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Evaluation of the FN 303 Less Lethal Projectile

NCJ Number
219192
Journal
Journal of Testing and Evaluation Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1-3
Author(s)
Charles T. Mesloh; L. Frank Thompson
Date Published
2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper presents findings from an evaluative study designed to measure the accuracy of the FN 303 less lethal projectile in the field of law enforcement.
Abstract
Based on the findings, the FN 303 has shown to be capable of delivering its payload to greater distances than most of the other tools in the less lethal arsenal. At distances less than 30 yards, an operator can reliably use the FN 303's iron sights for accurate shot placement. If greater accuracy is needed at distances beyond 90 feet, an operator can employ the basic formulas in the study to compensate for projectile and drop and adjust their aim accordingly. The findings do suggest that the FN 303 is more versatile than many of the other less lethal weapons in the law enforcement arsenal. However, in order to effectively capitalize on the weapon's capabilities, law enforcement end users should be aware of the drop rates and compensate in order to accurately engage point targets at long ranges. Police use of force has tremendous implications on the law enforcement agency and its administration. Compressed air weapons propel less than lethal munitions with a burst of compressed air. The two main products in the category of compressed air are the FN 303 and the Pepperball launchers. This study focused on the FN 303. The FN 303 utilizes fin stabilized, 68 rounds to deliver paint marking rounds and oleoresin capsicum rounds on target. The study examined the accuracy of the FN 303 and its projectiles by firing 10 projectiles at a distance of 10 yard increments each. After every 15 shots, the compressed air reservoir was refilled to maintain a relatively constant air pressure in the weapon. Tables, references