The Byrna SD Launcher Pistol is a cutting-edge less-lethal self-defense launcher made in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. It’s designed to offer an effective self-defense solution while keeping the defender at a safe distance.
This launcher fires an assortment of paintball-sized .68 caliber projectiles with an effective range of 50 feet. Less-lethal weapons like the Byrna SD can divert an attacker’s attention using either kinetic (impact) rounds or OC/CS tear gas projectiles.
When I contacted Byrna, they quickly sent me an SD Launcher Universal Kit to test out.
The Universal Kit
Price: $379.99
What’s Included:
- Byrna SD Launcher – main device for less-lethal defense
- Byrna EVA/storage soft case – for secure carry and storage
- Two five-round magazines – allows for quick reloading
- Two 8-gram CO2 cartridges – powers the launcher
- Training projectiles – five inert rounds (white powder)
- Kinetic projectiles – five solid impact rounds
- Eco-kinetic projectiles – five rounds that dissolve in water
Byrna also sent me extra CO2 cylinders, kinetic rounds, and Byrna Max OC/CS projectiles.
The Max OC/CS projectiles are especially useful outdoors. CS spreads wider and lingers longer than OC alone. Note: shipping restrictions apply in some areas (listed on Byrna’s site).
For indoor or apartment defense, I’d lean toward Byrna Pepper Projectiles. Having two mags allows you to keep different types of ammo ready for any scenario.
About the Byrna SD Launcher
This launcher is compact and well-designed, about the size of an HK USP Compact. Available colors: orange, black, or tan.
Key Design Notes:
- No slide, no chambering needed — load and fire
- Polymer frame with only three moving parts (trigger, mag release, safety)
- Loaded chamber flag pops up between the sights when ready
- Integrated Picatinny rail for lights/lasers
- Ambidextrous manual safety
Sight Options: Black molded sights are standard, but you can upgrade to a Hi-VIZ Pro-Slide Tritium kit ($120) for improved visibility.
Holster Compatibility: Byrna sells specific holsters, but mounted accessories may require a generic tactical option.
CO2 System:
- 8-gram cylinder sits under the barrel (not in the grip)
- Secured with threaded plug (Allen key tool stored in mag)
- First trigger pull punctures the cylinder — ideal for long-term readiness
- Do not leave partially spent cylinders in the launcher to avoid seal damage
Storage Tip: Cold weather may reduce velocity; avoid storing the Byrna in freezing temps for best results.
Testing the Less-Lethal Launcher
Testing took place at an outdoor range on a windy day, so I started with Eco-Kinetic projectiles:
- Impact at 280 FPS = 11.8 Joules / 8.7 ft-lbs
- Audible hits on steel silhouette at 20 feet
- Chalky residue stuck to target, easily wiped off
- 15 rounds fired before pressure dropped
Next, I tested Kinetic rounds at 20 feet. These do not break on impact and can ricochet.
- Louder impact
- Punctured a water-filled milk jug
Then came Training Projectiles — filled with inert white powder to simulate Max rounds:
- Created powder marks and light dispersion cloud
- Noticeably stronger impact than Eco rounds
Finally, I fired a Byrna Max projectile — solid impact, visible puff of powder:
- Minor nasal irritation for me
- Real-world videos show it’s much more potent on full exposure
Who Should Buy a Byrna SD Launcher?
The Byrna SD is the most refined launcher in its category — ideal for those who want:
- A firearm alternative for legal or personal reasons
- A backup to traditional armed defense
- Peace of mind in areas where firearms aren’t permitted*
*Check your local laws before purchasing or carrying.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more range and tactical versatility, check out our full review of the Byrna Tactical Compact Rifle (TCR).
