Question for all you who reads this … If a person chooses to not use a firearm for certain reasons. Such as a person on the street decides to assault you (without a firearm or other deadly object) do you think a pepper ball launcher (gun) such as Byrna or Grimburg. Would help aid in deterrence to de escalate that situation?
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We’ll probably be able to answer your questions and discuss it later… but first, please hear out our best moderator at this Community
Mr @Karacal … your turn 
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Welcome to the forums Daniel.
You can carry both a firearm and a less lethal option, as many of us do here.
Better to have it and not need it…
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Absolutely but for those who don’t want the responsibility that comes with a firearm . Do you think less lethal is viable option for those ? I agree with you 100% on carrying a firearm as well as less lethal . Nothing like a reliable 9mm with a taser pulse .
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Welcome to the community. In my opinion it depends on your reasons for not wanting to save lives in a lethal defense situation.
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Hi Daniel, welcome!
The options you’ve listed “could” help to de-escalate, depending on the situation. However, it could also increase the level of threat if not used correctly / with training. I personally would not carry a pepper ball gun, but do carry pepper spray as my non-lethal option.
I found a review “read with a grain of salt” on the Byrna option:
When I got it I put 3 bottles (95 count each) “kinetic projectiles” onto paper targets, soup cans, and Gatorade bottles at various ranges from around 5 feet up to maybe 5 yards. I’ve also shot one clip (7 balls) of the pepper powder balls at an old t-shirt nailed to plywood and an old coat. Obviously none of this is scientific.
It’s too bulky to carry concealed on a hot day, but you could stash it in a big winter coat. Don’t bother though, because the pepper balls I fired didn’t explode if they hit padding, like someone wearing a coat. They WILL explode if they hit a t-shirt over plywood. Take that for what it’s worth.
The hard plastic balls sometimes leave slight dents in plywood, so I’d imagine you’d feel them more than paint balls at close to medium range. They do shoot straight at 5 yards - can’t test longer ranges as my backyard isn’t big enough.
I feel like I can only trust this thing to buy me enough time to remove myself from the situation, like someone with road rage approaching my car or motorcycle at a stop. I also think it will do a very good job of deterring an aggressive dog. Hope that helps.
Have a great week!
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Awesome have you looked into the Grimburg less lethal launcher I did get a Grimburg TYR as less lethal option for home . I get 67-70 joules of power from it . Shoots 8 gram copper nylon rounds.
And thank you for responding, I’m proud to be part of these discussions.
God bless
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I think it’s better than having nothing, for trying to improve ones chances of surviving a self defense incident.
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Your test results run parallel to those published by “professional” testers. Well done!
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I cannot take credit for these results, they were of another person(s) experience. I merely found the write up and shared.
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In that situation, it could still end up causing you great bodily injury or death. Deescalation only applies when it’s verbal assault.
I wouldn’t trust Byrna.
Welcome to the community!
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Thank you yea Byrna may be ok maybe with pepper rounds for space but I sorta was thinking same thing you mentioned. What do you think of Grimburg products for a less lethal option to carry where firearms aren’t allowed ? Here’s a link would Love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for your comment
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One of my biggest concerns with the byrna idea is, it looks too much like a real, lethal gun. I’d be afraid someone would assume I was using lethal force, and respond in kind. A pepper spray can doesn’t look like you just drew your gun.
That, and it’s questionable effectiveness, are two giant strikes against it in my eyes. I’d rather carry a can of pepper spray if I want a less than lethal option.
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I did some research and while Grimburg is “less lethal” it is often restricted in the same areas as a lethal firearm as it is sometimes classified as “imitation firearm”.
Key Locations Where Carry is Prohibited:
- Federal Property: Any building owned, leased, or rented by the federal government, including post offices and National Park Service buildings.
- Secure Airport Areas: Beyond security checkpoints.
- Government/Restricted Buildings: State, local, and municipal buildings, including courtrooms and schools.
- Alcohol-Serving Establishments: Often prohibited in bars and restaurants that make over 50% of their income from on-site alcohol sales.
- Private Property with Signage: Locations that have clear, legal signage prohibiting weapons.
- Public Events/Parks: Some municipalities ban them in parks, recreation centers, or permitted public events.
Really depends on the State where you reside but if that’s the case, I personally see no point in carrying something of this type.
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I will always steer away from lethal if it’s not necessary.
However, not every situation allows you the time to decide which tool to use….
If you train with a non lethal as your first line, and are presented with lethal threat,……
You’re dead.
There is no way or interpretation that FIRING A GUN (even a pepper gun) will DEESCALATE the situation!
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That’s very true I appreciate your thoughts and advice thank you
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@44Daniel44 Introduce yourself here 
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Your choice. I think it’s good you are also considering less or non lethal. For many reasons but also as certain locations ban firearms - I regret.
As another mentioned “pepper gel”. Other tools, lights, pens, etc.
On Byrna like products, the regular public cannot tell the difference - cannot tell the difference between it and real firearms. If they see it, they may think it’s real. If used indoors or close up, if the ammo is pepper, it could also negatively effect you.
JIMHO, I tend to look at Byrna’s and firearms as tools, shields, to help stop a deadly threat, but not as de-escalation tools. Using calm to create calm, I tend to think de-escalation is.
Deterrent: I think in some way both Byrnas and firearms can deter. I think I get your point. If I could afford it, I’m interested in a Byrna myself. Good luck to you.
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@44Daniel44 Welcome to the community, as for a less lethal deterrent preferably would be pepper spray in a GFZ.
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Nope, just carry a 4oz OC-10 or whatever the Youtubers are pushing nowadays. There are also myriad contact electrical stun devices that also serve as blunt force weapons. If your name isn’t Kwai Chang Caine, I’d also invest in a boxing gym membership and attend submission type martial arts courses such as taiho-jutsu.
Millions of Youtube videos talking about deterrence and de-escalation, but if you aren’t willing to demonstrate or use lethal force then you best be prepared for what happens when the talking stops.
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