PepperBall VKS Phantom

The PepperBall VKS Phantom is PepperBall (USA) | .68 Cal Semi-Auto CO₂/HPA Machine Pistol | Compact Rapid-Response Platform.

PepperBall VKS Phantom | Quick Reference

.68 calibercalCaliber

~280–425 FPSfpsMuzzle Vel.

10 rounds (×2)rdsMag Cap.

~150 ftmEff. Range

11–29 joulesPower

$~$800–$1,200Street Price

Manufacturer	PepperBall
Type	Semi-Auto Machine Pistol
Caliber	.68 caliber
Power Source	CO₂ or HPA — 12g piercer, 88g adapter, or 13 cu in 3000 psi aluminum tank
Muzzle Velocity	~280–425 FPS fps
Effective Range	~150 ft m
Projectiles	PepperBall LIVE, PepperBall LIVE-X, PepperBall INERT, PepperBall VXR™
Price Range	$800–$1200

Design & Build Quality

The VKS Phantom is built on a compact machine-pistol platform designed for close-quarters deployment and rapid response. The 6-inch barrel keeps the overall length to just 21 inches, making it highly maneuverable in vehicles, corridors, and confined spaces. The silicone-textured grip provides secure retention in gloved, wet, or adverse conditions — a key design consideration for field use. An ambidextrous safety selector supports both left- and right-handed operators without modification. The platform ships without a hand guard, keeping weight down to 4.9 lbs and the profile tight. Overall build quality reflects PepperBall’s professional-market standards, with materials and tolerances appropriate for law enforcement and security applications.

Performance & Ballistics

Performance varies by projectile type. With standard .68 caliber round projectiles at the recommended 280–300 FPS, kinetic impact runs 8–9 ft-lbs (11–13J). With VXR™ shaped projectiles at 280–425 FPS, kinetic impact increases to 9–21 ft-lbs (12–29J). The 6-inch compact barrel maintains effective performance out to 150 feet with VXR rounds. The semi-auto action with dual 10-round magazines allows rapid follow-up shots and quick reloads. No recoil — the CO₂ or HPA gas system absorbs all energy. Power source flexibility is a standout feature: the 12g CO₂ piercer allows instant deployment with no setup, the 88g adapter extends shot capacity, and the 13 cu in 3000 psi aluminum tank provides the most consistent and extended performance for prolonged operations.

Handling, Controls & Ergonomics

At 4.9 lbs and 21 inches overall, the VKS Phantom is one of the most compact platforms in the PepperBall lineup. The machine-pistol format is designed for one- or two-handed use and fits naturally in close-quarters or vehicle-based roles. The ambidextrous safety is positive and accessible without shifting grip. The silicone-textured grip locks in under pressure without fatigue. Two included 10-round magazines allow for rapid reload without reaching for loose rounds. The absence of a hand guard reduces snag points and keeps the profile slick for holstering or quick draw from a carrier. Power source swaps are quick — the 12g CO₂ piercer is especially fast for immediate deployment scenarios.

Ammunition Compatibility

The PepperBall VKS Phantom is chambered in .68 caliber caliber and is compatible with the following projectile types:

PepperBall LIVE — Standard .68 cal round projectile filled with PAVA pepper powder — primary less lethal round for most deployments.
PepperBall LIVE-X — Enhanced OC round with 2× the PAVA content of LIVE — for situations requiring greater chemical effect.
PepperBall INERT — Training round with no chemical fill — same flight characteristics as LIVE for realistic force-on-force training.
PepperBall VXR™ — Aerodynamically shaped long-range projectile delivering 12–29J at 280–425 FPS — optimized for extended distance and higher energy transfer.

Known Issues & Limitations

No hand guard — limits rail-mounted accessory options.
CO₂-dependent versions require gas source management in the field.
10-round magazines limit total capacity compared to larger carbine formats.
Compact platform trades range and stability for maneuverability.
Aluminum air tank (included) is heavier than carbon fiber alternatives.

Accessories & Upgrade Ecosystem

Green dot optic (included)
Single-point sling (included)
12g CO₂ piercer (included)
88g CO₂ adapter and sleeve (included)
13 cu in 3000 psi aluminum air system (included)
Additional 10-round magazines
PepperBall LIVE, LIVE-X, INERT, and VXR™ projectiles

Platform Summary

The PepperBall VKS Phantom is a compact, rapid-response less lethal platform for law enforcement, security, and professional civilian defense applications. Its machine-pistol form factor, dual magazine system, and multi-source power options set it apart from larger carbine-format launchers. The ability to run on a 12g CO₂ piercer makes it one of the fastest-to-deploy platforms in the PepperBall lineup, while the aluminum HPA option extends operational capacity when needed. It is well-suited to close-quarters environments, vehicle operations, and situations where a smaller, lighter launcher is tactically advantageous.