FN Barracuda
Multi-caliber revolver built by Astra for FN, with interchangeable cylinders.
The FN Barracuda is a double-action revolver that accepts multiple calibers, built by Astra-Unceta y Cia SA to Fabrique Nationale’s design. By swapping cylinder parts, the user can switch between 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. FN entered the revolver market with this model, hoping to attract law enforcement buyers in both Europe and the Americas; it was their only revolver project, made in partnership with Astra. Production ended around 1989 due to weak sales. Though generally regarded as well-constructed, the Barracuda arrived as the revolver’s popularity among police was already declining.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Belgium/Spain
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Astra-Unceta y Cia SA
- Design Date
- 1970s
- Manufacturer
- Astra-Unceta y Cia SA / for Fabrique Nationale
- Production Date
- 1974–c. 1989
- Weight
- 1050 g (unloaded)
- Length
- 211 mm
- Part Length
- 76 mm
- Cartridge
- 9×19mm Parabellum / .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Action
- Double Action Revolver
- Feed
- 6-round cylinder
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The FN Barracuda was developed as Fabrique Nationale's sole entry into the revolver market, produced in collaboration with Astra-Unceta y Cia SA. Its most distinctive feature is a rapidly interchangeable cylinder that allows the user to switch between 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum calibers. The revolver uses a pinned barrel, a five-screwed frame assembly, and an internal coil hammer spring that can be adjusted for trigger pull weight.
In factory settings, the double-action trigger pull is 11 lbf, and the single-action trigger pull is 4.84 lbf. The barrel length is 3 in, which is shorter than the typical 4 in revolvers of the era but longer than a snub-nosed revolver. The design is otherwise fairly standard for a heavy-frame double-action/single-action revolver.
Production stopped around 1989 after poor sales. The revolver is generally thought to be well-made, but it targeted a diminishing revolver market for law enforcement.
Reader's Guide
The FN Barracuda occupies a unique niche as a multi-caliber revolver that was Fabrique Nationale's only attempt to enter the revolver market. Its collaboration with Astra-Unceta y Cia SA produced a well-made firearm, but it arrived as law enforcement agencies were increasingly shifting away from revolvers toward semi-automatic pistols. The ability to switch between 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum by changing cylinder parts was a notable engineering feature, though it did not translate into commercial success.
Production ceased around 1989 after poor sales, reflecting the broader decline of the revolver market for law enforcement. The revolver has been imported to the US, with previous sellers offering imported guns at $275, while auction prices for a complete set in good condition can reach close to $600. Prices vary strongly based on the availability of the various cylinders and the condition of the revolver. Its legacy is that of a well-executed but poorly timed product, representing a dead end for FN in the revolver segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FN Barracuda?
It is a double-action/single-action revolver that Fabrique Nationale introduced as their one and only foray into the revolver market. The weapon was built by Astra-Unceta y Cia SA to FN's design and is best known for its swappable multi-caliber cylinder system.
How does the FN Barracuda's multi-caliber system actually work?
The Barracuda uses interchangeable cylinder components so the shooter can swap between 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum without buying a separate gun. You simply replace the cylinder parts to change the caliber the revolver fires.
Why did FN partner with Astra to make the Barracuda?
FN lacked in-house revolver production capability, so they had Astra-Unceta y Cia SA manufacture the design on their behalf. The strategic goal was to court law-enforcement buyers in both European and American markets, though the Barracuda remained FN's sole revolver project.
Why did the FN Barracuda fail and when did production end?
Sales never gained traction and the line was discontinued around 1989. A major factor was timing: the Barracuda entered the market just as police departments across the globe were already moving away from revolvers toward semi-automatic pistols.
What are the FN Barracuda's key mechanical specs?
It has a 3-inch barrel, a five-screwed frame assembly with a pinned barrel and internal coil hammer spring, and a DA/SA trigger mechanism. The double-action pull weighs roughly 11 lbf while the single-action pull drops to about 4.84 lbf.
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