OFFICER Labs Review: PepperBall TAC-PATROL Launcher

The use of non-lethal tools for crowd control and disbursement is, if anything, growing daily. With a big focus on de-escalation balanced with ease-of-use tools, our law enforcement agencies are always on the lookout for a cost-effective, easy-to-use tool that supports their need to serve the community while protecting life and minimizing any potential injury. In July of 2024 we performed a field test and review of the PepperBall TAC-SA PRO™ launcher. This month we were tasked with performing a similar field test and review of their new TAC-PATROL™ launcher, which is marketed as a "smaller, more compact launcher with a folding stock, short barrel, and compact tank designed specifically for patrol operations.” We received the test unit, and, as always, testing started with opening the box.

The TAC-PATROL launcher was delivered inside a nylon carry bag specifically designed to hold the launcher, the projectile hopper and the air system tank as well as a sling and the necessary tools for cleaning the launcher. The TAC-PATROL came with a red dot sight that we needed to put on the correct (high) mount and then mount on the launcher. Without the red dot sight (RDS), the fixed sights work just fine, OR if the RDS is mounted but not functioning for whatever reason, the fixed sights work by co-witnessing through the RDS glass.

We removed the tank to get it filled, and it only took our test team about 10 minutes to get the tank mounted, no tools required, and the RDS in place using the provided Allen wrench. The air system is carbon fiber, which makes it lighter than you might expect, and we found the fully put-together launcher system quite well balanced. The projectile hopper mounts easily and holds up to 60 rounds of .68 caliber projectiles. The launcher is equipped with a push-button folding stock that makes it even easier to store but quickly folds out for more accurate engagements. We had a supply of inert projectiles on hand for testing and set about engaging targets from distances that ranged as close as 5 yards to as far away as 100 yards.

We noted, with some level of delight, that the system was quite accurate and delivered the projectiles with a high level of energy within the published 100-foot maximum range. At that distance, we hit 10-inch square targets, and the balls were carrying enough energy to not only break but also ding and move steel targets. The testing team all agreed that none of us wanted to take a hit even from the inert rounds. The resounding “smack!” they made on targets assured us of the energy they carried and the impact they had. Air fill issues on our end only let us fill the tank to 2800 psi, and we fired approximately 100 shots on a variety of targets before we ran out of air. If that tank had been at full capacity of 4500psi, we estimate 200-plus shots from the tank before it would need to be refilled.

Just for curiosity, we attempted to engage targets at approximately 100 yards, and while it took a few tries because of the trajectory we had to use, we managed to hit all around the target, and if the projectiles broke, the breeze carried the inert powder up and around the targets. Engagement at such distance is obviously not endorsed, but the demonstration speaks to the accuracy and power system of the launcher.

With an empty weight of only 6.5 pounds, a length of only 28 inches (with the stock folded out) and a capacity of 60 rounds with the supplied hopper, the TAC-PATROL is a convenient package. With the stock folded and the hopper removed for storage, the launcher does not take up a lot of space. Equipped with a cross-bolt safety and a tank mount that requires no tools for installing or removing the air system, this non-lethal tool is convenient and effective.

Our test team is proud to award the PepperBall TACPATROL launcher OFFICER Media Group’s “Tested – Field Rated” seal of approval.