The Top 5 Best Pepper Ball & Spray Guns Reviewed for 2023/24

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall Pick: Byrna SD
2. Adjustable Velocity: Pepperball TCP
3. Veteran Owned Co. Sabre SL7
4. Compact Pick: Hero 2020
5. Budget Buy: Umarex T4E

Best Pepper Ball Gun 2023/24 Update: In this Pepper Ball Gun Review, we’ll take a look at some of the top performing non lethal pepperball launchers used for self defense.

Are you looking for a self-defense tool that is non-lethal, but still packs a punch? If so, you may want to consider a pepper ball gun. Pepper ball guns use compressed air to fire small balls filled with capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers).

These balls can cause an attacker significant pain and discomfort, which may be enough to deter them from continuing their assault. Read on to determine the best pepper gun for your needs.

Byrna SD:

The Byrna SD is a non-lethal self-defense device that can be used to defend yourself or your home. It is a handheld device that launches projectiles at a high velocity, and can be used to deter or stop an attacker.

The Byrna HD is legal in most states, and does not require a permit to purchase or carry. It is important to note that the Byrna HD is not a toy, and should only be used in self-defense situations.

Pepper Ball Gun Review: “I purchased a Byrna HD an couldn’t be happier with the quality and design. I test fired a target ball into an oak tree at 10 yards and was impressed at the accuracy and power of the unit.  I carry it in my pickup and feel safer knowing that I have a solid form of protection at my side.” JV

Pros:  Well engineered with a good grip, ambidextrous safety switch. Comes with 2-5 round clips.

Cons: The black and tan models look very similar to a real hand gun so care must be taken around law enforcement.

Byrna SD  Kinetic Projectile Launcher Ultimate Bundle – Non Lethal , Home /Personal Defense (Black) | Proudly Assembled in The USA

• WE MADE THE POPULAR BYRNA HD SERIES BETTER: Introducing the new Byrna SD. Reengineered with a performance straight trigger, sticky ergonomic honeycomb grip, and improved sights for faster target acquisition. It is time to level up.

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The Byrna SD shoots .68 caliber rounds filled with pepper powder and tear gas. The rounds are designed to break on impact, and release the contents immediately. The Byrna SD has a range of up to 100 feet, and can be used to shoot multiple rounds in quick succession.

The Byrna SD is a great option for those looking for a non-lethal self-defense device that is easy to use and legal in most states.

The Byrna SD is a great self-defense tool for anyone who wants an easy to use, non-lethal option for defending themselves. It is also a good choice for people who live in states that allow concealed carry, as it can be carried with you easily.

How does the Byrna Gun Work?

It works by firing small, spherical projectiles that are filled with a chemical irritant, similar to pepper spray.

When fired, the Byrna gun uses compressed air to propel the projectile towards the target. The projectile contains a chemical irritant that is designed to cause temporary incapacitation and disorientation when it comes into contact with the target.

The Byrna gun uses CO2 cartridges to power its firing mechanism, and it can hold up to 5 rounds at a time. The gun is designed to be easily reloadable, and it features a safety mechanism to prevent accidental firing.

In addition to firing chemical irritant projectiles, the Byrna gun can also be loaded with solid projectiles, such as rubber balls, for a non-lethal impact. This can be useful in situations where the user needs to defend themselves against an aggressive animal or to create a diversion.

Byrna SD Specifications and Features:

• Up to 300 feet per second average projectile speed.
• Caliber .68
• Magazine capacity 5 rounds
• Ergonomic honeycomb grip for better control in all conditions.
• Improved sights for faster target acquisition.
• Straight trigger with a 6.5 lb. …
• Ambidextrous safe/fire switch that allows for easy toggling for both left-handed and right-handed individuals.

The Byrna SD is a bit more expensive than some other self-defense tools, but it is worth the money for the quality and ease of use. The Byrna SD costs less than $400. Learn more at Amazon.com.

PepperBall TCP

PepperBall TCP is a non-lethal self-defense weapon designed to help you defend yourself in any situation.

The TCP (Tactical Control Projectile) is a compressed air launcher that fires small, soft, gel-filled balls. The gel inside the ball breaks open on impact, releasing a cloud of irritant powder that affects the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.

PepperBall TCP Personal Defense Launcher, Non-Lethal Semi-Automatic Tactical Combat Pistol, Police Grade Pepper Ball Gun for Self Defense

• POWERFUL PROTECTION FROM A DISTANCE: The TCP gives you time and distance to get away from a threat. Two projectile options - use the original industry leading round PepeprBall projectiles for a 60 for a 60 foot range or long-range VXR projectiles which can achieve distances of up to 150 feet. (Projectiles and CO2 sold separately). Projectile does not have to hit attackers to be effecti

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The PepperBall TCP is an excellent self-defense tool for civilians, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. It is easy to use and requires no special training. The TCP can be used at close or long range, making it a versatile weapon for any situation.

The PepperBall TCP is a safe, non-lethal way to defend yourself and your family. It is an effective self-defense tool that can be used in any situation.

picatinny rail for accessories.

Cons: Size is a bit bulky, price may high for some.

Specifications and Features:

• Semi-automatic
• Caliber .68
• Power 8g CO₂/ 1.3gN₂
• Ultra-light weight construction
• 6 round magazine capacity
• Up to 150 FT launch distance
• Compatible with both standard round projectile and VXR^™ projectiles (sold separately)
• Mil-standard 1913 picatinny rail accommodates most rail mount accessories
• Compact size fits in a holster (sold separately)
• Uses both
  • N₂ cartridges (8 gram ONLY- not compatible with 12 gram cartridges used in the LifeLite Launcher)

The Pepperball TCP is a high quality pepperbal launcher and can be found on Amazon.com .

SABRE SL7

The Sabre Sl7 pepper gun is a law enforcement grade self-defense weapon that can fire up to 7 shots of OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) pepper spray at a range of up to 16 feet.

It is the latest model in the SABRE series of pepper guns, and features a new ergonomic design for better grip and handling. The SL7 also has a built-in laser sight for improved accuracy, and comes with a free pepper spray holster.

The SL7 is perfect for anyone looking for an easy to use, effective self-defense weapon. It’s especially well suited for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and civilians who want to be prepared for a potential attack. The SL7 is also a great choice for pepper spray enthusiasts who want to upgrade to a more powerful and accurate pepper gun.

Pros: Seven round clip and uses 12g CO2 and reasonable price.

Cons: Large size, one color only

SABRE Pepper Spray Launcher Pepper Spray Gun with 7 Red Pepper Projectiles, 14 Inert Practice Projectiles, 2 CO2 Cartridges and Storage Case — Home Security Defense Kit

• IDEAL FOR HOME SECURITY: Home Defense Kit includes Home Defense Pepper Spray Launcher with 7x Red Pepper Projectiles, Magazine, 14x Inert Practice Projectiles, 2x 12-Gram C02 Cartridges, Lockable Hard Storage Case, Manual and Practice Target

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Sabre SL7 Specifications:

• Caliber .68
• Semi-Automatic
• Propellant 12 gram CO2
• Magazine Capacity 7 rounds
• Range 66 meters
• Velocity 330 feet per second

The Sabre SL7 is priced in the low to mid $300 range and is also available on Amazon.com.

Hero 2020 Pepper Ball Gun

The Hero 2020 pepperball weapon has an innovative design utilizing a cartridge style loading system. The unit launches .68 caliber paintball-like projectiles filled with PAVA powder that explode on impact.

The PavaBalls travel up to 175 FPST engulfing the target in a 3-6 foot cloud of 10% PAVA irritant. This PAVA based pepper irritant is utilized by police and military around the globe.

The Hero 2020 is equipped with a 600 lumen stun light and laser aim assist light for easy target acquisition. It is USB rechargeable and uses nitrogen power to launch the projectiles. 

Pros: Compact, easy to use design. Built in light and laser.

Cons: Only a 2 shot cartridge.

Hero 2020 Specifications:

• Size: 5.91″ x 4.07″ x 1.1″
• Weight: 315g
• Power: Nitrogen or C02
• Payloads: PavaBall, PavaGel
• Shots: 2 shots per cartridge
• Laser: Class 2
• Stun Light: 600 Lumen LED
• Battery: Rechargeable RCR 123, 5V-2.1
• Charge Time: 2 hours

Charge Cable:  USB Mini Type A

HERO 2020: Non-Lethal Gun for Home and Self-Defense (Charcoal)

• Self defense product of the year fires chemical filled projectiles at 160-175 FPS from 20 feet away

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The Hero 2020 is a compact, easy to conceal non-lethal tool anyone can use. Learn more at Amazon.com.

Umarex T4E HDP

The Umarex T4E HDP .50 Caliber pepper ball gun is a great way to train with less-than-lethal force. The T4E pepperball gun can shoot pepper rounds, rubber balls, or powder ball projectiles, making it a versatile and effective tool for self-defense.

This launcher holds 6 rounds and is powered by 12g CO2 capsules. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional or just looking for a way to stay safe, the Umarex T4E is the perfect choice.

Pros: Low price, good size and weight

Cons: Smaller .50 caliber

Umarex T4E by P2P HDP .50 Caliber Pepper Round Air Pistol

• Shoots .50 caliber pepper rounds, rubber balls, or powder balls; Provides a practical solution for personal and family protection

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Umarex T4E HDP Specifications:

• Caliber .50
• Magazine capacity 6 rounds
• Ammo Pepper, Powder, and Rubber Rounds
• Power 12g CO2

This pepper ball gun is a great buy for those on a budget. While the smaller .50 caliber holds less pepper , the weapon has good range.

Check it out on Amazon.com

Pepperball Gun Reviews:

Hero 2020 vs Byrna

Pepperball TCP vs Byrna

Pepper Ball Gun FAQ

What is a pepper ball gun?

A pepper ball gun, aka pepper spray gun, is a type of non-lethal weapon that fires projectiles filled with capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. These projectiles cause an intense burning sensation when they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. Pepper ball guns are used by law enforcement agencies for riot control and crowd control, as well as by private security guards and individuals for self-defense.

What does a pepper ball gun do and how does it work?

Are Pepper Ball guns effective?

In general, Pepper Ball guns are considered to be very effective because they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort without generally causing serious injury or death. The Byrna unit for example is used by both Animal Control and Law Enforcement agencies. That tells you something about pepper ball gun effectiveness.

Are Pepper Ball guns good for self-defense?

How far can a PepperBall gun shoot?

Pepper ball guns can shoot pepper balls accurately up to a distance of around 60 to 150 feet, with some models having a longer range of up to 200 feet.

What caliber are pepper balls?

Pepper spray balls, are typically around 0.68 caliber. However, the exact size and weight of pepper balls can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of pepper ball gun being used. The size and weight of the pepper ball can affect the velocity and distance it can travel, as well as the impact it can have upon hitting its target.

Do pepper balls work in paint ball guns?

Many paint ball guns utilize the same caliber as pepper pall launchers, while a few are designed to fire either projectile.

Are pepper ball guns legal?

The legality of pepper ball guns, also known as pepper spray ball launchers, varies by state and even by locality within each state. In general, pepper ball guns are legal to own and possess in most states in the United States, but there may be restrictions on their use and sale.

Where can I buy a pepper ball gun?

Pepperball guns can be purchased from Amazon.com,

These non lethal self defense weapons are not available for delivery to all states and jurisdictions so check before ordering.

What is the Most Powerful Pepper Ball Gun Ammo?

According to my search results, the LIVE-X™ non-lethal projectile by PepperBall® is the most potent and powerful pepper balls available.