Byrna has solidified its reputation as a leader in less-lethal self-defense solutions, offering innovative products for civilians and law enforcement alike. While the concept of chemical self-defense sprays isn’t new, Byrna has elevated the standard with advanced designs like the Byrna SD and LE Less-Lethal Pistols. These devices, which deliver .68 caliber kinetic impact rounds and chemical irritants, set a new benchmark in self-defense technology.

Less-lethal self-defense sprays have been around for decades. Before Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), earlier chemical agents like Cloracetophenone (CN) and Orthochlorobenzomalonitrile (CS) tear gases were used. Though effective in their time, the introduction of OC spray in the late 1980s revolutionized self-defense for both law enforcement and civilians. OC, derived from red pepper resin, is a contact inflammatory agent that causes intense pain, swelling, and tearing upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. Its potency and direct effectiveness quickly made it the preferred choice over CN and CS, though those agents remain in use, often mixed with OC to increase their effectiveness.

Throughout my 27 years of teaching in the police academy, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to test less-lethal self-defense products. Of the various formulations, the OC/CS blend delivered in a stream were the most effective. With these blended combinations, if you don’t achieve a direct eyes-nose-mouth hit, the vapors are still effective.

This evolution of chemical sprays sets the stage for Byrna’s Bad Guy Repellent, a product that continues to push the boundaries of less-lethal self-defense with its focus on effectiveness and innovation.

Byrna Bad Guy Repellant

While humorously named, “bad guy repellant” (BGR) perfectly encapsulates its purpose: to repel attackers allow civilians to escape safely. Unlike law enforcement sprays designed to aid in arrests or disperse crowds, Byrna’s BGR focuses solely on giving users the means to send an attacker packing, providing a powerful and accessible less-lethal defense option.

Specifications and Deployment

The BGR Max comes in a 2-ounce canister, which is ideal in terms of convenience and quantity for delivery. It is fist-sized and delivers up to 10 continuous seconds of spray for a distance of 12 to 15 feet in a stream-type spray. It has a rotatable but not easily removable pocket/purse clip attached.

BGR spray is composed of 2 percent OC and contains 1.4 percent Capsaicinoids and 1 percent CS as well as UV dye. This combination creates a highly effective irritant that inflames skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, incapacitating the attacker while leaving a traceable marker. The dispenser has an intuitive flip-top protective lid, which makes it impossible to fire in the wrong direction. The BGR 2-ounce can be carried in a pocket, purse or pack without any fear of an accidental discharge.

Normally, I advise people to fire an OC canister of this type using their thumb. However, the movable pocket clip on the BGR takes up some extra space in your hand. Because of the clip, I found it easier to fire the canister using my index finger.

To operate the BGR effectively:

  1. Grip and point: Hold the canister firmly in your strong hand and point toward the threat, shaking the canister if possible.
  2. Activate: Insert your index finger under the flip-top cap to raise it, then press the activation button. While some may prefer thumb activation, the pocket clip’s design makes index finger use more intuitive.
  3. Adjust aim: Raise your hand slightly to align the spray with the target, as index-finger activation may naturally point the nozzle downward.
  4. Spray and move: Avoid warning the attacker to prevent them from preparing for impact. Spray directly at the face, neck or chest until the threat retreats. Move offline and continue spraying as needed to ensure your safety.
  5. Leave and report: Once safe, contact the authorities to report the incident. The included UV dye assists law enforcement in identifying the attacker.

I test sprayed the BGR outside at a distance of 15 feet onto a paper silhouette target I stuck on my shed. Whenever you fire a live OC unit is a good idea to shield your face against any blowback by holding out the palm of your weak hand to block one eye.

I was surprised to find that Byrna’s formulation did not stain the paper target orange like other OC sprays have. I fired a second shot just to make sure. A larger amount of BGR was released, but the spray was still clear on the target. While I thought I had kept my distance from the spray area, the CS did waft up from the grass and cause me to sneeze from the indirect contact. Other than blowing my nose, no further decontamination was required. However, I would definitely not want to get hit directly in the face with a shot of BGR spray!

Is Byrna BGR the Right Self-Defense Spray for You?

Byrna’s Bad Guy Repellent 2-ounce spray is a great addition to the other less-lethal self defense products offered. I would like to see the clip modified to be easily removable so the user who feels they don’t need it can pop if off. But the 2-ounce BGR canister is the ideal size in terms of payload range, easy operation and the ability to hit multiple offenders.

Note that there are some restricted states where BGR sprays cannot be shipped such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Washington D.C. because of the CS component. MSRP is $19.99.

Byrna Self-Defense Products: byrna.com