The Negotiator is made of GE Polymer Lexan with a tough graphite finish. Overall, it's 181Ž4" long and weighs 24 ounces unloaded. With a fully-loaded shell in place, the weight jumps up to about 36 ounces. The Negotiator has a 37mm-diameter bore and a 10" barrel. One interesting feature of the barrel is in the last 3" leading up to the muzzle, which are rifled with eight, right-twist lands and grooves. Whether this adds any practical accuracy to the 21Ž2"-diameter canvas beanbag projectile is debatable, although the beanbag leaves the muzzle fully open in order to deliver maximum energy.

To the surprise of many, the Negotiator is not a firearm. Its shooting power comes from a disposable CO2 or nitrogen gas cartridge. According to research data provided by Westun LLC, at 135 fps, receiving a body hit with a Negotiator beanbag propelled by a nitrogen cartridge feels about the same as taking a jab from a medium-weight boxer. Incidentally, squash rubber balls can develop a muzzle velocity of approximately 190 fps when shot with nitrogen cartridges. Heck, maybe that's what if feels like to get hit by a heavyweight boxer!

Our own non-scientific tests with the Negotiator revealed it's nothing to snicker at. On the receiving end, we had one of those hard rubber, human-like targets used by cops for firearms, baton and other impact weapons training. These life-like mannequins are fairly hefty and sturdily mounted.

Using the Negotiator cartridges with CO2, we shot several beanbags at the chest area from about 10 feet. This produced a distinct "thunk" on impact and caused the dummy to lean backward momentarily. The firing sound was noticeable, roughly on the level of a .22 LR cartridge fired in a handgun. There's some recoil, but a firm two-hand hold kept things in control.

A dramatic and highly realistic use of the Negotiator's earlier version, the MBA Stun-Gun, was incorporated in the action film "Bounty Hunter," starring the late Steve McQueen. In one scene, McQueen - the bounty hunter - quickly thwarts a large bail jumper with a beanbag shot out of a Stun-Gun. Rent the movie to see it "in action" as it were.

Switching over to nitrogen-powered beanbags, the sound level increased a bit, but the level of impact energy was significantly higher. There was a dramatic rocking back of the dummy as the beanbag struck squarely in the chest. All present agreed that being on the receiving end would be a most jarring and, shall we say, "decidedly unpleasant" experience! I know it sound hard to believe, but no live volunteers could be found to test that Thumper after seeing the effect of these beanbags on the hapless dummy!

There's no doubt the Negotiator is suitable for a variety of situations faced by law enforcement security personnel where lethal force would be out of the question. Already, there's wide interest expressed in the Negotiator by a number of LE agencies, as well as private security companies. Even some airlines have been looking at the Negotiator as a means of enabling crew members to foil terrorists and other violent troublemakers (think: drunk idiots?) aboard an airliner without endangering the structural integrity of the aircraft or killing someone. Reportedly, even the Airline Pilots Association has leaned toward adopting the Negotiator as a viable option in the fight against hijackers and other airborne scumbags.

The manufacturer indicates a practical range of up to 75 feet for the Negotiator, with a maximum range of up to 250 feet, depending upon the application. In certain situations, like one-on-one use, the best accuracy would probably come from no more than 20 feet or so. The Negotiator sports a rudimentary blade front sight, molded out of a removable synthetic ring around the muzzle. Basic as it is, this front sight at least gives you a point of reference, much like the front bead on a shotgun - and it seems to work reasonably well. Laser sights with special mounts are also available.

The Negotiator isn't intended to cause serious injuries, but a beanbag striking someone in the head - particularly the facial area - is likely to cause very serious, or even fatal, injuries. Any of the so-called "non-lethal" weapons currently in use could cause death under certain conditions. This applies almost equally to aerosol-type irritants, and to weapons delivering an electric shock.

The Negotiator's usefulness, however, isn't limited to self-defense situations. It's also capable of launching a lifeline to people trapped in dangerous places or situations.

The Negotiator offers a variety of life-saving and non-lethal peace-restoring options to the law enforcement market. However, don't expect to find this unusual device for sale at your local gun shop anytime soon. The Negotiator is available only to law enforcement and other government agencies, as well as bona-fide private businesses. The Negotiator's price tag of around $500 per unit is not exactly cheap, but a bargain considering all it offers for the good guys. Knocking a misbehaving dirtbag flat on his duff without killing him is a chore at which the Negotiator excels. And, that's a good thing.

For more information:
Westun LLC Sport Safety Products
11373 Trade Center Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742