FN 303 Mk2
Fabrique Nationale de Herstal · Rifle · In Production · 2015
Also known as: FN303 Mk2, FN 303 Mark 2
Overview
The FN 303 Mk2 is a semi-automatic less-lethal launcher developed by FN Herstal for law enforcement, military and correctional use. It fires .68-caliber (18mm) fin-stabilized projectiles propelled by compressed air from a refillable bottle charged to around 3000 psi, feeding from a 15-round drum magazine at a muzzle velocity of roughly 90 m/s for about 31 joules of impact energy. Payload options include indelible marking paint, washable paint, inert powder and PAVA irritant powder. The Mk2 revision uses a lighter polymer construction and an improved operating system that doubles service life and halves armorer maintenance, delivering accurate suppression at ranges up to about 50 metres with no recoil, noise, flash or pyrotechnics.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3143 g (110.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 744 mm (29.29") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Externally Powered |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Drum |
| Muzzle Velocity | 90 m/s (295 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 31 J (23 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .68 Caliber Less-Lethal · primary — also known as .68 cal, 18mm less-lethal, FN 303 projectile
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Compressed Air Propulsion, Refillable Air Bottle, Fin Stabilized Projectiles, Picatinny Rail, Folding Iron Sights, No Recoil, No Muzzle Flash, Modular Underbarrel Mount
Variants
- FN 303 - Original
- FN 303 Tactical - Compact
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces
- Various law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 2015-present
Mk2 is the current-production variant of the FN 303 family first introduced in 2003.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: FN Herstal
Notes
The FN 303 gained notoriety in 2004 when a projectile fatally struck Boston Red Sox fan Victoria Snelgrove during post-World Series crowd control, prompting reviews of less-lethal deployment doctrine.
Background
The FN 303 traces its origins to a paintball-derived less-lethal concept refined by FN Herstal into a dedicated riot-control launcher, using aerodynamic fin-stabilized rounds to deliver blunt impact and chemical payloads with greater accuracy than shotgun-fired beanbags.