FNH USA
FNH USA’s FN 303 is a versatile air-powered weapon system that fires less-lethal impact munitions. It can be operated as a standalone carbine or it can be mounted on a tactical rifle. The FN 303 Less Lethal System uses a tank of compressed air to fire .68 caliber, 8.5-gram projectiles. What makes these projectiles different is the molded polystyrene casing that incorporates stabilizing fins for accuracy.
As SWAT commander of the Passaic County (N.J.) Sheriff’s Department, Capt. Scott Hockwitt has seen multiple incidents successfully resolved using the FN 303.
“One that really sticks out in my mind is a barricaded suspect call,” says Hockwitt. “As we were making our entry into the house, he came running toward us downstairs with a meat cleaver raised up over his head. We deployed the FN 303 and struck him in his upraised arm, causing him to drop the meat cleaver. Then we struck him with a couple of impact rounds in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground.”
Although only one officer was carrying the FN 303, it was enough to do the job.
“That saved us from having to shoot the guy with lethal force,” says Hockwitt. “It saved that guy’s life.”
Hockwitt and his agency also appreciate the versatility of the various rounds the FN 303 can launch, making it applicable to many types of incidents.
“We normally use the impact rounds the most,” says Hockwitt. “But if we got into a situation where there was some kind of riot, and we couldn’t actually get to the people, then we’d shoot them with the paint so we could mark the main aggressors and then identify them later. The OC rounds are effective if we just want to launch into an area and contaminate that area with the pepper spray.”
Passaic SWAT team members don’t always use the FN 303, but one or two people always carry one on a call. Luckily, this is not a burden. “It’s very lightweight, so it’s easy to carry,” says Hockwitt. “In fact, we’ll have somebody sling it on their back in addition to their other weapons.”
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