Since I live alone, I decided I needed some extra protection. I tried out a variety of pepper guns. (And only coughed once!) Here are some hands-on reviews.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. Umarex T4E - .50 Caliber Pepper Ball Pistol
Highlight: A pepper gun better for training than actual self defense.
Helpful review: So, the Umarex T4E is not your average bear. But first, keep in mind that if you have experience with guns, you'll realize right off the bat that your actual lethal weapons might feel a little more reliable, but they're ultimately very similar in how they operate.
This bad boy launches pepper rounds that can stop an attacker in their tracks, and trust me when I say this--it’s no joke. It might not be lethal, but it still packs a punch. It also comes with rubber balls for those of you who like to keep your training as real as possible without actually causing a scene.
Now, from my own bruising experience with both the powder and rubber rounds—yep, they do leave a mark through quite a few layers! I didn’t dare try the steel-core rubber rounds, my bruises were enough, honestly. During my test, I had a hiccup with a rubber round not feeding properly, but a quick smack and re-attempt cleared that up fast.
The design is sleek, with a comfy grip and cool fiber-optic sights, making it pretty user-friendly. And hey, lefties and righties can both use it without a hitch. It’s a solid choice for those not looking to harm but definitely aiming to send a strong 'eff around and find out' message. It’s a bit of an eyesore with the orange slide, but nothing that overshadows its bang for under a hundred bucks.
P.S. Oh, and a quick tip: Be careful when taking out a mostly full gas canister. If you shoot just a few rounds and then try to depressurize it, you’ll find it’s ice-cold and not too friendly.
ON TO A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
This is one of the few CO2 options out there with pepper power that really blooms on impact. It’s a nifty alternative to a real gun, especially since size and strength don’t matter much when you’re dealing with a cloud of pepper haha. Even if your aim is off, the pepper cloud does its job in suffocating its targets enough lol. However, while it’s forgiving in aim, it needs a fair amount of work when it comes to maintenance. As long as you can accept that it's not the best gun when it comes to perfect accuracy, you're going to find pretty quickly that the benefits outweigh any other potential negatives. Also, just a heads up, the rubber balls feel different than the live ammo, even so it seems really well designed.
If you're looking for something purely for the purpose of defending your home, I'd probably recommend you save up and invest in a larger option, one that lets you really stock up and store that pepper gas for more rounds. Those also let you swap the magazine easier. That model also lets you wait before piecing the co2 until it's time and you need it. If you're looking for a carry pepper gun or one to keep in your car, then this one will definitely work. it can also fit into a holster, which is an added plus. Regardless of what you do, remember that even if it isn't a "real gun" it looks like, so make sure that check your local laws when it comes to how you how you carry your weapons. — Samuel Wicker
Get it from Amazon now: $119.99 & FREE Returns
2. Byrna SD - Pepper Ultimate Bundle
Highlight: With a sixty feet range and solid speed of three hundred per sec, you won't be disappointed.
Helpful review: First off, I have to say I really like that this bundles come with the gun, a fair amount of ammo, and the CO2. I gotta be honest, I wasn't expecting much from a CO2 launcher initially, but this one changed my mind. It feels surprisingly similar to a real firearm, from the materials right down to the safety switch, though that could use a tweak for smoother use.
We gave it a good field test, and nobody was lining up to be on the receiving end after seeing its performance on a foam target and a hefty packing box. It’s pretty straightforward to load and use, but I’d recommend not doing it under stress.
Here’s the kicker though—it looks just like a real gun, which could either be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. If you draw this in a tense situation, things could turn quickly, so keep that in mind with how much you want things to escalate before you actually pull this baby out. On the flip side, for a display piece, it's quite convincing.
PROS:
- Quality is solid.
- Ideal for plinking.
- Ergonomics hit the spot.
CONS:
- Much pricier than similar options from just as legit companies.
- Almost looks too real for it's own good.
- To puncture the CO2, you need a hex key or similar tool and it takes some time to yank the cover of the cartridge down.
MY NEIGHBOR'S REVIEW:
It surprises me that the people who love this weapon the most, have almost zero experience with real weapons. It might be a lethal gun, but it's still powerful, enough so that I wouldn't recommend this for beginner shooters. If you're really set on getting one of these, I highly recommend taking a course on shooting, or having someone familiar with firearms show you the best and safest way to handle it. One hundred percent, if you plan to pull this out in a disagreement, it will be mistaken for a real weapon, and people will act accordingly, that's just what happens when people feel threatened, so keep that in mind. In theory while it's great for self defense, it also becomes dangerous if used in the wrong situations. However, if you just want to learn the basics and you're doing it in a safe environment, it's good for that. You can learn how to hold a gun properly, how to squeeze the trigger, not to flinch--all important tools for both this weapon and a real lethal one. I love this gun a lot, but it is just that--a gun, so please respect it as one, and you'll be just fine.
A FEW WORDS FROM ROB JERICO:
After a few months, I've had a few thoughts on this. The CO2 leaks from non use, or so it seems. For that reason, it's hard to know what it's empty. I would make sure to use it regularly, or at the least, check the cartridge or change it weekly. And yeah, that can be a pricy, so until I find a better solution, it seems like it's more average with the cost of a lethal firearm. Could probably be designed better. — Sam Rockwell
Get it from Amazon now: $429.99 & FREE Returns
3. SABRE - Police-Trusted Pepper Projectile Launcher
Highlight: Police trust it, and for that reason, so do I.
Helpful review: I read the reviews and it quickly became clear that this projectile pepper launcher is a favorite among those who prefer a trusty, non-lethal option. It’s a bit like a small rifle but handles like a sidearm, making it quite versatile. Before this I had a Byrna HD, so I'm comparing it to that, but overall, right from the outset, I think it's great for the price, yet a little slower to actually use. The puncture method for the CO2 could be better, but I still love it enough to recommend it.
PROS:
- It’s comfy, easy to hold, and the non-slip grip is perfect for those sweaty, nerve-wracking moments.
- It’s incredibly accurate for home defense ranges and uses average 12 gram CO2 cartridges, which are easy to find.
- Never had one jam in my testing.
- On, and it works well with the Byrna projectiles, which is pretty cool. Super accurate.
CONS:
- Now, there are a few quirks. The magazine doesn’t drop freely, and if you don’t shoot after loading, you’ll find that two of the projectiles with fall out with the magazine. And while it fits larger holsters, it’s a tad bulky for standard sizes.
- Trigger pull is on the longer side, too. I really don't like that you have to twist a little knob to puncture that CO2. Seems like there could be a better design for that, yet I've noticed that's a complaint with a lot of these types of weapons. Except with Byrna--that first pull punctures it with Byrna, and doesn't have those extra steps.
OVERALL:
Yeah, the cons list seems heavy, but honestly I'm just being picky. I really, really love this thing. The CO2 issue can be fixed, but for the price, it's affordable and bearable. It would be cool to switch out the balls of pepper with different types of projectiles, but overall, it does what it's supposed to and I'm happy with it.
A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:
So, I’ve been toting around this pepper spray launcher for a bit now, long enough to really get the hang of it and tell you what’s what. Overall, I’m a fan. It does exactly what it says on the tin—pretty darn accurate, too, though I've only tested it out to about fifty five feet or so. Can't really see myself needing it for more than that, but it feels like it’s got enough of that oomph to go the distance if push came to shove. They claim it can reach up to sixty feet, and honestly, it might just exceed that, although the company doesn't make any promises, but I'm tempted to find out.
The whole kit came with a set of practice balls and a live set of pepper spray balls, plus a couple of CO2 cartridges. Setting it up was no sweat. But hey, if you’re really into practicing, Sabre offers a Training Projectile Refill Kit to keep you shooting. As far as non-lethal options go, this baby is top-notch.
The downside? Well, it’s the size for me, go figure. I’m just your average Joe height-wise, and I like to keep things concealed. This launcher is a beast. It's no easy feat to hide it. Honestly, it's nearly impossible to conceal it, and that kind of defeats the purpose if that's what you're hoping to do with it. If you don’t mind keeping it out in the open or have a good spot to stash it, you're golden. But for folks like me who prefer something a bit more discreet, it’s a bit of a pickle. Also, I’m not super thrilled about it looking so much like a real gun—I mean, it’s bright yellow, but still. It’d be nice if non-lethal options had their own unique look so they wouldn't be mistaken for the real deal. Despite these gripes, I'm pretty pleased—only knocking off one star for the size issue. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, definitely consider grabbing one for peace of mind.
MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:
Talk about a handy gadget for personal defense. Picture this: you’re walking home late at night, and it’s comforting to know you’ve got something that packs a punch without going full lethal. It’s said to cover a whopping one hundred and seventy feet upon impact. That’s great for outdoor use, but indoors? Could you imagine that mess? It could seriously take over a whole room! I haven’t actually fired it yet—just geeking out over the manual here, so take that as you will.
They say it’s accurate up to sixty feet with a velocity of three hundred and fifty FPS. Even for someone with big hands, it feels pretty hefty, but it's got a rubber grip that keeps it snug in your hand, not slipping away. This thing weighs about 1.3 pounds and comes in a very noticeable yellow, complete with a carrying case, a target for practice, and two loads of pepper balls—seven in each. Keep in mind, one of those loads is just for practice.
It comes equipped with fiber optic front and rear sights, gets its power by CO2, and they toss in two cartridges for that, which is a nice touch. While I haven’t actually used it yet in a real-world scenario, I’d definitely recommend it as a go-to for initial defense. Seems like it could be a real lifesaver for folks who enjoy a nightly jog or walk, and it’s good against both two-legged and four-legged threats. I definitely recommend this sucker! — R. Crawford
Get it from Amazon now: $159.99 & FREE Returns
4. Mace - Pepper Spray Gun 2.0
Highlight: Designs makes it effortless to load increasing accuracy.
Helpful review: If you’re looking for something compact but still powerful, check out this puppy. No, not a dog haha--the Mace Pepper Gun 2.0. This little number has a built-in LED light, making it perfect for those dark, sketchy situations where you need a quick point-and-shoot solution. Fair warning: I never owned the first version so can't compare this new one to the original, but the 2.0 version impresses right out of the box.
FIT AND FINISH:
It’s solid, feels good in my hands, and the size is just right—not too big, not too small, but juuuust right!
FUNCTIONALITY:
The safety features are crisp and solid and the fact that you can use it left and right hand is an added plus. While the trigger pull is a bit on the heavy side, it’s nothing you can’t handle. The LED looks similar to the older version, which doesn't bother me too much. When you pul just slightly on the trigger, it pops on, and will stay on until you let go of the trigger, but if you hold it, then it creates this strobe light effect. Not sure if that's a positive or negative, honestly, but the power is very close to an IPhone light, powerful enough when you need it, but not blinding, either.
PERFORMANCE:
There was a little hiccup with the spray aiming left when I first tried out the model, but a quick call to Mace’s customer service sorted it right out. I really love how responsive they were. They sent over a replacement and some extra canisters for my trouble, too, which was just a nice perk and good business dealings if you ask me. Their support was top-notch, making me even more confident in recommending this.
All IN ALL:
Really can't recommend this 2.0 Mace gun enough, especially for a compact alternative to a normal handgun. Super well designed, and if there are issues, you can rest assured that the company will help you out.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
I'm a construction worker in some kind of shady neighborhoods, and I wanted a weapon to feel more comfortable after those long shifts where I had to walk back to my car late at night. A pal of mine who’s had some dicey moments in the same hood recommended it, and boy am I happy he did. I really appreciates how this gun, looking so convincingly real, managed to deter a bad situation from getting worse. I tried talking my way out of it, but honestly, that's not just going to fix every situation. So yeah, I used it for self defense, and it was a huge relief not only knowing it brought me back home to my wife that night, but also knowing that I didn't kill anyone. Just a couple things I did notice from actually have to use it:
1) The range is awesome and it did what it was supposed to do. It took a few seconds for the pepper to actually come out. But honestly, I barely noticed the timing until the adrenaline wore off, so I think that's more than doable.
2) It looks like a legit gun, so don't just waive it around unless you intend to use it, much just like a real gun, people. It's not a joke. I got some of the pepper on my skin when I used it, and it hurt like heck--getting it in your eyes is debilitating and not something I would use unless I had no choice.
3) Just remember, it's all about how you handle the situation. Try talking to people first (unless of course they have a gun on you or are actively advancing and you don't have time to talk your way out of the situation.). It really should be your last defense, but even that being said, always call the cops afterwards, and when you do, make it clear you tried to talk first (if you had the chance to) that way you won't be accused of the one starting things or be charged for assault--and yeah, it really is that much of a weapon. Ultimately, it can save your life. It saved mine! For that reason, I give it ten stars. — Mike Samuels
Get it from Amazon now: $59.99 & FREE Returns