The Python Projectile Launcher system is an implementation of the U.S. Navy's patented nonlethal frangible projectile system that converts from a pistol to a carbine in minutes. The pistol magazine holds 10 projectiles, the carbine 180. The weapon, from Shield Defense Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Guardian Holdings Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif. (www.shielddefense.com), is claimed to strike a 9-in. circle at more than 40 ft and features a built-in laser-aiming device.

The company also makes the Cobra Stunlight, a flashlight that instantly illuminates, targets, and launches a laser-aimed stream of chemical agent that temporarily blinds and incapacitates an assailant at up to 21 ft. “Nonlethal and less-lethal weapons have finally come of age,” says Michael Skellern, Universal Guardian Holdings CEO.