Hello from SHOT Show 2025! I have provided a video above of what I found at Industry Day at the Range. While you are watching, listen for the merciless wind that whipped across the range floor. If I look a bit wind burned while I look at new products, do not be surprised.
PepperBall has released some non-lethal tools that bring advanced capabilities to the law enforcement toolbox. I’m glad I was introduced to them on the range. It’s one thing to see them in a static display on the SHOT Show floor, but it is another to deploy them on the range and see what they really can do. They showed me several law enforcement tools, but I picked out my two favorites.
PepperBall BURST
The BURST is an area saturation/diversion device whose platform can send four different payloads. It looks like a standard distraction device, but it uses a non-incendiary propellant to distribute its payload. This changes everything, since its dispersion method is not ATF controlled, and potentially safer inside enclosed areas, or for controlling crowds.
The design of the BURST allows it to deliver a variety of payloads, giving officers better opportunities to de escalate situations:
● BURST STUN: An auditory and visual distraction device.
● BURST INERT: A device designed for training and minimum impact distraction. It fires an inert, non-irritating powder.
● BURST LIVE-X: Features a potent PAVA-based irritant that causes temporary discomfort for crowd dispersal.
● BURST LIVE-MAXX: Offers the highest concentration of PAVA irritant for maximum for high-threat environments.
Pepperball’s Monte Scott fired a BURST training device down range. It is loud, and threw a cloud of powder out, which was quite a feat in the 30 mph wind blasting us all day. It was loud, and it could deliver a lot of payload. If they had thrown something with a non-inert payload, this would have been a completely different review.
I see the BURST having three distinct law enforcement roles:
- It is a distraction device suitable for team dynamic entry. The advantage over an incendiary tool is it could be used in environments where sparks might be hazardous. The BURST payload can be tailored to the tactical problem at hand.
- It could be used in a crowd control problem to augment area saturation with Pepperballs to quickly gain control of a situation.
- In correctional settings, where there are large enclosed areas like dining halls, it can give the response units a tactical advantage and prevent injuries.
PepperBall VK-SBL PRO PLUS
I shot the VK-SBL PRO PLUS. I didn’t shoot it just a few times, either. Monte handed me a full 32 round magazine and a 15 round VKS magazine.
The VK-SBL PRO PLUS has a form factor similar to a police carbine, but it fires pepperballs using 4500 carbon fiber air tanks. It comes with a reflex sight, M-LOC handguards and quick disconnect slings.
At first I engaged the near targets on the range. I found the impact of these projectiles, guided by the mounted optic, was so easy to control that I began engaging the swinging target at the far end of the range. In the video above, you can get an idea of the effectiveness of this launcher. There are similar products on the market, but this one is capable of an accurate, rapid response with an ease of deployment that sets it apart.
I have seen scenarios where this tool has been used for crowd response, securing a person in mental distress and even a car entry. Pepperball adds another layer of force options that would not exist without this kind of innovation.
For more information, visit pepperball.com.
