DLL Guides
Less-Lethal Equipment Terms Glossary
New less-lethal buyers often run into terms like launcher, projectile, magazine, CO2, HPA, regulator, shell, caliber, and platform. This glossary explains common equipment terms in plain language before you order.
Common Less-Lethal Equipment Terms
Less-lethal equipment can be confusing for new buyers because many products use platform-specific terms. A launcher, magazine, projectile, air source, shell, regulator, or accessory may look familiar, but compatibility still depends on the exact platform and manufacturer guidance.
This glossary explains common terms in plain language so customers can better understand product pages, buyer guides, and setup requirements before ordering.
Less-Lethal
Less-lethal means equipment designed to reduce the likelihood of a lethal outcome compared with traditional lethal force options. It does not mean harmless, risk-free, or incapable of causing injury.
Detroit Less Lethal uses this term because it is more accurate and responsible than “non-lethal.”
Launcher
A launcher is the platform used to fire or deploy compatible projectiles. Some launchers are compact, while others are larger shoulder-fired platforms. Launchers can vary by caliber, magazine system, air source, projectile compatibility, and maintenance needs.
A launcher should always be selected as part of a complete setup, not as a standalone item.
Platform
Platform refers to the specific launcher system or product family. The platform determines which magazines, projectiles, air sources, seals, fittings, and accessories are compatible.
Two products may look similar but still use different platform requirements.
Projectile
A projectile is the round used with a compatible launcher. Projectiles may vary by caliber, shape, shell style, material, intended use, and platform compatibility.
Projectiles are not universal. Always confirm that the projectile is approved for the launcher, magazine, shell, and air source being used.
Caliber
Caliber describes the general size of the projectile or launcher bore. Caliber is important, but it is not the only compatibility detail.
Projectile shape, magazine fit, shell style, length, material, and manufacturer guidance can all affect whether a projectile is appropriate for a platform.
Magazine
A magazine holds projectiles, shells, or rounds for a compatible launcher. Magazines are often platform-specific and may not fit other launchers even when they appear similar.
Before ordering spare magazines, confirm the exact launcher model and projectile type.
Shell
Some platforms use shells to hold or load projectiles. Shells may be reusable or platform-specific depending on the system.
If a launcher uses shells, confirm the shell size, projectile fit, loading method, and manufacturer requirements before ordering.
CO2
CO2 is a common air source for some less-lethal and training platforms. CO2 systems may use disposable cartridges or platform-specific air setups.
CO2 performance can be affected by temperature, cartridge condition, seal condition, and platform design. Always confirm the correct cartridge size and installation method.
HPA
HPA stands for high-pressure air. HPA setups usually use a refillable tank, regulator, and compatible fittings or adapters.
Not every launcher can use HPA. Confirm the required output pressure, tank size, regulator type, fittings, and manufacturer guidance before ordering HPA parts.
Regulator
A regulator controls air output pressure from an HPA tank or air system. The correct regulator depends on the platform’s pressure requirements.
Using the wrong output pressure or an unapproved regulator can create performance and safety issues. Always check platform requirements before ordering.
Remote Line
A remote line connects an air source to a launcher while allowing the tank to be carried separately. Remote lines are not universal and must match the platform, fittings, and pressure requirements.
Confirm compatibility before adding a remote line to any less-lethal setup.
O-Rings And Seals
O-rings and seals help air-powered equipment hold pressure and operate correctly. Worn, damaged, dry, or missing seals can cause leaks or poor performance.
Maintenance parts should match the platform and manufacturer guidance. Do not force generic parts into a setup if compatibility is unclear.
Fitment
Fitment means whether a part, magazine, projectile, tank, regulator, case, or accessory physically and functionally fits the selected platform.
Good fitment is more than appearance. The item must match the launcher’s actual requirements.
Included Parts
Included parts are the items that come in the box with a launcher or accessory. A product may or may not include magazines, projectiles, cartridges, tanks, cases, tools, or maintenance parts.
Before checkout, review the product page carefully so you know what is included and what must be ordered separately.
Complete Setup
A complete setup includes the launcher and the supporting gear needed to use, store, maintain, and organize it responsibly. This may include projectiles, magazines, air systems, cases, protective gear, seals, tools, and cleaning supplies.
Planning the complete setup before checkout helps prevent mismatched parts and incomplete orders.
Secure Storage
Secure storage means keeping less-lethal equipment, projectiles, magazines, and air systems organized and protected from unauthorized access, confusion, damage, and misuse.
Cases, labels, separate compartments, and lockable storage can all be part of responsible ownership.
Compatibility First
The most important rule for less-lethal equipment shopping is compatibility first. Start with the launcher platform, then confirm projectiles, magazines, air source, storage, and maintenance parts around that exact platform.
If you are unsure whether a product fits your setup, contact Detroit Less Lethal before checkout.