| Manufacturer | Umarex (Germany) |
| Launcher Type | Shotgun — double barrel, semi-automatic |
| Power Source | CO₂ — 12g cartridge (grip-mounted) |
| Caliber | .68 caliber round ball |
| Projectiles | Rubber ball, Pepper (OC), Paintball, Chalk ball |
| Weight | 3 lbs 12 oz (1.7 kg) |
| Overall Length | 19.25 in. |
| Barrel Length | 7.5 in. |
| Firing Modes | Single barrel (left or right) or both barrels simultaneously |
| Effective Range | ~60 ft |
| Rail System | Picatinny underbarrel rail |
| Best Suited For | Close-range home defense — double-barrel simultaneous fire for immediate area deterrence |
Design & Build Quality
The HDS 68 takes a fundamentally different approach from every other platform in the less lethal category — it is a true double-barrel shotgun layout in a compact, pistol-grip format. At 19.25 inches overall and under 4 lbs, it is manageable as a bedside or home defense tool without the bulk of a full-length long gun. The polymer frame is robust, and the dual metal barrel tubes give the platform a solid, purposeful feel.
The barrel selector allows the user to fire the left barrel, the right barrel, or both simultaneously from a single trigger pull. This simultaneous fire mode is the HDS’s defining capability — delivering a two-round pepper or rubber ball payload in a single shot, dramatically increasing the probability of chemical agent delivery at close range. A CO₂ charge indicator shows remaining gas pressure, and a built-in trigger safety prevents unintentional discharge.
Power System — 12g CO₂
The HDS 68 runs on a single 12g CO₂ cartridge housed in the pistol grip. At 325 FPS / 16 joules per barrel, it delivers meaningful kinetic impact with rubber balls and effective OC saturation with pepper balls. The 16-joule rating is respectable for a CO₂ platform in this price tier, broadly comparable to the Byrna SD and Umarex HDP 50.
Because each shot cycle uses gas from one or both barrels, simultaneous fire consumes CO₂ faster than single-barrel fire. Expect approximately 15–20 single-barrel shots or 8–10 simultaneous-fire shots per 12g cartridge. As with all 12g CO₂ platforms, performance drops in cold weather.
Projectile Compatibility
The HDS 68 accepts the full range of standard .68 caliber ammunition:
- Rubber balls — kinetic impact, no chemical payload
- Pepper balls (OC) — frangible shell with OC payload; highly effective in simultaneous-fire mode
- Paintballs — marking rounds for training scenarios
- Chalk balls — marking rounds, less mess than paintball
Loading is manual — each of the two barrels is loaded individually by dropping a round directly into the breach. There is no magazine. This simplicity is both a strength (nothing to jam or lose) and a limitation (only two rounds per CO₂ cycle without reloading).
Known Issues & Limitations
- Two-round capacity only: With no magazine, the HDS holds just two rounds at a time. Follow-up shots require manual reloading of both barrels.
- Not ideal for extended engagements: The 2-round limit and manual breach loading make this platform best suited for a single deterrent event rather than sustained use.
- CO₂ consumption in dual-fire mode: Firing both barrels simultaneously accelerates gas consumption significantly.
- Cold weather performance: CO₂ velocity and shot count degrade below ~60°F.
- No rifling: Smoothbore barrels; effective accurate range is approximately 20–30 ft for consistent hits.
Accessories & Features
- Picatinny underbarrel rail for light or laser attachment
- Barrel selector: left, right, or simultaneous fire
- CO₂ pressure indicator
- Trigger safety
- Compatible with all standard .68 caliber ammunition
- Modified / upgraded versions available from Defense Innovation (up to 36–40 joules with Gen2 valve)
Verdict
The Umarex T4E HDS 68 occupies a unique niche in the less lethal market. No other platform in this price range delivers a simultaneous two-round .68 caliber payload, making it exceptionally effective for close-range home defense scenarios where maximum immediate deterrent effect matters more than follow-up capacity.
Its limitations are real — two rounds and manual reloading are serious constraints if a threat doesn’t stop. But as a first-response deterrent for home entry scenarios, particularly loaded with pepper balls in both barrels for a simultaneous fire, the HDS 68 is a compelling and unconventional option. Best paired with a higher-capacity secondary launcher if a multi-stage defense strategy is desired.
