FN Barracuda
{{Infobox weapon
|name = Barracuda
|image=
|origin = Belgium/Spain
|type = Revolver
|is_ranged = yes
|service =
|used_by =
|wars =
|designer = Astra-Unceta y Cia SA
|design_date = 1970s
|manufacturer= Astra-Unceta y Cia SA
for Fabrique Nationale
|unit_cost =
|production_date= 1974–{{circa|1989}}
|number =
|variants =
|weight = {{convert|1050|g|abbr=on|1}} (unloaded)
|length = {{convert|211|mm|abbr=on|1}}
|width =
|height =
|part_length = {{convert|76|mm|abbr=on|1}}
|cartridge =
|caliber =
|barrels =
|action = Double Action Revolver
|rate =
|velocity =
|range =
|max_range =
|feed = 6-round cylinder
|sights = Fixed iron sights
}}
The FN Barracuda is a double-action multi-caliber revolver designed by and built by Astra-Unceta y Cia SA to Fabrique Nationale's specifications. It can be switched between three calibers (9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special and .357 Magnum) by changing cylinder parts. FN decided to enter the revolver market, aiming to satisfy law enforcement customers on both sides of the Atlantic, and this gun represented their only attempt at doing so, in collaboration with Astra. Production stopped around 1989 after poor sales. The revolver is generally thought to be well-made,{{cite web |url=https://www.grantcunningham.com/2006/06/the-fn-barracuda-revolver-initial-impressions/ |title=The FN Barracuda revolver – initial impressions |first=Grant |last=Cunningham |website=grantcunningham.com |date=June 2006 |accessdate=15 March 2020}} but it targeted a diminishing revolver market for law enforcement.
Design details
Fairly standard in design, with respect to other double action / single action (DA/SA) heavy frame revolvers, the fundamental design difference between the FN Barracuda and other brands is the rapidly interchangeable cylinder, allowing the user to easily switch between 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum calibers.{{cite web|title=FN Barracuda|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2013/02/18/fn-barracuda-convertible-2/|publisher=Guns.com|accessdate=27 May 2013}} The gun has a pinned barrel, five-screwed frame assembly, and an internal coil hammer spring that can be adjusted for trigger pull weight, among other details. In factory settings, the trigger pull for double action configuration, is {{convert|11|lbf}}, and is {{convert|4.84|lbf}} in single action configuration. Barrel length is {{convert|3|in|mm}}, which is shorter than the typical revolvers of the era, which were typically {{convert|4|in|mm}}, but longer than a snub-nosed revolver.
Collectability
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100717101843/http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg195-e.htm Modern Firearms]
- [http://www.guns.com/2013/02/18/fn-barracuda-convertible-2/ Guns.com]
{{FN Herstal firearms}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
Category:9mm Parabellum revolvers