FN 303

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The FN 303 is a semi-automatic less-lethal launcher manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal.

Overview

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 scopes, laser sights and tactical flashlights. FN markets its own set of accessories for the launcher, including tactical vests, slings, carrying bags, and gas compressors.

Ammunition

All types of FN 303 ammunition contain a non-toxic bismuth forward payload. The ammunition is designed to fragment upon impact to prevent penetration damage. Secondary rear payloads vary. They are:

Training/impact - 100% non-toxic glycol base Permanent paint - latex based polymer-based paint Washable paint - fluorescent pink pigment in non-toxic glycol base Oleoresin capsicum - orange dyed non-toxic glycol base mixed with 10% OC (pepper spray) at 2 million SHU.

Safety

The FN 303 was involved in a controversial 2004 incident in Boston in which Victoria Snelgrove was accidentally shot in the eye and fatally wounded. Subsequent tests by Israeli Police indicated that the 303's accuracy "decreased significantly" after about three hundred firings. This is circumstantially corroborated by testimony of the officer who fired the weapon, stating that he was aiming at a rioter throwing bottles and did not even know a bystander had been hit.

FN Herstal has stated that they were unable to reproduce the results of the tests: "[The Israel Police] tried to test the equipment without proper information and training, and the results were flawed." They are looking into concerns about the FN 303, but they do not believe a recall will be required.

External links

• [FNH USA product description]
• [Crowd-control gun's accuracy is questioned]

 

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