In an era marked by heightened concern over personal safety and a desire to reduce reliance on traditional firearms, a new category of self-defence tools has emerged: the ungun. Also known as less-lethal weapons, these devices, like projectile launchers and modern Tasers, offer a middle ground between no-protection and lethal force. As the market for these alternatives gains momentum, collectors and enthusiasts are navigating fresh opportunities and challenges.

What Exactly Are “Unguns”?

The term “ungun” captures innovative defensive options that mimic the look and function of firearms but incapacitate without deadly force. Among the most prominent players in this emerging field is Byrna, which has revolutionized consumer access to less-lethal launchers that fire pepper rounds or plastic projectiles powered by CO₂ cartridges. These launchers achieve ranges of up to 60 feet with ease, and crucially, they don’t require permits or background checks in most places.

También, companies like Axon Enterprises, the makers of Taser devices, are expanding their footprint in the civilian market with newer personal safety models such as the Pulse 2 and Bolt 2. Meanwhile, JPX International offers the Jet Protector, which shoots a mist of pepper spray so potent it registers a scorching 400,000 on the Scoville scale, double the strength of standard police-grade versions.

Why the Sudden Popularity?

1. Demand for Safety Without Lethality

   Many individuals are seeking personal protection that doesn’t escalate to destroying lives. As Byrna’s CEO notes, their customer base splits roughly two-thirds, gun owners, and one-third non-gun owners. Both groups are united in their search for protection that avoids tragic outcomes.

2. Risk, Liability, and Legal Consequences

   Less-lethal options significantly reduce the legal risks associated with using deadly force. As JPX’s CEO puts it, “a weapon with bullets is simply riskier to carry,” often inviting lawsuits or criminal charges even when used in self-defence.

3. Rapid Industry Growth & Acclaim

   Byrna raked in a record $100 million in revenue over the past year and expanded its presence through retail stores and a partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse. The global less-lethal market itself was estimated to surpass $1 billion in 2023, with projections to more than double by 2030.

Risks and Limitations, Less Lethal, Not Risk-Free

Despite their appeal, less-lethal tools aren’t invincible. They go by many labels, “less-lethal,” “non-lethal,” even “soft-kill”, but none offer absolute safety. Studies show that these devices can inflict serious, fatal, injuries. For instance:

• A 2017 analysis of kinetic projectile injuries recorded 300 permanently disabling injuries and 53 deaths.
• Between 2012 and 2021, more than 1,000 deaths followed law enforcement’s use of less-lethal force.
• The term “less-lethal” is preferred over “non-lethal” precisely because lethal outcomes still occur.

Furthermore, public perception and regulatory frameworks remain volatile. Some cities, like New York, limit where these devices can be used, and Byrna, for instance, won’t ship to NYC.

What This Means for Collectors

1. New Horizons for Collectibles

   Unguns open up a novel niche for collectors who are drawn to self-defence paraphernalia. These items offer a blend of modern utility and futuristic design, and with expanding retail availability and new models like Byrna’s compact CL Launcher, the variety is growing.

2. Legal and Ethical Nuances

   Collectors must tread carefully. Regulations around ownership, transport, and display vary. Thorough awareness of local laws is vital, as some regions may even reclassify these devices as firearms in the future.

3. Preservation of Context

   As less-lethal devices gain traction, preserving their stories becomes essential. Documenting their design innovations, societal roles, and evolving use cases adds depth to any collection.

Toward a Balanced, Responsible Perspective

Less-lethal weapons are neither perfect nor panaceas, but they do represent a cultural shift toward responsible self-defence. In the words of public health experts, they’re part of a broader harm reduction strategy akin to distributing Narcan during an opioid crisis.

Byrna’s mantra, empowering individuals to protect without inflicting irreversible harm, echoes this philosophy. Meanwhile, developers like Axon envision a future where bullets may someday be obsolete.

Collectors Firearms: Honoring the Shift Toward Safer Defense

The rise of “unguns” signals more than a market trend; it reflects a collective yearning for safety that doesn’t come at the cost of life. These less-lethal alternatives are carving a place in both daily self-defence and the broader narrative of firearm evolution.

For collectors, this isn’t just about acquiring new gear; it’s about chronicling a pivotal shift toward innovation, responsibility, and cultural change.

Collectors Firearms stands uniquely positioned to showcase and honor this shift, bridging classic firearm traditions with modern, less-lethal ingenuity.