FN Barracuda

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 parts of the cylinder.[1] 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.[1] The revolver itself is generally thought to be well-made,[2] but it targeted a diminishing revolver market for law enforcement.[1]

Barracuda
TypeRevolver
Place of originBelgium
Production history
DesignerAstra-Unceta y Cia SA
Designed1970s
ManufacturerAstra-Unceta y Cia SA
for Fabrique Nationale
Produced1974–c. 1989
Specifications
Mass1,050 g (37.0 oz) (unloaded)
Length211 mm (8.3 in)
Barrel length76 mm (3.0 in)
Cartridge
ActionDouble Action Revolver
Feed system6-round cylinder
SightsFixed iron sights
References[1]

Design details

Fairly standard in design, with respect to other double action / single action (DA/SA) heavy frame revolvers, the key 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.[3] 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.[3] The trigger pull for double action configuration, in factory settings, is 11 pounds-force (49 N), and is 4.84 pounds-force (21.5 N) in single action configuration.[3] Barrel length is 3 inches (76 mm), which is shorter than the typical revolvers of the era, which were typically 4 inches (100 mm), but longer than a snub-nosed revolver.[3]

Collectability

Prices vary strongly based on the availability of the various cylinders and the condition of the revolver. It has been imported to the US, and previous sellers have sold imported guns at $275, but auction prices for a complete set in good condition will reach close to $600.[3]

References
  1. "Revolver FN Barracuda (Belgium)". World Guns. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  2. Cunningham, Grant (June 2006). "The FN Barracuda revolver – initial impressions". grantcunningham.com. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  3. "FN Barracuda". Guns.com. Retrieved 27 May 2013.

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