The Byrna CL: Compact Power in Less-Lethal Self-Defense

Byrna products have found wide acceptance from law enforcement and civilian users alike for their reliability and effectiveness. The new Byrna CL (compact launcher) is the latest addition to Byrna’s outstanding line of less-lethal self-defense tools designed for both civilian and law enforcement use.

Joining the original full-size SD (self-defense) and LE (law enforcement) CO2-powered launchers, as well as the Byrna TCR and Mission 4 carbines, the Byrna CL offers a compact self-defense option that doesn’t sacrifice power.

Why Choose Byrna for Self-Defense?

Byrna launchers are a versatile self-defense option for those looking to protect themselves without a firearm. Whether as a supplement to a firearm or as a standalone option, Byrna’s launchers provide peace of mind with potent stopping power and responsible carry options.

The new Byrna CL fills a key role for those who prefer a compact, concealable self-defense tool. It’s perfect for individuals who want full Byrna power in a smaller, more discreet package.

Byrna CL Details

 

The Byrna CL is more easily concealable pistol than the original SD launcher due to its narrower grip and overall trimmer dimensions. Its smaller size makes it ideal for concealed carry.

For example, the daughter of a family friend was interested in a less-lethal self-defense option. After testing my SD launcher, they opted for the Byrna CL due to its concealable profile. The CL delivered everything they needed, from ease of use to uncompromised power.

Not long after their purchase, I obtained a sample of the Byrna CL Universal Kit to check out for myself. I immediately realized Byrna achieved more than just a smaller SD launcher. To fit the effectiveness of the SD into the slighter CL package required significant re-engineering.

Maintaining that power despite a compact frame is the level of innovation that makes Byrna launchers a leading choice among less-lethal self-defense options.

Compact Power: How Byrna Did It

To maintain magazine capacity and effectiveness, Byrna introduced a new .61 caliber projectile for the CL. This change allowed for higher velocity from a shorter barrel, maintaining impactful performance in a more concealable format.

The result? A compact Byrna launcher that doesn’t compromise on stopping power.

Specifications	Byrna CL	Byrna SD
Caliber	.61 caliber smoothbore	.68 caliber smoothbore
Magazine capacity	5 rounds two magazines included	5 rounds two magazines included
Shot capacity per 8-gram CO2 cylinder fired at room temperature	15 shots	22 shots
Muzzle velocity	400 feet per second	280 feet per second
Effective range	60 feet	60 feet
Projectile weight	.07 ounces	.1 ounces
Kinetic energy	41.9 Joules per in2	30 Joules per in2
Pistol size	5 inches high 6.5 inches long 1 inch wide	5 ½ inches high 7 inches long 1 ¼ inch wide
Weight unloaded	12.8 ounces	17.98 ounces
Barrel length	4 ½ inches	5 1/8 inches
Sights	Fiber optic sights front and rear/Red-dot-ready mounting system/ Rail segment up front for compact lasers or lights	Plain black sights front and rear/ Rail segment up front for compact lasers or lights
Trigger pull weight	~ 6.8 pounds	~ 6.8 pounds
Safety system	Loaded chamber indicator	Loaded chamber indicator/ambidextrous safety lever

Byrna CL Design Highlights

Unlike the SD, the Byrna CL features a simplified design without a manual safety lever. Personally, I prefer the manual safety system of the Byrna SD launcher since the semi-autos I carry today all have manual safeties. Safe handling practices apply: keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Aside from the trigger, the only operating control is the magazine release located on the left side of the grip. Two magazines are included with the kit along with two 8-gram CO2 cylinders and an assortment of training projectiles in a lockable plastic case.

Byrna does not include pepper or CS/pepper projectiles so that kits can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

How to Operate the Byrna Compact Launcher

The Byrna CL is engineered for intuitive operation. Loading the Byrna CL is straightforward and the same as loading the .68 caliber projectiles in the SD. Push a projectile straight down on the top of the magazine until it locks under the plastic retention bar.

You can load up any combination of the .61 caliber projectiles. Magazines hold five rounds. There is no slide and no chamber to charge.

I recommend loading and unloading OC projectiles where they won’t fall directly onto a hard surface. They can release OC or CS powder into the air and affect your nasal passages and eyes.

At the bottom of both magazines is a built-in wrench designed to remove or attach the CO2 compartment cover. This design ensures you always have the tools you need … unless you lose a magazine.

Load the 8-gram CO2 cartridge valve-end first. For optimal performance, only use Byrna cartridges and projectiles. The cartridges I tried from Amazon didn’t fit properly.

CL Field Performance

I set up a cardboard IPSC target in the backyard and loaded up the CL after moving back to about 20 feet. It was immediately apparent that the velocity of the .61 caliber projectiles was higher than the .68 caliber projectiles from the SD launcher. The rounds penetrated the cardboard and continued on into the woods.

I was able to get 15 shots out of the CO2 cylinder, though the last couple did slow down. Hopefully a defender won’t need more than five rounds in a dangerous situation, but if they do, having a second magazine handy would help you get into action quickly.

There were no malfunctions.

Smart Choice for Self-Defense Without a Firearm

The Byrna CL is a safe and reliable less-lethal self-defense solution. The increased kinetic energy even in a smaller, discreet launcher is proof of Byrna’s dedication to reliability in high-stress scenarios.

My younger brother was convinced to get one after launching the rounds 60 feet into the woods. And I’ve ordered a Byrna Level 1 Micro Holster to carry the CL concealed. It provides more shots than a Taser and it is easier to get rounds on target.

Whether supplementing a handgun or serving as a primary self-defense tool, it delivers peace of mind without resorting to deadly force. With products like the CL, Byrna continues to innovate responsible, non-lethal self-defense tools for modern threats.

Sources:

Byrna: Byrna.com