In my previous materials, you delved into the "History of paintball", learned what "Tactical paintball and non-lethal UTPBS system" is. You also got acquainted with the experimental product XM-303 and with the production samples of "FN 303: Humane weapons from FN Herstal".
However, this series would be incomplete, since FN Herstal also produces a compact version of the humane weapon. This is a non-lethal pistol FN 303-P (P = Pistol). Like the previous, larger model, it is developed on the basis of paintball technology, namely the Tac8 (later T8) marker from Tiberius Arms.
Requirements for a new product
After several years of operation of the "full-format" installation FN 303, the manufacturer began to receive feedback from the security forces. They appreciated the effectiveness of the product, but it was not without complaints. Basically, the wishes related to the dimensions of the weapon. It turned out that they needed a more compact product for the same non-lethal special ammunition, which could be used in confined spaces. In order not to impede movement in vehicles and to be convenient for indoor use. Suitable for continuous wear by both police officers on patrols and prison staff during rounds. It is light enough to carry it in parallel with a service firearm and use them according to the situation.
The second wish was to simplify the procedure for filling cylinders with working gas. Operators wanted to do without bulky compressed air storage, charging hoses and compressors. Nikolaevich I was right when he wrote in a commentary to my previous article: "And why carry cylinders and compressors with you?"
Pistol FN 303-P
Very little data was found about the FN 303-P product. For this reason, the author contacted the manufacturer with a request for additional information. However, the request remained unanswered. Also ignored the appeal of several other manufacturers, which will be discussed in this article. Therefore, in the beginning, the minimum information about the FN 303-P, which we managed to collect, will be presented. Then, in a certain order, several models from other manufacturers will be described, which have one or another relation to today's topic.
In October 2006, FN Herstal conducted a demonstration firing at which a prototype of a non-lethal pistol was presented. Several sources indicate that this product has received the working designation "P-3". It became known that the supply of ammunition is carried out from a detachable magazine, which is located in the handle. The store also houses a working gas (CO2) canister. The type of ammunition is the stabilized shells for FN 303 already known to readers. Later, a description was published on the official website, according to which the barrel and casing of the product are made of a certain alloy, and the bolt is made of stainless steel.
However, it took several years until the manufacturer decided to demonstrate the product to the general public. Most likely, it took so much time to conduct comprehensive tests and fine-tune it to the required level. The pistol was first shown at the 2009 SHOT Show (Orlando, USA). From that moment on, he received the designation FN 303-P.
Like the older model, the FN 303-P pistol bears a warning sign: "". And on the body under the first inscription: ". Over time, the inscription has changed somewhat, but the meaning has remained unchanged.
The next mention on the manufacturer's website dates back to the fall of 2009 (October 05). FN Herstal announced a preliminary enrollment for a training course on the maintenance, storage and use of non-lethal weapons. The training (FN Training Team) should start in January 2010 and included the development of the FN T4 carbine, the FN 303 product and the FN 303-P pistol. Note that the T4 non-lethal carbine did not go into production under the Fabrique Nationale brand. But the same product was supplied by other manufacturers, which will be discussed below.
Some sources claim that the FN 303-P pistol has been produced since 2011. However, the author was unable to find reliable data on either sales or actual use cases. Much more information is in the public domain regarding products from third-party manufacturers, which are, if not twins, then the next of kin. They will be discussed after the comparative table of the full-size model (carbine) FN 303 and the pistol FN 303-P.
Tiberius Arms Tac8 / T8 marker
By the time FN Herstal decided to offer the security forces a more compact non-lethal product, the Tac8 paintball marker, which was produced by Tiberius Arms (USA), was already on the market. The marker was mechanical.
I note that at the time of its appearance, the Tiberius Tac8 (later T8) was the world's first marker with the supply of shells from a detachable magazine, which was located in the handle. At that time, this technical solution was a real breakthrough in the paintball industry. The box-type store could hold up to 8 projectiles. Subsequently, store-fed markers were designated MagFed or Magazine-Fed.
The store housed not only shells, but also a working gas cylinder (a 12-gram CO2 canister). So, when changing the store, the marker operator with one movement not only equipped the product with ammunition, but at the same time changed the partially spent carbon dioxide cylinder for a new one. That is, Tiberius Arms offered an elegant solution to the problem of refueling cylinders without the help of compressed air accumulators (Air Bank) and everything else. The CO2 bottle provided up to 24 shots (3 magazines).
The store has a CO2 Valve Housing. Therefore, when removing the magazine with unused gas in the cylinder, the outlet valve automatically shuts off its supply. Anyone who has had to pump up a tire of a car or bicycle at least once will immediately understand how it works. Since at the time of the announcement of the Tac8 marker, the placement of pistol-style ammunition (in its grip) was recognized as a breakthrough, the solution with an air valve was also considered revolutionary and unique.
A patent application (pneumatic gun with magazine feed of ammunition) was filed on 2000-03-04. And on October 29, 2002, patent US6470872B1 was obtained. Inventors: Benjamin Tiberius, Dennis Tiberius and Kyle Hansen. The rights were originally owned by Tactical Air Games (Tiberius Arms brand).
Many years later, the patent rights were transferred to United Tactical Systems of California (PepperBal brand). The rights still belong to her. It follows from the patent that the weapon used spherical gelatinous balls as projectiles.
The Tiberius T8 implements the technical solutions that were used in the Automag and Minimag from Airgun Designs. From the previous article, you remember that the automation scheme used on Automag became the basis for the FN 303 non-lethal device. In the Tiberius T8, the bolt group is also built according to the Spool Valve scheme. Not interchangeable, but similar.
The photo marker was purchased by the owner in 2008, was used until 2010 and has been kept in a box ever since. The serial number is in the 7000 range, so it belongs to the 1st generation of markers. The seller notes that only balls are suitable for shooting. The marker was put up for sale by him in March 2017.
A pressure regulator is located at the rear of the casing. With the help of a polyhedron, the operator reduces / increases the pressure to an acceptable level. Thus, the speed of the projectile leaving the barrel is regulated. A crack in the frame (according to the seller) is a frequent occurrence in 1st generation samples. The front sight of the marker is repulsed as a result of its fall.
On the handle, behind the trigger, there is a magazine release button. And above the trigger there is a slider-type safety button that moves in the marker window (window). In the photo above, there is a red window, which means: the fuse is on, that is, shooting is impossible. In the on position, the safety lock blocks the trigger. When the fuse is off, the window is black.
It is worth noting that the magazine lock and fuse buttons are double-sided, that is, they are duplicated on the opposite part of the frame. In other words, the developers have provided usability for both right-handers and left-handers. Therefore, the term “ambidextrous” is applicable to this marker.
The main difference of the T9 marker is its modularity. This model can be upgraded up to the dimensions of the carbine. Initially, it is possible to change the length of the barrel. For this, an extended barrel can be screwed onto the muzzle, or the standard barrel can be replaced with another, longer one (sniper). The barrel is quick-detachable, fixed in the body with special stops. There is evidence that initially no third-party manufacturer offered alternative barrels for Tiberius Arms markers. And the "native" trunks were not of the best quality.
The T9 also has the ability to attach a stock. For this, a stock adapter is installed on the back of the casing. The same unit allows you to supply the working gas directly to the valve, so you can attach both a regular stock and a stock with a built-in cylinder. It is also possible to connect a mamba for an external HPA balloon and install a feeder for balloons.
Also note the Picatinny rail on the T9 marker housing. The Rail Interface (RIS) for attachments and accessories is standard on this model. There is a knurled screw under the barrel, which serves for attaching an extended fore-end (front shroud). The result is a rifle as shown in the photo above.
Product service
For optimal performance of the product, the manufacturer recommends lubricating its parts with a small amount of oil on a monthly basis. To do this, the marker must be discharged, disassembled and added 1 drop of oil to:
- trigger elements (Between trigger & Trigger rotator);
- pressure regulator and o-ring (Regulator spring pad & Regulator spring pad O-Ring);
- shutter and O-ring (Grease the AC Cap O-Ring);
- store outlet valve and O-ring (CO2 O-Ring & top of CO2 valve Magazine).
disadvantages
Any product has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Gas pneumatics also have their disadvantages.
1. Gas-cylinder pneumatics (with CO2) works properly at positive ambient temperatures. And at subzero temperatures, the gas liquefies and, as a result, the power of the shot decreases. For example, the manual for the MP-654K pistol (analogue of PM, IzhMekh) specifies the optimal range from +10 to + 30 ° C. At temperatures above + 30 ° C, a temporary decrease in the speed of the first bullets is also possible.
2. To ensure the durability of the seals, it is not recommended to store the magazine for a long time with the attached CO2 cartridge.
The author contacted the Kalashnikov Concern for clarifications. An employee of the concern, Dmitry Pistsov, using the example of the MP-654K model, reported on some of the features of servicing domestic pneumatics. After tilting the cylinder, it is recommended to shoot it completely. It is not recommended to store a gun with a "punctured" cylinder, otherwise, over time, the seals will start to poison. Subject to this condition, their replacement will not be required soon. It is enough to lubricate the product once every six months: for prophylaxis. Or in case of water ingress.
Tiberius T4 marker
The company Tiberius Arms also produced a marker in the format of a carbine (imitation of M4 / M16). It's about the Tiberius T4 model. Remember, at the beginning of the article, you mentioned the FN T4 model, which did not go into production, but appeared in the news about the enrollment for the training course? Apparently, at the beginning, FN Herstal planned to release it under their own brand, but then the plans changed. This model does not relate to the topic of paintball pistols, but it served as the basis for the creation of "full-size" markers by third-party manufacturers.
By and large, the T4 uses the same mechanisms as the Tiberius Arms pistols. Almost the same bolt group and trigger. The pressure regulator is also located at the rear of the casing and there is the possibility of supplying ammunition from the feeder (optional). Even the supply of ammunition and working gas is also carried out from the store. The main difference is its location: in front of the trigger guard. This is understandable, because the pistol and the carbine differ in both dimensions and layout.
The magazine is loaded with ammunition (10 rounds, and later on 14). A carrier with a 12-gram CO2 cylinder is also inserted into it. Because of the container with the balloon, the shape of the store is not curved, but straight.
There are a few more models that have stories to tell. Read about them in the next part.
The author thanks for the advice:
Bongo (Sergey Linnik)
Dmitry Pistsov (Kalashnikov Concern)
