Preview: PepperBall Personal Defense Compact Launcher

by
posted on February 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
pepperball_compact_main_f.jpg

PepperBall is now offering a small, non-lethal defensive launcher in its self-defense lineup. The Compact is the newest addition to the PepperBall pepper-spray projectile series of launchers, which includes the laser and flashlight assisted LifeLite handheld launcher, along with the pistol-styled TCP multi-shot launcher which released last year. 

According to PepperBall’s GM of the Personal Defense Division Kyle Tengwall, the Compact was developed per consumer requests specifically for “runners, hikers, and many others who want to defend themselves on the go.” The intention is for it to easily tuck away and be withdrawn without the need for a holster or storage in a pack, as is the case with the previous launchers. Coming in at 6.5” tall by 1.25” long and 1.75” wide with a weight of just 1.5 oz., it is the smallest offering in the lineup, and most importantly, small enough to easily fit inside a pocket without adding too much weight. 

The PepperBall Compact is small enough to fit inside a pocket.


The PepperBall Personal Defense Compact Launcher is a single-shot, reloadable device which shoots a .68-cal., irritant-filled ball projectile, the same type used with the larger LifeLite launcher, up to 30 feet with up to 14 joules of energy. Once the projectile hits the intended target or something in the vicinity, it bursts open, releasing the irritant compound contained inside in a disorienting cloud that can expand up to 12 feet wide.

Projectiles are launched through the use of a changeable C02 or N2 canister installed inside the launcher. The effect of the cloud is temporarily incapacitating and impermanent, but effective. This is the same 2-percent PAVA irritant compound that originated in a 1996 DARPA program and subsequently used by military and law-enforcement agencies. The Compact is offered at a MSRP of $24.99. For more information on PepperBall products, please visit the company’s website at pepperball.com.

Latest

Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F
Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F

"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor

The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.

Revisiting A World War II Marine’s Story

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his speech to 800 assembled generals, admirals and senior enlisted at Quantico, Va., on Sept. 30, 2025, quoted Eugene Sledge from his timeless classic With The Old Breed published in 1981.

Review: Leupold Rendezvous Soft Cases

Looking for something better than a cheap nylon bag, but don’t need it armored for air travel? Leupold has you covered.

Preview: Hiperfire Hipertrain

Hiperfire’s Hipertrain is a cast aluminum housing into which the AR-style trigger system, safety selectors and pistol grip of the user’s choice (none of which are included) can be installed to create a trigger demonstrator/dry-fire trainer

New For 2026: Kimber 2K11 Comp

Kimber increased its 2K11 product line with the addition of two models with single-port compensators.

AR-15 vs. Bullpup Rifles: Which One Is Right For You?

Though bullpup-style rifle designs have become popular elsewhere in the world, they aren't nearly as popular with the American shooting public as the ubiquitous AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.