Your defense is still vital whether you are a student or live in a prohibitive gun control state/city. However, just because you can’t carry a firearm doesn’t mean you can’t take serious defensive measures. For this reason, pepper ball launchers, like the Byrna EP Launcher, offer a suitable long-range option.
The Byrna EP Launcher
Featuring a glass-filled nylon receiver in your choice of black/orange or all-black, the EP Launcher includes aluminum and stainless-steel internals, providing long-lasting use. The Launcher compares to most concealed carry pistols with an overall length of 7.28 inches, height of 5.62 inches, and width of 1 inch. Likewise, at 1.3 pounds loaded, it is the same weight as the Springfield Hellcat Pro.
The Launcher is magazine fed and has a capacity of 5 rounds of .68 caliber round ball. Correspondingly, a ball indicator notifies you when a round is in the chamber. This is beneficial because, unlike the SD, the EP Launcher does not have a manual safety mechanism. However, an internal safety mechanism prevents accidental hammer strikes.
The grip features honeycomb textured rubber over-molding for secure retention during a course of fire. A squared trigger guard provides ample room, even with gloved hands. Just forward the trigger guard is a three-slot Picatinny rail for attaching a light, laser, or other accessories.
The 8-gram CO2 cartridge is loaded through the front of the pistol and provides 25 shots on a single cartridge. To prevent pressure loss during long-term storage, the Launcher features patented Pull-Pierce technology. As a result, you can load your cartridge and store it. Then when it comes time to shoot, the first shot pierces the cartridge and fires the shot.
The Launcher accepts Byrna ammunition, including Byrna Pepper, Byrna Max, Byrna Pro-Training, Byrna Kinetic, and Byrna Eco-Kinetic. Correspondingly, the balls launch at 265 fps (300 fps max) and have a distance of 60 feet. Upon impact, the Pepper and Max balls have a 5-foot dispersion cloud.
Editor’s Note:
Since this is a pepper ball launcher, you do not need a concealed carry permit or a background check to purchase or carry. So, this makes an excellent option for anyone living in restrictive areas like New York or college campuses. Likewise, they are perfect for those uncomfortable with lethal options but still want to defend themselves.
For a more robust defensive plan, you can load any combination of these rounds into the magazine. For example, start with a Byrna Max round (9% OC and CS) and then follow up with a couple of Byrna Kinetic rounds. The first shot will deliver the disorienting pepper cloud, and the follow-up shots provide a painful deterrent.
Availability
The Byrna EP Launcher is available now, with an MSRP of $299.99. For more info, please visit Byrna.com.
Byrna EP Launcher Specs
Caliber: .68
Projectile Type: Round ball
Overall Length: 7.28 inches
Height: 5.62 inches
Width: 1.0 inch
Loaded Weight: 1.3 pounds
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Receiver Materials: Glass filled nylon
Internal Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
Propulsion: 8-gram CO2
Average Muzzle Velocity: 265 fps (first 10 shots)
Maximum Muzzle Velocity: 300 fps
Average Kinetic Energy: 9.8 joules
Maximum Kinetic Energy: 12.5 joules
Effective Range: 60 feet
Shot Capacity: 25 (on single CO2)
Operating Temperature Range: 20°-120°F
Safety Mechanism: N/A
MSRP: $299.99
Features
- Patented Pull-Pierce Technology: CO2 is stored in the launcher unpunctured until the first trigger pull. On first trigger pull the CO2 is punctured and a projectile is launched simultaneously.
- Our Most Compact Pistol: The Byrna EP is 0.375 inches narrower than the Byrna SD as a result of removing the external safety. The Byrna EP is the same length and form factor as the Byrna SD.
- No External Safety: If needed, the EP is ready to be used without the need to disengage the safety.
- Carry “On-Body”: The Byrna EP’s compact frame makes it much easier to carry “on-body” keeping you armed with a less-lethal option while on the go.
