Here are 5 things that you should know about your Byrna handheld launchers.

- Pre Puncture
One of the greatest features of the Byrna launchers is the pull-pierce technology that allows a CO2 cartridge to sit in the launcher un-pierced until you pull the trigger, simultaneously piercing the CO2 and firing the first round. BUT this does come at a cost of some velocity on that first round.
If you know that you are about to engage someone and have an extra second to respond, you can make sure that first round is at full strength by leaving the launcher on safe and pulling the trigger. This will puncture the cartridge and charge the system, meaning that the first round you shoot will pack the most punch.

- Don’t need to slam the mag

I’ve seen how some of y’all are “seating” that magazine in the launcher… stop it! I know that the Byrna handheld launchers look at function a lot like a semi auto pistol, BUT this is NOT a contest to see who can seat the mag in harder. Just slide the mag in until it clicks and your good, got it?!?!

- How to clean a ball break
So you’ve treated your loaded launcher with the utmost care, and somehow a chemical round has broken inside the launcher. First of all, don’t panic. Gently eject the magazine over a container and then place the launcher in water to wash off the remaining powder. Just make sure you place the launcher in a warm place to fully dry, and throw a little oil down the valve as per in the maintenance instructions.

- Eco rounds will disintegrate
Since their launch, the Eco Kinetic rounds have been extremely popular due to the fact that they are inexpensive and great for training anywhere. Just remember that these are not intended to be left in the launcher. They are made of a coated powder and if left out in a humid environment they will disintegrate within a matter of just a few days. This will inevitably leave residue in your launcher. But if this happens, see tip number 3.

- Change out your CO2
I get it, we all want to stretch our dollar… I mean you can just cut the moldy part off the cheese right??? But stop “saving” your pierced cartridges for later by leaving them in the launcher because you only shot 5 rounds. Your launchers will last a lot longer if they are not constantly left under pressure for extended periods of time and you won’t wonder if you CO2 is still good when you actually have to use your launcher to defend yourself. They cost less than a dollar… how much is that coffee you just bought?? Yeah about 8 CO2 cartridges worth… I thought so. So I hope you all have learned something today about your Byrna launchers, but I would love to hear about any tips or tricks you all have in the comments below. As one Byrna nation let make sure that we all are prepared to defend.