You can stay safer when you carry a self-defense tool - one that feels natural and works when you need it. Byrna built the CL to channel less-lethal CO2 power in a compact package that you can master in minutes and slide into a pocket or purse without fuss. It can ride next to your keys while giving you enough reach to protect yourself. Say it's a late-night walk in a dim hallway - shadows bouncing off concrete walls and a faint click echoing behind you. That sudden feeling of dread is real. Why pick the CL over pepper spray, and how do local laws come into play?

Check your local laws to see how easy it is to carry this tool where you live. That way, you stay within the rules while carrying real security. Get started and see how the CL works in the self-defense market.

Safety shouldn't be tough - an easy twist lets you swap out the CO2 cartridges fast and keep replacements on hand. Its slim design slips into small pockets, so you always know where it lives.

Grab one and see why this pocket-sized defender can become a favorite for anyone who wants reliable protection.

Compact Design And Dimensions

You can get surprising self-defense power in a launcher that fits naturally in your hand and in your carry spaces. You won't need much room because it measures just 6.81 inches long, 5.81 inches tall, and 1.18 inches wide. The size makes the difference. That's about the length of a standard smartphone. It's a bit thicker, so you can still hold a good grip when it matters. Just slip it into a pouch inside your bag for some security. You might even forget it's with you until you reach for it.

You'll barely notice its weight at just 0.76 pounds. That makes it lighter than the paperback books you toss into your bag without a second thought. Every ounce matters. Most days, you barely notice it's there until you need it. Pick it up side by side with a paperback, and you'll feel how light it is. Why lug a brick when this featherweight tool simply does the job?

The slim shape makes it easy to pull out in a hurry and gives you quick access if a situation comes up. You won't see a big outline under your shirt or jacket. That keeps your carry discreet whenever you're out and about. It lines up with your natural draw stroke, so you save seconds. That confidence shows in the way you move.

You should always store your CL in a holster - even though it feels small enough to tuck away. Loose gear in a bag or drawer can shift and cause problems, from accidental misfires to damaged parts. Things happen fast. One loose spring or dented CO2 cartridge can stop you from firing when stakes are high. A holster seals off dirt and keeps everything locked in place. Just take a moment to keep it protected so you're ready to access it safely whenever you need it and stay away from surprises.

You leave bulkier tools at home because they get in the way of your schedule. That can leave you without any protection when you want it. It makes you wonder why you'd stick with something awkward when you can carry a tool you don't mind having on you all day. No swapping bags. No changing clothes.

The 38 percent size cut compared to our SD model still delivers the same trusted performance while riding close in a waistband holster or jacket pocket, so your body stays comfortable, your outline stays hidden, and your movement stays free.

Power, Range, And Projectile Types

You can get surprising power in a small, go-anywhere package with our compact self-defense tools. Their projectiles leave the muzzle at about 400 fps - about two-thirds the speed of a 22 LR round - yet they remain less lethal, a balanced mix of power and safety that builds confidence for personal protection.

You can also pick from three kinds of projectiles when setting up your launcher. First are the kinetic rounds, made of tough plastic - they hurt without penetrating and leave a welt that reinforces your warning. Second are chemical irritant rounds that use a pepper blend and burst on impact, blanketing the target in a cloud that hits eyes and lungs at once, while third are inert training rounds that let you hone your aim without danger, so practice stays stress-free.

When you fire one of these launchers, the loud crack will jolt you. But there's no flame or recoil to tame, so you can relax faster and keep your sights on target. The experience feels more approachable than a firearm, though it still deserves respect, so test it in a safe location like a backyard range or field. Expect good accuracy out to about 30 feet in most conditions, and keep in mind that fresh CO2 cartridges help you reach that distance. At that range, the kinetic rounds can even break car side glass - handy if you ever face a vehicle-based threat or need an emergency escape, while the chemical rounds throw a pepper cloud that can stop an attacker in seconds, though wind can thin that cloud outdoors, so plan around the weather.

If you live in an apartment, those chemical rounds are usually your best bet for less property damage and the same deterrent punch.

Legal Status Across The United States

You just need to know how the law treats your self-defense tools and how to manage the device. Our Byrna launchers sit in a weird spot under federal law - they push their projectiles with compressed air instead of gunpowder, so the feds don't call them firearms. That means you can usually buy and carry these devices without the permits or background checks you'd need for a standard firearm. You end up with easier access for your security, and that convenience is a big deal if you want a reliable option. They look and feel like launchers, yet the law puts them in a different box.

State or local laws, though, can vary from federal rules - this gets tough. In New York, some less-lethal tools get treated like guns, while New Jersey sets limits that may surprise you. Local ordinances, city codes, and county laws can pile on extra hurdles. Even two towns a few miles apart can list different prohibited payload sizes.

Always check the laws before you cross state lines. Nothing ruins a trip faster than having your device taken at a checkpoint. Why risk a fine or confiscation? Public buildings and transit systems also set their own rules for less-lethal tools. Airports and courthouses each publish separate notices that can trip you up - and, of course, school zones. The law can shift depending on where you stand.

In California, you might only carry pepper spray, while NYC subways ban certain items underground, so keep an eye on the laws where you live and where you're headed.

Everyday Carry And Training

You can get more control with our Byrna launcher when you spend time practicing how you manage and carry it. Some new owners focus on hitting targets and skip the basics of how to hold the device. Start by picking a holster that fits your routine. Give yourself time to test different carry angles until one feels right. Before you load a projectile, get comfortable drawing and re-holstering until you can do it with your eyes closed.

Some people use cross-body bags, while others choose a waistband option for faster access. Keep spare CO2 cartridges within easy reach at home and on the go. A small pouch on your belt or bag keeps replacements secure. You don't want to grab your launcher in an emergency to find the cartridge empty, so check them every month.

You can train with inert rounds at home to build muscle memory without trips to the range. The living room works fine. Practicing in different lighting conditions helps you stay ready anywhere. Try an easy drill - draw your launcher from your carry position and hit a target within three seconds. Repeat until it feels natural and smooth.

You'll see big improvements when you follow a schedule. A few moms nearby went from nervous to confident after practicing once a week, and their handling skills got sharper in a month. Keep up with your safety routines because too many people tuck away punctured cylinders or skip checking the safety toggle, and those slip-ups create real problems when you least expect them.

Pair our Byrna launcher with a self-defense course to spot dangers early and respond with confidence. That extra knowledge ties everything together.

The Byrna CL

You'll see how much smaller our Byrna CL is compared to other models - it's 6.81 inches long and 5.1 inches tall.

It weighs only 0.76 pounds, which makes it 38 percent lighter than our SD model and 44 percent lighter than our LE version. That trim profile means the CL slips into a waistband holster or a small bag without printing. Those numbers matter when every ounce counts. Don't let its size fool you. You can still launch rounds at 400 feet per second - the same speed as the bigger models - so you get plenty of stopping power in a package that tucks away. That speed cracks a pepper round with authority, and I'm always impressed by that.

Shot count changes by model. The CL runs on an 8-gram CO2 cartridge and holds up to 15 rounds per load. Even after weeks of sitting in a drawer, that cartridge stays pressurized and ready to go. The smaller cartridge pierces cleanly and seals tight, so you won't waste gas between reloads. That mix of size and capacity makes it a smart choice for your carry.

The sights still work well on this small frame. The fiber-optic set is at its best in low light. In daylight, they stay crisp, so target pickup never feels slow. You can likewise attach a red dot if you want that. Our CL has an under-barrel Picatinny rail for a light or laser. Slide a light on before a late walk or clip a laser for quick alignment at night; that keeps your options open without adding extra bulk. Most compact lights fit without sticking past the muzzle, which keeps the whole setup slim.

Prices can vary across the lineup, and the CL lands where cost and portability meet. You might pay a bit more for it. But many users say the smaller size is worth it. Between shipping promos and bundle deals, you'll often see the CL marked down during holiday sales. Watch for those specials if you're budget-minded!

Take a moment to think through how you'll use it before you make your pick.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

You'll see our Byrna CL fills the space between pepper spray and a firearm - it's compact, works dependably, and falls under simpler laws than a gun. We all just want to feel safe outside each and every day. Why would you carry more when you don't have to?

Say you're out on a late-night dog walk under soft streetlights. That lighter feel and instant readiness let you move with steady confidence instead of hauling extra weight.

You should always check your local laws. Fire a few inert rounds at the range, then sign up for a quick training session so you can cut back on mishaps. No one wants to dwell on these scenarios.

Don't scare yourself - just stay calm out there. With this advice, you can pick a Byrna model that fits your lifestyle and move forward with less-lethal power on your side!

Do you have any questions about the Byrna CL or anything else we covered in this article? If so, we're always more than happy to help however we can, so be sure to let us know! Additionally, if your questions are about the Byrna CL, the product page provides all the useful info you'll want to know.