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Compare Byrna pistol launchers to understand the differences between the Byrna CL, CL-XL, SD and LE. These CO2-powered less-lethal pistol platforms differ in caliber, velocity, CO2 size, shot capacity, physical size and overall configuration.
Whether you are comparing Byrna SD vs LE, deciding between the Byrna CL vs CL-XL, or researching which Byrna pistol may best fit your preferences, use the comparison below as a starting point before reviewing the individual product specifications.
Compare the four Byrna pistol platforms side by side. Manufacturer-listed performance can vary with temperature and operating conditions.
High-performance .61 caliber compact platform with increased CO2 capacity and a 7-round magazine.
Byrna's compact .61 caliber pistol platform with a smaller profile and 8-gram CO2 system.
Full-size .68 caliber Byrna pistol platform with a 12-gram CO2 system and law-enforcement-oriented configuration.
Established .68 caliber Byrna pistol platform using compact 8-gram CO2 cartridges.
Use this table for a side-by-side comparison of the major performance and platform differences between the Byrna CL-XL, CL, LE and SD.
| Specification | Byrna CL-XL | Byrna CL | Byrna LE | Byrna SD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .61 | .61 | .68 | .68 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 410 FPS | 400 FPS | 330 FPS | 280 FPS |
| Energy Density | 42.3 J/in² | 41.9 J/in² | 41.9 J/in² | 30 J/in² |
| CO2 Size | 12 gram | 8 gram | 12 gram | 8 gram |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Approx. Shot Capacity | 17 per CO2 | 15 per CO2 | 17 per CO2 | 22 per CO2 |
| Effective Range | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft |
| Platform | Compact / Extended | Compact | Full-size | Full-size .68 platform |
| Primary Difference | Higher capacity & performance | Smallest profile | .68 caliber professional platform | Established versatile .68 platform |
Performance is only part of the comparison. Physical dimensions can significantly change how a launcher feels, stores, transports and fits compatible holsters and accessories.
The Byrna CL is the smallest platform in this comparison at approximately 6.81 inches long and 1.18 inches wide. Its compact dimensions are one of the primary differences separating the CL from Byrna's larger .68-caliber platforms.
The Byrna CL-XL keeps the same slim 1.18-inch width while increasing overall length and grip height to accommodate its larger CO2 system and 7-round magazine.
The Byrna SD and Byrna LE use wider 1.61-inch platforms. The standard LE is the longest of the four models, while the SD provides the familiar larger .68-caliber pistol profile.
Size can influence storage, holster compatibility, transportation and handling. After choosing a launcher, use the Byrna Accessories by Launcher page to find products compatible with your exact model.
There is no single Byrna pistol that is automatically the right choice for every owner. Start by deciding which combination of size, caliber, CO2 system, magazine capacity and platform characteristics matters most to you.
The Byrna CL combines the smallest physical profile in this comparison with .61 caliber projectiles, an 8-gram CO2 system and manufacturer-listed velocity up to 400 FPS.
Explore CL Compatible Products →The CL-XL builds on the compact CL platform with a 12-gram CO2 system, 7-round magazine and manufacturer-listed velocity up to 410 FPS.
Explore CL-XL Compatible Products →The Byrna LE combines .68 caliber projectiles, a 12-gram CO2 system and a full-size configuration designed around Byrna's professional launcher platform.
Explore LE Compatible Products →The Byrna SD uses .68 caliber projectiles with an 8-gram CO2 system and remains one of Byrna's established pistol-style launcher platforms.
Explore SD Compatible Products →Byrna also offers the Short Barrel LE, a compact .68-caliber configuration that differs from the standard full-size LE. Because its physical dimensions, CO2 configuration and compatible accessories differ from the standard LE, Nakestores treats the Short Barrel LE as its own compatibility platform.
Byrna accessory compatibility matters. Magazines, holsters, CO2, projectiles, optics, lights and other accessories may differ between launcher models. Once you choose a Byrna pistol, use the Nakestores compatibility system to shop products for your exact platform.
If you still have questions after comparing the specifications and dimensions, continue with our Byrna Education Center and FAQ resources.
Learn about launcher operation, projectiles, CO2, maintenance, compatibility, training and other Byrna ownership topics.
Visit Byrna Education Center →Find answers to common questions about Byrna guns, models, projectiles, CO2, maintenance, purchasing and transportation.
Read Byrna FAQs →Byrna pistol launchers differ in physical size, projectile caliber, CO2 cartridge size, muzzle velocity, magazine capacity, shot capacity and overall platform configuration. The CL and CL-XL use .61 caliber projectiles, while the SD and standard LE use .68 caliber projectiles.
The Byrna CL uses an 8-gram CO2 cartridge, a 5-round magazine and is listed at up to 400 FPS. The CL-XL uses a 12-gram CO2 system, a 7-round magazine and is listed at up to 410 FPS.
Both are .68-caliber pistol platforms, but the SD uses an 8-gram CO2 cartridge while the standard LE uses a 12-gram CO2 system. Their physical dimensions, performance and compatible accessories also differ.
Among the CL-XL, CL, LE and SD models compared on this page, the Byrna CL-XL has the highest listed muzzle velocity at up to 410 FPS.
The Byrna CL is the most compact of the four platforms compared here. It measures approximately 6.81 inches long and 1.18 inches wide.
No. The CL and CL-XL use compatible .61-caliber projectiles, while the SD, LE and Short Barrel LE use compatible .68-caliber projectiles. Always confirm the required caliber for your exact launcher.
No. CO2 requirements vary by model. The standard CL and SD use 8-gram CO2, while the CL-XL and standard LE use 12-gram CO2.
Use the Byrna Accessories by Launcher page to select your exact model and shop products tagged as compatible with that launcher.
Browse the Nakestores Byrna pistol collection to view current pistol-style launcher models and available configurations.
Compare current Byrna pistol platforms, explore compatible accessories, or continue learning before making your decision.
