The Byrna HD (home defence) launcher is a powerful non-lethal CO 2 hand-held self defence weapon that fires .68 caliber round projectiles. This article explains the various design features of the Byrna launcher and how to use them.
The three main reasons that South Africans are favouring the Byrna launcher for self-defence are:
1) Byrna can be used to defend yourself at a distance (+/- 6m). You do not need to be within arm’s reach of the attacker like a taser or knife.
2) Unlike other “pepper ball guns’, The Byrna is compact. A similar size to a 9mm handgun, the Byrna launcher is easily concealed when carrying it on you.
3) No permits, special licence or background checks are required to own the Byrna HD launcher.
Byrna Safety Mode
The SAFE/FIRE mode lever can be located on both sides of the Byrna. This allows you to easily activate it with either your left or right hand. Pulling the trigger in SAFE mode will pierce the CO2 cartridge, but not fire the projectile. When the device is in FIRE mode, pulling the trigger will pierce the cartridge and fire the projectile simultaneously.
Byrna Breach Indicator
The breach indicator, located on top of the barrel, quickly allows you to confirm whether there is a projectile currently loaded in the breach of the Byrna device. To clear a loaded breach, place the device in SAFE mode. Remove the magazine from the device and place your hand under the magazine well. Press the breach indicator button down and the projectile will drop into your hand.
Changing a Cartridge
To install the CO2 cartridge, put the Byrna device in SAFE mode, remove the magazine and make sure that no projectiles are in the breach. Remove the CO2 cap (below the barrel opening) with the Allen Key located at the base of the magazine. Insert the new cartridge into the CO2 chamber. Replace the cap using the tool, but remember not to over-tighten. When loosening the CO2 cap after use, the cap will seem tighter. Expect to hear some gas escaping.
Do not leave or store a punctured CO2 cartridge in the device. Replace it immediately with a new sealed cartridge.
Changing a Byrna Magazine
To remove the Byrna magazine, place your hand under the magazine to receive it. Then press the magazine release button on the side of the handgrip. You can load the magazine with up to five Byrna .68 calibre projectiles.
Before inserting the loaded magazine, make sure that the breach chamber indicator on top of the barrel is down. Firmly insert the magazine into the magazine well until you hear a click.
