FN Ballista
FN Herstal · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2011
Also known as: FN Ballista, FN PSR
Overview
The FN Ballista is a multi-caliber modular bolt-action precision rifle developed by FN Herstal as their entry into the U.S. SOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle competition. Designed from the ground up for military and law enforcement use, the Ballista features a quick-change barrel system enabling caliber conversion between .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .308 Winchester without tools. The rifle incorporates a hydraulic recoil buffer system that significantly reduces felt recoil in the .338 Lapua configuration, improving shooter comfort during extended engagements.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7200 g (254.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Folded Length | 978 mm (38.50") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 915 m/s (3002 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6785 J (5004 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Molybdenum Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- .338 Lapua Magnum · primary · 8.6x70mm — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag, .338 LM
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Multi Caliber Conversion, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Suppressor Ready, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Side Accessory Rails, Modular Chassis System, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Tool Less Barrel Change
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 2012
- French Armed Forces
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2011-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Primarily marketed to military and law enforcement customers worldwide.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Notes
The FN Ballista was one of four finalists in the U.S. SOCOM PSR competition (ultimately won by the Remington MSR). The barrel change procedure takes under three minutes and requires no special tools. The rifle uses a proprietary FN trigger group with adjustable pull weight. The hydraulic buffer in the buttstock reduces peak recoil by approximately 50% compared to conventional designs. Magazine capacity varies by caliber: 8 rounds in .338 LM, 8 rounds in .300 WM, and 10 rounds in .308.
Background
The FN Ballista was FN Herstal's ambitious bid to dominate the precision rifle market, entering the U.S. SOCOM PSR competition against established sniper rifle manufacturers. Although it lost to the Remington MSR in that competition, the Ballista's innovative hydraulic recoil buffer and tool-less barrel change system set new standards for multi-caliber sniper rifle design.