FN Barracuda

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.

• Name — Barracuda • Origin — Belgium/Spain • Type — Revolver • 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 • Sights — Fixed iron sights

Fairly standard in design, with respect to other double action / single action (DA/SA) heavy frame revolvers, the fundamental 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. 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. In factory settings, the trigger pull for double action configuration, is 11 lbf, and is 4.84 lbf in single action configuration. Barrel length is 3 in, which is shorter than the typical revolvers of the era, which were typically 4 in, but longer than a snub-nosed revolver.

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.