The PepperBall TCP personal defense launcher is a non-lethal weapon that is popular amongst law enforcement, government, military, and private security personnel.
While the TCP (Tactical Compact Pistol) may look similar to an actual firearm (minus the yellow paint), it effectively shoots 68 caliber paintballs filled with pepper spray instead of your typical paint-like substance.
But does the PepperBall TCP actually work well or is it simply just another gimmick?
You can find out everything you need to know about this “personal defense launcher” by reading my PepperBall TCP review below.
How Do Pepperballs Work?
Before I delve into my review of the PepperBall TCP, I first have to describe what PAVA is and how it works.
PAVA (pelargonic acid vanillylamide) or nonivamide, is a capsaicinoid known to be present in chilli peppers, but it can also be manufactured synthetically in a lab. While PAVA is typically used as an active ingredient in pepper sprays, it’s also widely used in less-lethal munitions such as PepperBalls.
When a PepperBall explodes upon impact it leaves behind a 12-foot cloud of pepper irritant that can disorient and temporarily disable anyone who comes into contact with it. Some side effects of coming into contact with PAVA include a burning throat, blurry eyes, wheezing, coughing, skin irritation, and inability to breathe.
PepperBall TCP Review
Let me start off this review by noting that the PepperBall TCP is nothing more than a slightly modified FSC from First Strike Paintball. However, this is not a bad thing as the First Strike FSC is the best paintball pistol currently available.
The main difference between the FSC and the TCP is that the TCP is designed for the harder/larger shell of PepperBalls and PepperBall VXR projectiles. This is accomplished by replacing the plastic detents inside of the pistol with metal detents and by enlarging the size of the breach and the opening of the magazine to allow for the bigger VXR projectile rounds.
What makes both of these paintball pistols so effective is their compact size, low-recoil, and First Strike compatibility (or PepperBall VXR compatibility). The TCP can shoot up to 60ft with regular PepperBalls and up to 150ft with PepperBalls VXR projectile rounds.
Here are the main features of the PepperBall TCP.
- Semi-automatic
- Underbarrel Picatinny rail
- 6-round magazine capacity
- Compatible with both 8-oz Co2 and N2 cartridges
Some of the TCP is also painted yellow so you can always tell the difference between the PepperBall TCP and a regular firearm.
Advantages of Using the Pepperball TCP
The PepperBall TCP is a weapon used for non-lethal defense that’s commonly used by the military, government, homeland security, private security, and law enforcement. Some even recommend using the TCP for self-defense, but I wouldn’t recommend it – I’ll talk more on this later.
What makes the PepperBall TCP so popular is that it can effectively increase the range of your pepper spray by up to 150 feet.
It may not be as powerful as pepper spray, but it still can cause a person to experience some of the harmful effects commonly associated with pepper spray. I.e. burning throat, inability to breathe, wheezing, coughing, blurry eyes, skin irritation, etc.
However, my favorite way to use the PepperBall TCP is for self-defense when camping, hiking, or backpacking. While bear spray may be highly effective, it’s nice to have a long-range form of pepper spray to deter dangerous animals such as bears or mountain lions from getting too close.
Disadvantages of Using the Pepperball TCP
While I’m a huge fan of the PepperBall TCP for riot control and for fending off dangerous animals (bears, mountain lions, etc) when camping or hiking in the wilderness, I’m not the biggest fan of using the TCP for self-defense.
Why not?
When someone breaks into your home or comes onto your property with bad intentions, they’re not going to see the PepperBall TCP in your hands and think “Oh no, a PepperBall TCP!”, they’re going to think “ Oh no, a gun!”.
Now, you may be able to scare them off or hurt them enough that they decide to run away, but they could also shoot back in your direction. And I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to exchange PepperBalls for bullets.
Should You Buy a Pepperball TCP?
If you’re considering buying the PepperBall TCP for self or home-defense purposes then I would suggest buying an actual firearm instead. As much as I’m a fan of paintball guns, I wouldn’t recommend bringing a paintball gun to an actual gun fight.
However, if the person intruding on your property or breaking into your home is unarmed, then having the PepperBall TCP will certainly give you the upper hand. It all comes down to knowing when the use the TCP and when not to.
So who would I recommend to buy the PepperBall TCP?
Law enforcement agencies and private security firms who need a safe but effective way to perform riot control would benefit greatly from using PepperBall products. After all, being shot by a gelatin sphere that’s filled with PAVA is much safer than being shot by a bean bag or rubber bullet.
- POWERFUL PROTECTION FROM A DISTANCE: The TCP gives you time and distance to get away from a threat. Two projectile options - use the original industry leading round PepeprBall projectiles for a 60 for...
- NO WAITING PERIOD: PepperBall products require no background check or waiting period.
- NON LETHAL SELF DEFENSE: The PepperBall TCP is designed to defend lives, while saving lives.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API