼ inch diameter tube. As a result, they are more akin to the size of traditional one-piece straight batons. In addition, they also have the weight better distributed through the striking surface to provide more kinetic energy upon impact.
Peacekeeper uses a patented Friction Lock design that makes its baton equivalent to a straight stick when expanded, according to the company. Peacekeeper batons range in size from 21 to 29 inches.
The Peacekeeper Less Lethal Kit mates a 21-inch baton with their Diversionary Strobe End Cap (DSEC). This gives a security or police officer a 780-lumen strobe that is designed to distract or disorient an opponent. Likewise, the officer can use the light alone or equip the baton if they need to escalate force.
It’s worth noting that Peacekeeper will only sell to certified police officers and security professionals with proof of baton training.
MSRP: $261.00.
For more information, please visit PeacekeeperProducts.com.
10. PepperBall TCP™ Launcher
No roundup of pepperball guns would be complete without an entry from PepperBall itself. The semi-automatic TCP is a compact model designed for carry and home defense. It’s .68 caliber and powered by a single 8-gram CO2 cartridge that gives you 12 to 15 shots. Correspondingly, it has a 6-round magazine and an impressive 150-foot range with PepperBall’s long-range VXR projectiles.
The TCP is lightweight, and PepperBall states that it has no recoil and is easy to load and operate. A manual safety is provided so that it can be carried safely until you’re ready to fire. Direct hits aren’t necessary since the PepperBall PAVA projectile creates a 12 to 15-foot diameter cloud around the impact area.
The package comes with one yellow TCP Launcher, two black Universal Magazines, and a manual. Ammunition is only listed in fairly large quantities, which is great if you’re a police department issuing a lot of guns. However, I think smaller quantities should be available for folks who only need a reload or two. Inert rounds are also available for practice.
MSRP: $399.99.
For more information, please visit Pepperball.com.
11. SABRE 2-in-1 Personal Alarm
SABRE’s 2-in-1 Personal Alarm with LED Light and SOS Button is a tool to help you avoid trouble before it starts. It’s a personal alarm with an extremely loud 130dB alarm with a 1,800-foot range designed to deter attackers. Likewise, it alerts others that you need help.
A double-click on the SOS button activates the alarm as well as a 20-lumen LED strobe light. However, a single press of the button will turn the LED light on in conventional mode. This allows you to use it to navigate in the dark, find your keys, open a door, etc.
It’s compact and has a large carabiner-style slip to attach to a belt, purse, or bag. It uses an integral battery that is charged using a common USB-C cable and has a low battery indicator light. The 2-in-1 Alarm comes in Lavender or Black colors. I ended up giving one to my daughter to use at college. However, I backed it up with a canister of SABRE OC spray, just in case the alarm doesn’t chase someone off.
RETAIL: $29.99.
For more information, please visit SABRERed.com.
12. SABRE .68 Caliber Pepper Projectile Launcher (PPL)
Pepperball guns seemed to be a trend at SHOT this year. Fortunately, SABRE had a nice one that I got to try during Industry Day at the Range. The Pepper Projectile Launcher (PPL) is a pistol-format launcher with a 60-foot range. Correspondingly, it fires .68 caliber, less lethal projectiles at a velocity of up to 350 FPS. They’re designed to deliver “intense pain, a burning sensation to the facial area, involuntary eye closure, and coughing upon impact.”
Even a miss will still disperse a six-foot cloud of OC powder that will affect your target. The PPL has a seven-projectile capacity and can fire as fast as you can pull the trigger. Likewise, it’s designed for accuracy and has a rubber grip, fiber optic sights, and a fixed, rifled barrel. Additionally, a grip safety engages when you have a firing grip on the launcher.
The detachable magazine also contains the CO2 cartridge. Unlike other launchers that require you to pierce the cartridge before use, the SABRE uses a unique valve set that allows you to leave the gun charged and ready to go. Tests have shown the magazines to hold the CO2 charge for over eight months and counting so far.
The SABRE kit includes the Pepper Projectile Launcher, seven red pepper powder projectiles, seven inert practice projectiles, one practice target, 2 CO2 cartridges, and a padded soft carry case. Spare magazines, additional training, and pepper projectiles are also available through SABRE.
MSRP: $149.99 (available in SABRE’s Amazon store for $130.00).
For more information, please visit SABRERed.com.
13. Salt Supply s2 Pepper Spray Gun
In addition to the SmartMace spray, Mace had yet another surprise in the form of a bright yellow pepper ball launcher—the s2 Spray Gun. The s2 is a joint project between Mace and Salt Supply. The s2 has a 5-round magazine and is powered by common 12-gram CO2 cartridges.
The cartridges are loaded into the grip but are not pierced until the user is ready to fire. A quick press or smack of the large button on the butt of the gun quickly pierces the CO2 and charges the s2 launcher.
The included Salt + Mace Ultra rounds are filled with a non-lethal, powdered pepper spray and tear gas combination. Salt lists the projectiles as having a velocity of 350 FPS and a 150-foot range. They are designed to explode on contact into a 5-foot cloud that, according to Salt, “immediately incapacitates a would-be attacker.”
The s2 comes in black, gray, white, or yellow colors—although I’d stick with yellow for safety reasons. The gun itself comes with a 5-round s2 magazine and a manual. Salt + Mace Ultra Pepper/Tear Gas Rounds, Salt Premium Practice Rounds, and Salt Premium Kinetic Rounds are all available separately.
A full kit is also available and includes the s2 Pepper Spray Gun, a lockable case, one 5-round s2 magazine, 6 Salt Premium Max Pepper Spray Rounds, 6 Salt Premium Practice Rounds, 6 Salt Premium Kinetic Rounds, one 12-gram CO2 Cartridge, and a manual.
MSRP: $229.95 (gun only), $299.95 (full kit).
For more information, please visit SaltSupply.com.
14. TASER Bolt 2
While TASER originated as a law enforcement product, it has had civilian models for quite some time now. The latest combines the effectiveness of the classic TASER and incorporates it into a discrete flashlight-style form factor. The TASER Bolt 2 looks more like a flashlight than a gun. In fact, it does contain a 210-lumen light, as well as a red laser for aiming.
It still fires the traditional two probe darts with a range of up to 15 feet. The Bolt 2 delivers up to 30 seconds of full lockup on an attacker, providing time to get away.
The Bolt 2 can be paired with the Axon Protect app, which will alert emergency dispatch when the Bolt is fired. When you fire the Bolt, you’ll get an automatic safety check. If you respond that you need help or don’t respond in a given time, a 911 call will be placed. As a result, help will be dispatched to your location.
The Bolt 2 comes in white or black colors and comes with a wrist strap, two live cartridges, 2 CR123 batteries, and a practice target. Additionally, TASER has a Safe Escape Replacement Guarantee. If you use your Bolt in self-defense, you can just drop it and let it continue to deliver its 30-second charge to your attacker while you get away. TASER will replace the unit free of charge.
MSRP: $449.00 (comes with a one-year warranty).
For more information, please visit TASER.com.
15. TASER StrikeLight 2
If you want a more basic level of protection, TASER also has the StrikeLight 2. The StrikeLight 2 combines a high-end aluminum frame stun gun with a portable flashlight that features three lighting modes. Essentially, it delivers the drive stun capability of a police TASER when used in direct contact mode. However, it can also provide a warning to would-be attackers by delivering an audible and visual arc discharge.
The flashlight has red, high (700 lux), and low (150 lux) settings and comes with a wrist strap and a USB-C charging cable. A manual and training video are available on TASER’s website for the StrikeLight 2 as well as the Bolt 2. The StrikeLight has the same Safe Escape Replacement warranty as the Bolt 2.
MSRP: $169.99.
For more information, please visit TASER.com.
16. Umarex Prepared 2 Protect P2P Core Defense Pepper Rounds
While launchers were big at SHOT, Umarex had an innovation in less lethal .68 caliber projectiles on display as well. The P2P Core Defense .50 and .68 caliber rounds feature a patented hard shell that houses a “perfectly centered steel ball encased in a layer of 7% PAVA powder.”
Umarex says that this makes it a more stabilized round. As a result, it’s more accurate, hits harder, and is more guaranteed to break on impact than other pepper ball rounds. The P2P Core Defense .68 caliber ammo can be used in any less lethal .68 caliber less lethal device, too. Not just Umarex guns.
I asked if there was any chance of the steel ball penetrating the skin, and the Umarex rep said that there was not. The energy of the ball is expended upon impact by breaking the shell of the round.
MSRP: $24.99 (10 rounds), $13.99 (10 inert rounds).
For more information, please visit Prepared2Protect.com.
17. Umarex P2P PGS II Pepper Gel Blaster
A sci-fi-looking blaster at the Umarex booth caught my eye. It was the P2P PGS II Pepper Gel Blaster. The PGS II looks like a chubby over-and-under derringer straight out of Men in Black. In addition, it comes in an orange and black trim, indicating its less lethal nature. Umarex classifies it as an “anti-aggression pistol,” which I like the sound of.
The upper “barrel” holds a replaceable pepper gel cartridge capable of delivering 13 bursts of 10% capsaicin with a 2 million Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating. One burst per pull of the trigger. Correspondingly, it has a range of over 6 meters, which is about 20 feet for us Americans.
The lower “barrel” is actually a built-in, 200-lumen light for target identification as well as disorienting an attacker. A water-based training cartridge should be available soon as well. Prices were not available at this time, but the PGS II should be shipping in the near future.
MSRP: $59.99.
For more information, please visit Prepared2Protect.com.
18. Umarex P2P HDX 68
Much of Umarex’s P2P line consists of .50 caliber, less-lethal pistols. However, the big .68-caliber P2P HDX 68 pump-action rifle stood out in the display. Likewise, it would certainly get someone’s attention if they were in your home uninvited.
The Home Defense Extreme (HDX) has a metal receiver and massive muzzle brake and weighs in at over 6 pounds. It has M-LOK slots on the sides and a Picatinny rail on the bottom to add lights or other accessories. Additionally, it operates like a traditional pump shotgun and even gives the audible “racking” noise that you’d get from a 12-gauge pump gun.
A set of removable windage adjustable sights are provided, or you can mount a red dot or similar optic to the full-length top rail. Like the PGS II, the HDX is black and orange in color.
The HDX is powered by an 88g CO₂ capsule and provides a 16-shot capacity in an internal tube magazine. There’s also an optional adapter that uses two 12g CO2 capsules. Likewise, it uses a Quick Piercing System so that you don’t need to activate the CO2 until needed.
The HDX sends out projectiles at an impressive 475 FPS and delivers 24 Joules of energy. The HDX comes with 20 rubber practice rounds and 10 Core Defense pepper rounds.
MSRP: $300.84.
For more information, please visit Prepared2Protect.com.
