There are people who feel comfortable using a gun as a self-defense option, and then there are those who do not. One choice that falls directly in the middle of these two extremes is the Pepperball TRP (Tactical Response Pistol). This non-lethal weapon offers the handling and precision of a pistol, but with a non-lethal irritant as its primary ammo.
With a TRP in hand from the good people at Pepperball, I explored and tested every aspect of this weapon inside and out. Did it hit its mark or fall flat as a viable self-defense option? Read on for the detailed dissection of this handgun that literally spits fire.
Overall look and feel
The Pepperball TRP is highly comparable to an average semi-automatic handgun in both design and feel. At just less than two pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for a comfortable carry. The pistol exhibited Pepperball’s signature yellow accents against the weapon’s black colored handle, trigger, and sights.
The TRP felt solid within my grip, with it being naturally top-heavy without a magazine inserted into its glass-filled nylon grip handle. An integrated cross-bolt safety was easily within finger reach and ideal for keeping the unit safe and secure until use.
The Ready-To-Defend kit that featured the TRP pistol also included two magazines, along with a full instruction manual. I also received one set of six Live-X projectiles and one set of six inert projectiles for practicing my shooting skills. A package of ten CO2 cartridges is included, which is the “power” behind the Pepperball pistol.
Getting it ready to fire
Each magazine holds six projectiles. I loaded both, one with Live-X ammo and the other with inert projectiles. The spheres were simple to load and were held securely in place under the tension of an interior spring.
The CO2 cartridges also needed to be added to the magazines in a compartment that was positioned just behind the lined-up ammo balls. The screw-like tension knob holds the cartridges in place as they fit into the allocated molded compartment. My model of the Pepperball TRP, prior to firing, needed the CO2 cartridge to be punctured, and this knob accomplished that task.
It should go without saying that a person should start practicing first with the inert projectiles to get the feel of the weapon. This prevents any mishaps or accidental clouds of irritant nearby caused by misjudging distance or impact diameter.
Ease of use
Now is where the fun part came into play with the actual firing of the Pepperball TRP. With the safety off and in a location far from others, I was able to test this weapon’s speed, distance, and overall effectiveness. I took aim at my plywood target, positioned about sixty feet away, and squeezed the trigger.
What immediately took me by surprise was the lack of any recoil. Though I knew this would occur, just having a pistol in hand, subconsciously I expected some sort of physical reaction when fired.
Explosive impact
My shot left the pistol with incredible speed and hit the target far faster than I would have guessed. Though my aim was off a bit, the sphere burst on impact, and a white cloud formed around the target. After a few adjustments with my aim, I fired again and again.
Each shot hit the board with a distinctive pop, indicating each ammo ball had some serious force behind it. I can only imagine that an attacker would certainly feel these shots when hit at close distance (though the effective range is an amazing 150 feet).
Self-Defense thoughts
I turned my attention to the practicality of this weapon for self-defense. I found the long-range accuracy to be a huge asset. Being able to stop an assailant before they come close enough to strike you is a best-case scenario. Additionally, I concluded that even if a person’s aim is off even by a few feet, the high velocity impact of the Pepperball TRP nearby would still be highly effective to cause debilitating effects upon him or her.
Finally, this weapon is perfect for anyone not comfortable using a real firearm, whether they have physical, moral, or legal reservations. This is truly a non-lethal deterrent that’s easy to load and shoot effectively.
Final grade
The Pepperball TRP scored high marks from me in multiple categories. These included ease of use, practicality, and perceived effectiveness in a self-defense situation.
The only sticking point for some may be the initial price point of the weapon. Currently, the aforementioned kit retails for $329.95. Now, on the surface, this may be a bit hefty in price for some people. However, if you think about it as a long-term investment, to me, the price is justifiable.
After the initial cost, your only expenses would be more ammo and CO2 cartridges. Not too bad at all for an effective means of defense. I highly recommend this non-lethal weapon as it incapacitates effectively from a safe and secure distance.
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