As the name of the brand Less Than Lethal (LTL) owned by Chiappa suggests, this pistol is designed for reliable yet non-lethal self-defence. It uses rubber or pepper balls calibre .50 for shooting, which are inserted into a cleverly concealed magazine under the barrel.
The pistol is powered by a single 12g CO2 cartridge, which is inserted into the grip. To activate it, simply strike the valve lightly with the palm of your hand under the grip, piercing the cartridge and making the pistol ready to fire. The valve is large enough to be easily tightened or loosened without tools, while not disrupting the overall appearance of the pistol. When activated, an indicator pops up above the grip to show that the weapon is under pressure. To depressurise the pistol, simply push the indicator back in.
Model Bravo 1.50 is made with metal internal components, which are then covered with a lightweight polymer frame and a robust metal slide. The slide is fixed and features fixed sights with a fibre optic rod to make aiming easier in low-light conditions. For mounting a laser or a flashlight, there is a short Picatinny rail under the barrel, and the only safety is located directly in the trigger blade.
NOTE: For the proper functioning of the magazine, we recommend applying silicone oil to the inner walls of the magazine well, or directly to the rubber projectiles. Using dry ammunition in an unlubricated magazine may cause the weapon to jam.
Maintenance
Since the weapon is powered by CO2 cartridges, the rubber seals may gradually become brittle and crack due to the freezing carbon dioxide. You can prevent this by occasionally applying silicone oil 1) as a spray, by simply spraying the internal mechanism, 2) by applying a few drops of silicone oil onto the neck of the inserted cartridge, 3) by using an oil cartridge (the easiest way). We also do not recommend leaving an activated cartridge in the weapon longer than necessary. If you know you will not be shooting for some time, release the pressure by loosening the valve.