FN 303
| FN 303 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type | Riot gun |
| Place of origin | Belgium |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars |
Afghanistan War Iraq War Libyan Revolution 2013 Lahad Datu standoff |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | FN Herstal |
| Produced | 2003 - present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 2.3 kg (5.07 lb) |
| Length | 740 mm (29.1 in) |
| Barrel length | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
|
|
|
| Caliber | 17.3 mm (0.68 in) |
| Action | Compressed air |
| Muzzle velocity | 85 m/s (279 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 70 m (77 yd) |
| Feed system | 15-round detachable drum magazine |
| Sights | Front blade, rear notch |
The FN 303 is a semi-automatic less-lethal riot gun designed and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal. The FN 303's projectiles have been specifically designed to break up on impact, reducing risks of penetrating injuries. Typical operating scenarios include domestic violence intervention, marking violent suspects and building surveillance.
The FN 303 uses compressed air to fire projectiles from a 15-round drum magazine. It is designed to incapacitate the target through blunt trauma without causing critical injuries, and is most widely used for riot control and other kinds of combat where lethal weapons should be avoided.
The 303 can be fired from the shoulder using adjustable iron sights, or it can be mounted in an under-barrel configuration on most assault rifles when its stock assembly is removed (in this configuration, it is designated M303). It also comes with a top-mounted Picatinny rail that can fit most commercial weapon accessories, such as telescopic sights, laser sights and tactical lights. FN markets its own set of accessories for the launcher, including tactical vests, slings, carrying bags, and gas compressors. It is accurate at distances up to 35 metres (38 yd).
The FN 303 is based on a project by the Monterey Bay Corporation designated the XM303. The development team consisted of designers and researchers from two paintball related design and manufacturing firms, including Airgun Designs. The prototype was named the UBTPS, Under Barrel Tactical Paintball System.
The design could be attached to an M16 rifle and was conceived as a less-than-lethal weapon system coupled with a lethal weapon system, providing a wide range of response capabilities that were immediately available. A stand-alone version was also developed.
...
Wikipedia