FN 303 Tactical
FN Herstal · Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: FN 303 Tactical Launcher, FN303 Tactical
Overview
The FN 303 Tactical is a semi-automatic, compressed-air-powered less-lethal launcher developed by FN Herstal. A shoulder-fired evolution of the original FN 303, it fires .68-caliber (roughly 18mm) fin-stabilized impact projectiles from a 15-round drum magazine using compressed air stored at 3000 PSI, producing no report, muzzle flash, or recoil. The Tactical model adds a modular polymer chassis, interchangeable buttstock options, adjustable sights, and MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail integration for crowd control and law-enforcement use.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 757 mm (29.80") |
| Folded Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Barrel Length | 193 mm (7.60") |
| 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) |
| 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, Trigger Guard
- Features: Modular Polymer Chassis, Interchangeable Buttstocks, Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Sights, Compressed Air Operation, Fin Stabilized Projectiles, No Noise Flash Or Recoil
Variants
- FN 303 - Base Model
- FN 303 Mk2 - Improved
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces
- Law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Descended from the original FN 303 introduced in 2003, itself based on the Monterey Bay Corporation XM303 project
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: FN Herstal
Notes
Uses compressed air rather than a cartridge propellant; projectiles have a polystyrene body, a non-toxic bismuth frontal mass, and clear polymer stabilizing fins. Payload variants include impact, marking (paint), and irritant (PAVA/OC) rounds. Barrel is smoothbore as projectiles are fin-stabilized. Overall length is telescoping (approximately 508-757 mm depending on stock configuration).
Background
The FN 303 originated from the XM303 project by the Monterey Bay Corporation, with development input from paintball technology firms including Airgun Designs, before FN Herstal industrialized it as a police and military less-lethal launcher.