In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, Chandler Crumblish Paine finds herself grappling with a familiar yet unsettling concern: personal safety. A full-time mom and avid jogger, she often takes to the streets in the early morning or the twilight hours, times when the world feels particularly vulnerable. “My family has guns, my brothers have guns, my husband has guns. But I just didn’t feel comfortable carrying one,” she confides. This sentiment resonates with many, especially women who may feel uneasy about the prospect of lethal self-defense. In search of a solution that aligns with her values and comfort level, Paine discovered Byrna Technologies, a company renowned for its less-lethal weaponry.
Byrna’s products, which include pistols resembling standard firearms but designed to launch pepper spray projectiles or hard plastic spheres, represent a shift in how individuals perceive personal protection. “One day it just hit me — I’m a young woman out running at 4 a.m. with nothing to protect myself,” Paine reflects. Her choice of a less-lethal option underscores a growing trend among consumers who seek to safeguard themselves without the lethal implications of traditional firearms.
This trend is not limited to those who are averse to guns. Blake Nance, a former Marine and Beverly Hills police officer, also opted for a Byrna gun. Comfortable with firearms, Nance sought an alternative that minimizes the potential for fatal outcomes. “It’s very similar to a paintball gun and how it uses a CO2 cartridge to launch a projectile that is really painful on impact,” he explains. For him, the Byrna offers a way to defend himself without the heavy burden of taking a life — a sentiment echoed by many in today’s climate of heightened crime awareness.
The less-lethal weapon market has seen a significant uptick in interest and sales, with industry experts projecting its value to soar from just over $1 billion in 2023 to more than double by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Byrna alone reported a record $100 million in revenue over the past year, a testament to its successful branding as a consumer-friendly alternative to traditional firearms. With public figures like Sean Hannity and Megyn Kelly endorsing the brand, Byrna has expanded its reach, establishing retail partnerships and launching new products like the compact CL Launcher.
While Byrna leads the charge in the less-lethal sector, other companies are also recognizing the potential of this market. Axon Enterprises, known for its Taser products, is increasingly targeting everyday consumers. As Angelo Welihindha, a vice president at Axon, notes, the company is investing heavily in consumer safety technology, reflecting a growing acknowledgment that people seek non-lethal alternatives for protection. This shift is not merely a response to crime statistics but also a reaction to the civil liabilities associated with using lethal force.
Scott Brent, CEO of JPX International, emphasizes the legal implications of using traditional firearms, stating, “Everybody says, ‘Hey, I’ve got a handgun permit.’ But let me tell you something, in most situations you’re not going to use a handgun because if you kill or severely injure someone, you’re going to get sued.” This perspective resonates with many consumers who are increasingly aware of the complex legal landscape surrounding self-defense.
However, the appeal of less-lethal weapons is not without contention. Critics argue that while these devices may reduce the likelihood of fatal outcomes, they are not without risk. As Aaron Jones, founder of International Protective Service, points out, “There’s no such thing as non-lethal. You can kill somebody with a butter knife or a toothpick.” This acknowledgment of the inherent dangers of any weapon, lethal or otherwise, serves as a reminder that personal safety measures must be carefully considered.
Another concern is the potential misinterpretation of less-lethal weapons by law enforcement, particularly in high-stress situations. If an individual brandishes a Byrna launcher during a confrontation with police, it could be mistaken for a real firearm, potentially escalating the situation further. Byrna and JPX have attempted to address this by offering brightly colored versions of their products to signify their non-lethal nature.
Yet, for many, the desire to protect oneself and loved ones outweighs these concerns. As Nance articulates, “Look, we’re living in America and there are lots of guns that are out there. But most of the robberies that I investigated as a police officer did not involve a gun.” His belief in the efficacy of less-lethal options underscores a growing mentality among consumers who are looking for ways to defend themselves without contributing to the cycle of gun violence that plagues the nation.
As gun violence remains a pressing issue in America, with nearly 41,000 deaths reported last year, the rise of less-lethal weapons presents a complex solution for those torn between the need for safety and the desire for a non-lethal approach to self-defense. Although they may not solve the underlying problems related to gun violence, such alternatives allow individuals like Paine and Nance to reclaim a sense of security in their daily lives, perhaps paving the way for a future where personal protection does not come at the cost of another life.
