Byrna SD Launcher – a brief review

According to the SAPS crime statistics, 2022 is the most dangerous time to have lived in South Africa since it became a republic in 1961. Data published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranks us at 10th in the world for the number of murders per 100 000 people (with Columbia at 16th and South Sudan at 29th).

During the past year murder increased (from an already high level) by 22%, and rape shot up by 13.7%. With slow response times and unreliable police service, we must each become our own first-responder for ourselves and our families.

The Byrna SD (Self-Defence) Launcher uses a system of a pneumatic level and compressed CO2 gas to launch its projectiles. The CO2 cartridge is loaded into the launcher but is not pierced until the first round is fired. That prevents the cartridge from leaking over time. Each cartridge is good for 20-25 rounds.

Byrna offers a variety of chemical and kinetic projectiles. The kinetic projectiles are designed for defense and training. They do not break on impact. They can be and have been used to break vehicle windows, but will not penetrate ordnance gelatine (which simulates human tissue). The pepper projectiles contain – of course – OC (oleoresin capsicum), and the Byrna Max projectiles are a mixture of OC and CS (tear gas). All the projectiles are colour-coded, and are visible through windows in the magazine for quick recognition.

The Byrna SD Launcher can be deployed both directly on a subject, or indirectly. When used indirectly, for instance by hitting a nearby wall or the ground in front of the subject, or by firing into a room or passageway, it will still be effective.

The Byrna does not replace the need for a lethal option, but rather serves to subdue the subject, and will allow you to make better decisions regarding your personal self-defense. The Byrna SD is lightweight, with an ambidextrous safety mechanism. It has the familiar look and feel of a modern polymer pistol. Because it does not have a slide to rack, and no recoil, it is easy to shoot and train with.

In South Africa it is not classified as a firearm and can be purchased without a licence. The Byrna SD can be test-fired at any of the Safari Outdoor or Safari Country stores.