Which Byrna Launcher Is Right For You? A Simple Guide to SD, LE, and Compact

Thinking about adding a less-lethal launcher to your personal safety plan but not sure which model fits your life? You’re not alone. Different missions need different tools — whether that’s a bedside deterrent, something you keep in your car, or an ultra-concealable option you can carry every day. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you choose the right Byrna launcher for your needs.

Quick overview

• Byrna SD — the everyday workhorse: ideal for home defense or a vehicle-ready option. Balanced size, quick access, and reliable performance.

• Byrna LE — power and capacity: best when you want more rounds and use of common 12-gram CO₂ for training or extended engagements. Size is less of a concern.

• Byrna Compact — the stealthy carry option: the most concealable launcher Byrna makes, designed for constant carry and instant response.

Byrna SD — dependable for home and vehicle defense

If you want a launcher that lives on the nightstand, in a bedside drawer, or stashed in your center console and is ready the moment you need it, the SD is the practical pick. It’s compact enough to be accessible during a late-night emergency, yet substantial enough to deliver effective performance. Great all-around tool for households that want a balance of size, ease-of-use, and readiness.

Good for: nightstand/home defense, car storage, quick deployment.

Byrna LE — more rounds, more power, great for training

Want a launcher that’s still excellent for home defense but prioritizes capacity and power? The LE is built for users who don’t mind a larger footprint in exchange for additional rounds per CO₂ cartridge and compatibility with the more commonly available 12-gram CO₂. That makes it a great training platform and a solid choice when you want extended readiness without constant cartridge swaps.

Good for: training sessions, situations where capacity matters, users not constrained by size.

Byrna Compact — unrivaled concealability

If your priority is carrying a less-lethal option everywhere — tucked into a bag, purse, or even a deep concealment holster — the Compact is the model you want. It’s designed to be the most concealable Byrna launcher while still giving you the ability to respond at a moment’s notice.

Good for: everyday carry, concealed transport, on-the-go protection.

Technology that matters: Pull-Pierce cartridges & range

Whatever model you pick, all Byrna launchers include Byrna’s patented pull-pierce technology. That means the CO₂ cartridge sits inside the launcher unpierced and ready indefinitely — no leaking, no short shelf life once loaded. Every launcher also supports both kinetic and chemical rounds and lets you engage threats at distances beyond 60 feet, giving you standoff options that keep you safer.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the SD if you want a versatile, ready-at-hand tool for home or vehicle use.

• Choose the LE if you train often or want higher capacity and more power without worrying about size.

• Choose the Compact if concealability and constant carry are your top priorities.

Final thought

No matter which Byrna you pick, you’re choosing a system built around readiness and flexible, less-lethal response. Match the model to your day-to-day life and your primary mission — bedside readiness, training/capacity, or concealed carry — and you’ll have a launcher that’s ready when you need it.