Chandler, a full-time mom and avid jogger residing in Fort Worth, Texas, never owned a gun. However, her concerns about safety grew last year. “My family, my brother, my husband—they all have guns,” she noted. Trying to find a less lethal option, she discovered a product from Byrna, which led her to purchase a less lethal pistol.
The pistol, resembling a Glock, dispenses either a pepper spray projectile or a hard plastic pellet. “I realized one day that I’m a young woman jogging at 4 a.m., and I had no means to protect myself,” she explained. “This option feels safer, allowing me to escape if needed.”
Blake Nance, co-founder of a Los Angeles security firm, recently acquired a Byrna. As a former Marine and police officer, he’s comfortable with firearms but wanted a less lethal alternative for self-defense. “It’s akin to paintball guns, using CO2 cartridges to shoot projectiles that can certainly be painful,” he explained, confident that Byrna would suffice for most situations.
There’s a growing wave of interest in these types of weapons, as evidenced by rising sales. In 2023, the global low-lethal market was valued at just over $1 billion, with projections suggesting it could double by 2030. Byrna, for instance, reported record revenues, partly due to their new compact CL launcher, and they’ve expanded retail outlets nationwide.
Then there’s Axon Enterprises, known for Taser technology. The company is also eyeing the consumer market with models like the Pulse 2 and the Bolt 2. The vice president remarked that they’re pouring more resources into this area, seeing it as a promising growth opportunity, although specific sales figures remain undisclosed.
JPX International markets its projectiles under the JET brand, which releases potent pepper spray projectiles. The company claims that their product is stronger than standard police pepper spray, making it appealing to diverse consumers, including campers who seek protection from wildlife.
These weapons typically have price tags ranging from $380 to $595 and are largely available online. However, cities like New York have imposed restrictions on their use, limiting them largely to residential settings, and Byrna will not ship to NYC.
JPX’s CEO pointed out that using less lethal weapons can be a more responsible approach as traditional firearms come with significant risks. “People often think they’re okay to carry handguns, but the potential fallout from using one can be devastating,” he stated. “There are legal consequences even if the circumstances aren’t criminal.” Axon’s spokesperson echoed these concerns, recognizing that many gun owners are wary of the ramifications of using traditional weapons.
Byrna’s customer base shows that two-thirds of its users already own guns, while the remaining third do not. As the CEO noted, there’s a blend of motivations, from the rising concern about safety to a desire to avoid the severe ramifications of gun violence. “People are worried about crime and gun violence; they want an option that protects without causing harm,” he added.
Nonetheless, the broader issue of gun violence in America isn’t going away anytime soon. Last year saw nearly 41,000 gun-related deaths, reflecting the ongoing challenges. Many gun owners have opted for more firearms, and there’s skepticism about whether less lethal solutions will deter this trend.
Experts highlight that while responsible designs could potentially save lives, the term “non-lethal” is misleading. “You can cause harm with just about anything; it’s not strictly about the weapon,” one analyst remarked.
Both manufacturers and users acknowledge potential drawbacks. If law enforcement is present, a launcher could easily be mistaken for a real gun. Still, companies like Byrna and JPX offer distinctly colored options to signify their purpose. Future regulations could also alter the status of these weapons in various jurisdictions.
Not everyone believes less lethal alternatives provide sufficient safety. Some experts argue that in dangerous situations, they might not deter attackers. One security expert remarked that the average perpetrator might not be intimidated by a pepper-based weapon.
Nance, however, remains optimistic about these products. “In America, there are countless guns around,” he acknowledged. Yet, based on his police experience, he noted that most crimes didn’t involve firearms. “I won’t live in fear during my daily life, but if threatened, I’ll use my Byrna without hesitation.”
