| Manufacturer | NXWerks Precision (Finland) — distributed in North America by Defense Innovation |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Caliber | .68 cal |
| Power Source | CO₂ — 12g cartridge, grip-seated |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~390 fps |
| Effective Range | ~60 m |
| Projectiles | ~10, Premium price (~$399, Limited US retail availability, Gen1 seal failures are addressed in Gen2, but long, At 50 joules, minimum safe engagement distances are a hard operational constraint, CO₂ consistency degrades noticeably below 60°F at high |
| Price Range | $399–$399 |
Design & Build Quality
The Pistelle X-68 Gen2 is designed and manufactured by NXWerks Precision in Finland, with North American distribution handled by Defense Innovation. Finnish origin is relevant here — the mechanical precision and component tolerances reflect industrial manufacturing standards not typically found in consumer-tier CO₂ launchers.
Performance & Ballistics
The Pistelle X-68 Gen2 operates well above the output range of any other commercially available CO₂ pistol. Consumer-grade less lethal platforms — including the Byrna SD, HD, and LE — operate in the 12–16 joule range. The T4E TR50 in standard configuration tops out around 17–23 joules. The Pistelle X-68 Gen2 delivers 35 to 50 joules from the same 12g CO₂ form factor — more than double the kinetic energy of any Byrna variant, and on par with some HPA-powered platforms typically found in professional use.
At 50 joules output, minimum safe engagement distances are a hard operational constraint — not a general guideline. The Pistelle X-68 Gen2 is designed for deployment at defensive standoff distances, not close-quarters contact range. This distinction must be understood before any training or deployment scenario involving unprotected individuals.
Handling, Controls & Ergonomics
The semi-automatic action is designed for consistent cycling across the magazine. Trigger reset is short and well-defined — a characteristic that contributes to accurate follow-up shot placement at speed. The underbarrel Picatinny accessory rail accepts standard light and laser units. Magazines seat positively and drop cleanly on release.
Ammunition Compatibility
The Pistelle X-68 is chambered in .68 cal caliber and is compatible with the following projectile types:
- ~10 — 15 shots per CO₂ at max power – lowest shot count of any platform in this output class
- Premium price (~$399 — $449) significantly above mass-market competitors
- Limited US retail availability — fewer stocking dealers than Byrna or T4E platforms
- Gen1 seal failures are addressed in Gen2, but long — term durability data is still accumulating
- At 50 joules, minimum safe engagement distances are a hard operational constraint
- CO₂ consistency degrades noticeably below 60°F at high — power output
Known Issues & Limitations
- ~10–15 shots per CO₂ at max power — lowest shot count of any platform in this output class
- Premium price (~$399–$449) significantly above mass-market competitors
- Limited US retail availability — fewer stocking dealers than Byrna or T4E platforms
- Gen1 seal failures are addressed in Gen2, but long-term durability data is still accumulating
- At 50 joules, minimum safe engagement distances are a hard operational constraint
- CO₂ consistency degrades noticeably below 60°F at high-power output
- O-ring inside the quick-piercing button is a frequent slow-leak source; apply a drop of silicone oil every 3–5 cartridge uses
- Complete O-ring kits (MCS, AirGun Tactical) include small trigger/airway seals not listed by dimension in the manual — use metric sizes, not "close" standard equivalents
Accessories & Upgrade Ecosystem
- ASA / HPA tuning chambers (Sterling Self Defense, Hot Spot Airsoft, Defense Innovation)
- Long barrel and suppressor kits (MCS, AirGun Tactical)
- PDW chassis conversion for carbine-format carry (Defense Innovation)
- Picatinny rail accessories — lights and laser mounts
- Spare 6-round magazines and CO₂ cartridges
- .68 cal rubber balls, pepper balls, PVC/nylon impact rounds, powder rounds
- Bolt spring upgrade: stock WD 1.61mm — consider 1.8–1.9mm wire diameter for improved cycling
- Magazine spring upgrade: stock WD 0.60mm — 0.80mm upgrade available; extended length option for extended magazines
- Barrel specs: 4.5" · 22mm×1.5p thread · OD 20mm / ID 17mm
Platform Summary
The Pistelle X-68 Gen2 is the highest-output CO₂ pistol available for less lethal applications without stepping up to an HPA system. At 35–50 joules, it delivers professional-tier kinetic energy from a grip-mounted 12g cartridge with no tank, no regulator, and no licensing requirements. The trade-offs are a ~10–15 shot-per-cartridge ceiling, a premium price point, and limited domestic retail depth. For users whose primary requirement is maximum CO₂ pistol output, no competing production platform comes close. The upgrade ecosystem — ASA tuning chambers, long barrels, HPA conversion kits — also makes it one of the most extensible .68 caliber CO₂ platforms available.
Where to Buy
Official Manual
Video Resources
Suppliers & Resources
🛒 Retailers
- Defense Innovation manufacturer
Manufacturer of the Pistelle X-68, and also sells other launchers, ammo, CO2 cartridges, and more.
🔧 Accessories
- Modern Combat Sports parts-vendor
Sells parts, barrels, upgrade kits, magazines and more for the most popular less lethal launchers.
🎯 Upgrades and Mods
- Modern Combat Sports parts-vendor
Sells parts, barrels, upgrade kits, magazines and more for the most popular less lethal launchers.
- Z-RAM parts-vendor
Explore precision-engineered parts and upgrade kits for serious power and control.
- AR Tactical parts-vendor
Sells parts, upgrades, mods, ammo, launchers, pretty much everything related to less lethal launchers!
- 18 Round Drum Mag parts-vendor
Yes, an 18-round drum mag that fits the Pistelle X-68. Perfect for those who have HPA-based Pistelles!
- Titan Tactical Systems parts-vendor
Taiwan-based and design-driven, we craft precision upgrade kits for less lethal launcher—boosting control, comfort, and style to meet every user's needs. The Defender 05 and 07 kits are purpose-built for the X68 and BP50 platforms.