| Manufacturer | Beeman (USA) |
| Launcher Type | Pistol — semi-automatic |
| Power Source | CO₂ — 12g cartridge (grip-mounted, tap-to-pierce) |
| Caliber | .50 caliber round ball |
| Projectiles | Rubber ball, Pepper (OC), Steel ball |
| Weight | 1.35 lbs (610 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.32 in. OAL, 92 mm barrel |
| Action | Semi-auto |
| Shots per CO₂ | ~20 shots per 12g cartridge |
| Rail System | Picatinny top & bottom (20–22 mm) |
| Best Suited For | Budget home defense, entry-level less lethal, holsterable compact option |
Design & Build Quality
The BP50 is built on a polymer frame with an ergonomic grip featuring pronounced finger grooves for a secure hold. At 7.32 inches overall and 1.35 lbs unloaded, it is one of the most compact .50 caliber launchers available — slightly shorter than the Umarex HDP 50 and meaningfully more holsterable than most magazine-fed carbine platforms. Fit and finish are solid for the price tier.
Fixed open sights with a fiber optic front blade provide workable aim at defensive distances. Dual Picatinny rails — one on top and one on the bottom — allow for red dot optics and weapon lights or lasers. The dual-rail configuration is unusual at this price point and gives the BP50 a real accessory advantage over competitors with only a single underbarrel rail.
Power System — 12g CO₂
The BP50 uses a single 12g CO₂ cartridge stored in the grip. Activation is tool-free: the cartridge is pierced only when the user taps the base of the grip, meaning the launcher can be stored CO₂-charged and ready without pressure bleed-off until the moment it is used. Expect approximately 20 shots per cartridge; shot velocity and count both decline in cold weather below 60°F.
At 385 FPS with standard .50 caliber rubber balls, the BP50 produces approximately 15–20 joules depending on projectile weight — higher than the Umarex HDP 50’s ~13 joule baseline. Real-world testing with aluminum rounds has recorded up to 19 joules. This is still well below the 25–60+ joules of platforms like the Byrna Mission 4 or Grimburg TYR, but appropriate for the entry-level less lethal category.
Projectile Compatibility
The BP50 accepts .50 caliber ammunition in three types:
- Rubber balls — kinetic impact, no chemical payload
- Pepper balls (OC) — frangible OC-filled shell for chemical deterrent effect
- Steel balls — maximum kinetic impact; included in combo kit
The 8-round detachable magazine loads from the top. The removable design allows faster reloads with a spare mag compared to the fixed internal magazine on the Umarex HDP 50.
Known Issues & Limitations
- Magazine durability: The polymer magazine is noted as the weakest component — handle and store carefully to avoid feed lip damage.
- Cold weather performance: All 12g CO₂ platforms lose velocity and shot count in cold temperatures.
- Smoothbore barrel: No rifling; reliable accurate range is approximately 15–25 feet.
- Newer to market: Fewer third-party holsters and accessories compared to the Umarex HDP 50 or Byrna SD ecosystem.
Accessories & Features
- Dual Picatinny rails (top and bottom) for optics and lights/lasers
- Fiber optic front sight
- Tool-free tap-to-pierce CO₂ activation
- Detachable 8-round magazine
- Trigger safety
- Available in black, orange, and yellow variants
- Combo kit includes 8 pepper balls + 8 steel balls
Verdict
The Beeman BP50 is a capable entry-level less lethal pistol that competes directly with the Umarex HDP 50 and edges it on energy output, magazine capacity, and accessory rail configuration. The tap-to-pierce CO₂ system is well-executed, and the dual Picatinny rail setup allows for optic and light/laser attachment at a price point where most competitors offer only one rail or none.
It is not a substitute for higher-power platforms in a serious home defense setup, but for buyers seeking a compact, affordable .50 caliber option with room to add accessories, the BP50 is among the best choices under $100.
Where to Buy
Video Resources
Suppliers & Resources
🛒 Retailers
- Airgun Depot retailer
Sells the Beeman Protect BP50 Projectile Launcher, a less-lethal self-defense tool powered by a CO2 cartridge that shoots pepper balls.
🔧 Accessories
- Beeman Accessories parts-vendor
Beeman parts and accessories directly from the source, Beeman.
🎯 Upgrades and Mods
- East Coast Less Lethal parts-vendor
Beeman BP.50 2" inch Tuning Barrel Comp specifically designed for the stock BP.50 barrel using alien play aluminum balls.