FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher

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Accuracy, Reliability. Versatility.

As evident by the recent spate of “Occupy-you-name-it” demonstrations, law enforcement is facing unique force continuum challenges. Along these lines, the appreciation of less-lethal devices is gaining ground in terms of civil disorder response — not to mention finding traction in correctional facilities, border defense, physical security of businesses and other applications. Right or wrong, the ever-present access to social media also adds to the mix of how law enforcement responds to organized civil disobedience and unruly crowds.

To appreciate the complexity of situations where the police use force, you need to think of force not as a static concept, but as a continuum of responses, ranging from verbal commands to deadly force. Arguably, less-lethal systems have a potentially broader range of application than do lethal systems. One of the latest devices showing promise, with its utility constantly being expanded, is the FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher distributed by FNH USA.

Versatile Platform

The FN 303 is a semi-auto, shoulder-fired launcher. It uses compressed air stored in a removable and refillable bottle to launch its projectiles, which are stored in a 15-round disc magazine. The launcher weighs 5 pounds and measures 29″. Its .68″-diameter barrel measures 10″ in length; and while it comes with foldable iron sights, it has a section of Picatinny rail for red-dot sights. The FN 303 can be broken into four major components: upper stock assembly, lower stock assembly, magazine and air reservoir. The lower stock assembly can be configured to mount under an M16/M4-style rifle, or any other rifle with Picatinny rail capability.

The 303’s variety and effectiveness of its projectiles are the true heart of the system. The .68″ projectiles are fin-stabilized and weigh 8.5 grams. FNH USA currently offers the following projectile types, all specifically color-coded for easy identification when loaded into disc magazines: indelible paint (yellow); PAVA powder (orange); clear, washable paint (pink); and inert powder (white). An interesting note on the PAVA is it’s a synthetic version of OC called Capsaicin II, which is reportedly two times hotter than OC, with a longer shelf life. As with most other less-lethal devices, blunt trauma is its major attribute and source of effectiveness. However, the FN 303 also has benefit of secondary effectiveness in terms of various payloads delivered, like PAVA, indelible paint or the others.

The semi-auto nature of the FN 303, combined with a 15-round magazine, provides an important advantage over single-shot or manually operated launchers. It can send projectiles as quick as the trigger can be pulled. The design challenge for less-lethal devices has always been to increase effective range while not proving lethal at close range, and the FN 303 is no different. A user needs to be sensitive to how close they are to the subject, and use caution accordingly.
By Todd Burgreen

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