The Byrna gun lineup has quickly become the gold standard in non-lethal self-defense weapons for private citizens. Byrna’s timing couldn’t have been better — civil unrest is rising, and police departments are often stretched thin or completely ineffective in some areas.
I previously reviewed the Byrna SD Launcher Pistol and was thoroughly impressed by its design, effectiveness and reasonable price. When I learned that Byrna had introduced the TCR Tactical Compact Rifle (TCR) — a longer-range, higher-capacity Byrna gun built for multi-threat scenarios — I knew I had to test one. I contacted the folks at Byrna, and soon a TCR sample was in my hands.
First Impressions of the Byrna TCR
Though technically a compact rifle, the Byrna TCR resembles a submachine gun at first glance, reminiscent of the UZI or MAC-10 with its stock collapsed. It has a bold, tactical profile with orange components that clearly mark it as a non-lethal gun.
Compared to the Byrna SD pistol, the TCR delivers higher velocity, better accuracy and extended magazine capacity. Think of some of the differences between a 9mm pistol with a 4-inch barrel and a 9mm carbine with a 12-inch barrel. The SD comes with two five-round mags, while the TCR boasts a 12-round primary mag and a seven-round backup.
Designed for Multi-Threat Defense
This Byrna gun is designed to handle multiple attackers, thanks to its upgraded 12-gram CO2 propellant system. The longer, sustained gas pressure helps drive the .68-caliber rounds at full power and greater range.
My former police chief, Bret, is considering the Byrna TCR or Mission 4 AR-style launcher for duty use, particularly against threats at distance, both human and animal.
Key Operating Features
The TCR arrives range-ready. Just load the magazines and go.
Starting at the rear of the rifle, it features a multi-position adjustable skeleton stock with an orange finish. The buttstock is released by a push-button switch at the top of the stock’s buttplate. The cheekpiece can be adjusted for added comfort, though the TCR fires with no recoil. Inside the buttstock, there’s a magazine holder for the seven-round spare mag.
The magazine locks into place when inserted properly. There is a tab that you need to push in the middle of the holder to release the magazine. The live magazines are loaded into place using the pistol grip buttstock. The magazine release is a smallish button located on the lower left side of the trigger guard, adjacent to the grip. The 12-round magazine is marked “Tippmann” and is a two-piece design. The bottom portion of the magazine features finger grooves for positive insertion and to ensure the magazine is facing the right way during insertion.
A skeletonized trigger and push-button safety system located at the top rear of the trigger guard make operation intuitive. Push it to the left, and the safety disengages while a red ring appears on the left side, indicating that the TCR is ready to fire — assuming a loaded magazine and CO2 cartridge are in place.
Just ahead of the trigger guard is a section of black molded-in Picatinny rail. Attached at the very front of the rail is a small vertical foregrip. Although the foregrip appears somewhat short, there is an indented finger rest up front for the user to tuck the index finger into. This gives the support hand additional room on the foregrip. Just above the foregrip is an orange section of Picatinny rail that runs parallel just below the barrel. This section is actually the hinged trapdoor cover for the 12-gram CO2 compartment.
How to Load a CO2 Cartridge
1. Ensure the safety is engaged (ON).
If the safety is off, the trapdoor will not open.
2. Locate the right edge of the trapdoor.
Gently lift it with your fingers to reveal the hidden CO2 cylinder compartment.
3. Insert a 12-gram CO2 cartridge.
Hold the muzzle end of the gun upward at about a 45-degree angle. Drop the cartridge into the compartment with the narrow end pointing toward the rear of the gun. The cartridge should slide into place easily.
4. Close the trapdoor.
It should snap into place with little effort.
5. Final step.
Once that’s done and a magazine is inserted, the Byrna gun is good to go.
Pull-Pierce Technology for Instant Readiness
Like the Byrna SD and LE pistols, the TCR uses pull-pierce technology. This means there is nothing to prep, push, pull or turn to prepare the Byrna guns for firing — unlike other launcher guns that require some kind of manual action to pierce the cartridge before firing. This adds an extra step right before the gun can be fired. Remember, you cannot leave pierced CO2 cartridges loaded in a CO2 gun or they will leak and eventually ruin the mechanism.
Byrna guns can be stored for extended periods without concern about gas leakage, making them ideal for emergency home defense. When you need to fire a Byrna launcher, you simply pull the trigger for the first shot. The launcher pierces the CO2 cylinder and sends the first round down the barrel. All subsequent rounds can then be fired until the CO2 is exhausted. If the cylinder still contains CO2, you’ll need to continue pulling the trigger — without the magazine inserted — until it’s empty. Then you can remove it.
Rails and Sighting System
The right side includes another orange Picatinny rail, while the top hosts a set of AR-15-style folding sights. They’re fine for daytime use, though I plan to upgrade to a red-dot optic for low-light precision.
Byrna .68-Caliber Projectile Options
Byrna manufactures several types of .68-caliber rounds for self-defense and training.
Byrna Max Projectiles (Self-Defense)
These projectiles are a blend of OC and CS powders for a synergistic chemical and impact effect. (CS is restricted in some states.)
Byrna Pepper Projectiles (Self-Defense)
These projectiles contain 5 percent OC powder, which is 10 times stronger than standard pepper rounds.
Byrna Kinetic Projectiles (Self-Defense)
These are reusable, hard plastic rounds that deliver high-impact pain and are strong enough to crack car windows from 30 feet.
Byrna Pro Training Projectiles (Training)
These projectiles are filled with inert white powder designed to imitate the impact and cloud formation action for safe, realistic training.
Byrna Eco-Kinetic Projectiles (Training)
These projectiles are biodegradable and water-soluble, making them perfect for outdoor drills.
Field Test Results
This Byrna gun is an absolute joy to shoot. Magazines load smoothly, CO2 cartridges install with ease and every component feels reliable. The trigger pull is light and consistent from the first shot to the last. You don’t have to overcome a heavy pull to pierce the CO2 cartridge, so there is no need to readjust between the first round and subsequent rounds.
My 10-year-old son and I tested it at Bret’s outdoor range using the Pro Training rounds. From 25 to 50 feet, we scored direct hits on a steel silhouette target, with satisfying white powder puffs on impact. My son hit every shot and couldn’t get enough of it. There were zero misfeeds or failures.
Readiness Without Lethal Force
Chief Bret is evaluating the TCR and Mission 4 to supplement his department’s Tasers and batons — clear evidence of this Byrna gun’s effectiveness for law enforcement.
At $599 for the TCR and $699 for the Mission 4, these non-lethal guns cost less than many handguns, making them realistic self-defense tools for a variety of users.
Although I thought that some of the crime and unrest occurring in our urban areas would settle down after the first of the year, there is still a lot happening, and order is far from being restored everywhere. That makes the TCR and Byrna SD pistol vital less-lethal options for those who want to defend themselves responsibly — without using deadly force.
Nearly anyone, regardless of age or experience, can operate these Byrna guns with confidence. If you’re exploring other non-lethal self-defense weapons, check out this guide to self-defense weapons that aren’t a gun. For more information, visit Byrna’s website or look up its videos on YouTube. I think you’ll be impressed.
Sources
Byrna.com
Byrna Tactical Compact Rifle — Specs
Model: Byrna Tactical Compact Rifle
Caliber: .68 Caliber
Barrel Length: 11 inches
Overall Length (Stock Closed/Open): 21 inches/23.5 inches
Muzzle Velocity: 295 feet per second
Kinetic Energy: 12 joules
Shot Capacity: 19 shots (per 12-gram CO2 cartridge)
Capacity: 12-round primary magazine/seven-round spare magazine
Effective Range: 60 feet
MSRP: $599.99
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Byrna guns legal in my state?
It depends. Fortunately, we’ve recently added non-lethal weapons sections to every state page on the USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map, including information on Byrna guns.
Will a Byrna break glass?
According to Byrna, the Kinetic Projectiles — which are solid plastic — can deliver enough force to crack auto glass from 30 feet away. This demonstrates the significant impact capability of Byrna launchers when using these rounds.
What kind of ammo does a Byrna gun use?
Byrna guns fire .68-caliber projectiles. The company offers a range of options including Max, Pepper, Kinetic, Pro Training and Eco-Kinetic rounds. These include both chemical irritants for self-defense and inert or biodegradable rounds for training purposes.
