Not every self-defense scenario requires a lethal response. In some cases, nonlethal options are more than sufficient to end the threat and get to safety. Not to mention, depending on your state and local laws, lethal solutions may not be an option. Likewise, on college campuses. In these cases, nonlethal products, like the HD Launcher from Byrna, provide legal defense against an overwhelming threat.

What is a Byrna HD Launcher?

The Byrna HD Launcher is a compact, nonlethal self-defense tool that fires .68 caliber round kinetic or chemical irritant projectiles up to 60 feet. While this device is shaped like a firearm, it’s far from it because it uses compressed CO2 cartridges to operate. 

The Byrna HD Launcher kit comes with a soft cover case, two 5-round magazines, and two C02 cartridges. Correspondingly, the cartridges can be used for 18-20 shots per C02. As for rounds, the kit also comes with three different types of projectiles. This includes the Byrna HD Pepper Projectiles, the Byrna HD Inert Projectiles, and the Byrna HD Kinetic Projectiles. 

To put it simply, the Pepper Projectiles contain oleoresin capsicum and are ideal for self-defense. Conversely, the Inert Projectiles and Kinetic Projectiles contain no active ingredients and can be used for training. However, since the Kinetic Projectiles are made of hard plastic, they can be used for self-defense as well.

It is important to note that this tool is not a toy and should never be treated as such. Just because this device is labeled as nonlethal does not mean it does not pack a mighty punch, which can cause bodily harm. 

This launcher can be purchased by anyone eighteen years or older. However, some local laws may require you to be twenty-one years old. Since it is not a firearm, it doesn’t require a background check or permit to own. Not to mention, it is legal in all 50 states.

Furthermore, it is always a good idea to check your state and local laws pertaining to this non-lethal self-defense tool. 

How the Byrna HD Launcher Works

The first step before using the launcher is installing the CO2 cartridge. Under the barrel, you’ll find the CO2 cap, which can be removed using the cap tool on the magazine’s base.

With the cap removed, press the CO2 cartridge into the slot and push it firmly to the back of the chamber. Then use the cap tool to tighten the CO2 cap back into place.

When installing or removing, always make sure the safety is on and that the magazine is removed. For your convenience, Byrna has the safety located on both sides of the launcher. 

Regarding the magazines, each has a ball retaining bar to help insert and remove the rounds. To load the magazine, insert the rounds into the top of the opening and use slight pressure to push the balls past the bar. To unload, push down on the retainer bar and cup your hand over the opening on the magazine to catch each round. 

Once the magazine is loaded, a breach indicator indicates when a round is loaded into the chamber. If it’s raised, the Byrna has a round in the chamber, and when it’s flat, the chamber is empty. If you need to clear a loaded breech, just remove the magazine and press the indicator downward. 

To launch a projectile, aim at the intended target, flip the safety into fire mode, and squeeze the trigger all the way back. When training with this tool, always wear eye protection. Likewise, I recommend reading the manual before using the launcher. 

Quick Comparison

The model in my review is an older model. It’s important to note that this model does have a successor—the Byrna SD Launcher. The main differences between the two are in the size and grip.

The grip on the SD Launch has a honeycomb texture, whereas the HD Launcher does not. Both tools have the same rubber grip, but the SD Launcher has more texture added to it. As for size, the SD model is smaller and lighter compared to the HD Launcher. However, both models operate the same and contain the same materials in the kit.

First Impressions of the HD Launcher

One of the first things I noticed about this launcher was that each round had a different color scheme. This helps to identify what projectile you are using. For example, the white and green rounds are the Inert Projectiles, the green and red ones are the Pepper Projectiles, and the all-white ones are the Kinetic Projectiles.

For my review, I specifically used the Inert Projectiles, which burst into a white powder on impact. 

Opposed to loading a firearms magazine, this magazine was easy to pop rounds into place. Likewise, the same can be said for inserting the CO2 cartridge. After clicking the safety to fire, I stared down the black-on-black sights and would describe them as simple at best. Ultimately, they helped me aim at a target and nothing more. 

Now, a feature on this launcher that I did not enjoy was the grip. As someone with smaller hands, I found the grip a bit too big and bulky for me. This, in turn, made it difficult to squeeze the trigger. 

The best thing about this launcher was the pop that echoed out from a round being ejected. It was both an addicting and fascinating sound to hear.

I want to reiterate that this launcher is not a toy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun to shoot. Nonetheless, that sickening pop was an indicator that you don’t want to be a standing target in front of this launcher, regardless of whether it is a training or self-defense round. 

Closing Remarks

Overall, the Byrna HD Launcher was straightforward to use and easy to aim at targets. Likewise, it provided me with the security I am looking for from a self-defense device.

After using this nonlethal tool, I can say with absolute certainty that you can definitely rely on the Byrna.

For more information, please visit Byrna.com.