I love when interviews begin with, “Tell me about yourself.” What follows often isn’t tidy — but it’s always real. John (52), an Air Force veteran now living in Mishawaka, Indiana, shared a harrowing moment with Byrna: a late-night break-in that changed how he thinks about protection.
A Night That Turned Dangerous
One evening, John had nodded off into a short nap in his recliner. Having lived in the house for over a year and a half, he never forgot to lock his front door — until this night. Around 3:15 a.m., he heard a noise on the enclosed front porch. Before he could react, a large man (six-five, six-six) burst through the front door.
Instinctively, John aimed for the intruder’s chest, but only a leg was exposed behind the loveseat. So he thought: “Let’s aim for the knee.” He fired once with his Byrna — the intruder collapsed backward, struck his head on the concrete porch, and was incapacitated.
Rapid Response & Zero Lethality
John dialed 911 immediately. In under two minutes, five squad cars, EMS, and fire units showed up. He watched as the intruder — already limping badly — was placed in an ambulance. When an officer asked what he had used — since there was no blood — John revealed the non-lethal Byrna launcher.
One officer smiled and said, “I just bought my wife one of these — the pink one. I wondered how effective they were.” After seeing the intruder’s size, he added, “I feel better knowing she has something like this.”
Why John Chose Byrna
John had experimented with various non-lethal devices before discovering Byrna. What struck him first was the compactness: “just slightly bigger than my Glock.” He tested it himself — firing into his garage wall — and saw it penetrate cleanly. That convinced him the launcher could disable a knee or ribs, without introducing a lethal outcome.
He also emphasized responsibility: having witnessed death and turmoil in life, John didn’t want to become the cause of a killing unless absolutely required. Byrna gave him confidence and a middle ground — more stopping power than a passive device, without being lethal.
Where It Lives — and What His Reflex Is Now
John now keeps both a Byrna and a Glock in his couch’s armrest. Over time, he’s trained his hand to go to the Byrna first. “I always reach for the Byrna first,” he says, “and if the situation calls for it, I can always get to the Glock.” His point: for those who hesitate at pulling the trigger on a real gun under stress, a non-lethal option removes that hesitation.
“People who even have a tiny bit of doubt about firing a real gun won’t have that doubt with the Byrna,” he says.
Final Thoughts
This story isn’t about glorifying conflict — it’s about preparation, responsibility, and choosing tools aligned with your values. For John, the Byrna gave him the ability to defend his home — avoiding the permanent consequences tied to lethal force. That night changed a routine: while he still retains a firearm for worst-case scenarios, his reflex now leans toward the Byrna in most situations.
If you’re in Southern California, stop by Nakestores Van Nuys showroom — your Premier Byrna Dealer and training center. We carry the full lineup of Byrna launchers, projectiles, and accessories.
💡 Free Demo Anytime: No appointment needed. During business hours, you can walk in and try a Byrna launcher with one of our experts. Get hands-on experience and see how Byrna can give you confidence and peace of mind.
Visit us today or call 855-777-7551 for details. Your safety starts here.
