| Manufacturer | Grimburg (Germany) |
| Launcher Type | Pistol — semi-automatic |
| Power Source | CO₂ — 16g cartridge (integrated in magazine) |
| Caliber | .68 caliber round ball |
| Projectiles | Kinetic, Pepper (OC) |
| Weight | 64 oz (4 lbs) |
| Compliance | No CA/NY compliant variant currently available |
| Rail System | Picatinny (underbarrel) |
| Best Suited For | Compact home defense — firearm ergonomics with CO₂ integrated directly into the magazine |
Design & Build Quality
The Solstice is built around a pistol chassis that borrows heavily from firearm ergonomics. Glock-style sights sit in standard dovetail cuts; the top is optic-ready; the grip features factory stippling; and a Picatinny rail runs under the dust cover for lights and lasers. Grimburg finishes it in Cerakote — a durability choice that separates it from most competitors in the CO₂ launcher space. Available colors include Black, FDE, Green, Orange, and Purple.
What makes the Solstice mechanically distinctive is the aluminum QUICK PIERCE magazine system. Each 7-round magazine contains an integrated 16g CO₂ cartridge. When you insert the magazine, it pierces automatically. When you swap mags, you swap power sources — and Grimburg’s “best ball lock system” keeps rounds indexed properly through the cycle. The result is a launcher that reloads about as fast as a pistol.
Power System — CO₂ in the Magazine
Integrating the 16g CO₂ cartridge into the magazine is an elegant solution to the biggest inconvenience of CO₂ launchers: running dry mid-engagement. With the Solstice, a magazine swap is a power swap. A loaded spare magazine means full gas and 7 fresh rounds simultaneously. There’s no separate cartridge to carry, no piercing tool, and no fumbling with components under stress.
The ~40 joule output is competitive with the upper end of the CO₂ launcher class and meaningfully above products like the Byrna SD (8J) or standard T4E rounds. Cold weather will reduce output — CO₂ loses efficiency below 50°F — but at moderate temperatures the Solstice delivers consistent, effective performance.
Projectile Compatibility
The Solstice is compatible with standard .68 caliber spherical projectiles: kinetic rounds, OC/CS chemical irritant rounds, inert training balls, and foam rounds. At ~40 joules, kinetic rounds produce substantial impact effect; chemical irritant rounds add a secondary deterrent layer. Users should confirm specific projectile compatibility with Grimburg at time of purchase.
Known Issues & Limitations
- Pre-order only as of early 2026 — confirm current shipping status before ordering.
- CO₂ performance degrades in cold weather — below 50°F, expect reduced velocity and consistency.
- 7 rounds per magazine — you will want spare magazines loaded and ready.
- At 64 oz (4 lbs), on the heavier side for a pistol-format launcher.
- Grimburg is a smaller manufacturer — evaluate parts availability and support before committing.
- Specific projectile compatibility should be confirmed; the ball-lock system may not work with all .68 cal rounds.
Accessories & Features
- Aluminum QUICK PIERCE magazine system — 16g CO₂ integrated per mag
- Glock-style adjustable sights — standard dovetail, optic-swappable
- Optic cut — compatible with common pistol red dots
- Picatinny rail — for lights, lasers, or foregrip
- Cerakote finish — available in Black, FDE, Green, Orange, Purple
- Factory grip stippling — improved retention under stress
- Spare magazines available separately — key for rapid reload capability
Verdict
The Grimburg Solstice is the most thought-through CO₂ pistol in the less lethal space. The magazine-integrated power system solves the most annoying real-world problem with CO₂ launchers — running out of gas at the wrong moment — and wraps it in a firearm-quality chassis with legitimate sights, an optic cut, and a Cerakote finish. At $749 it’s priced at the high end of the pistol launcher market, but well below the TYR rifle for users who don’t need maximum energy output.
The pre-order status is the main caveat: until the Solstice ships and real-world reviews emerge, the specs are manufacturer-stated.
Best suited for: concealed or low-profile carry, users who want gas-swappable magazine convenience, and anyone who prefers pistol ergonomics over a rifle platform.
