FN

[Croyance]

A local gun store has an oddball revolver, the FN Barracuda in .357 Magnum.
It has this funny thing where the yoke & cylinder can be removed with the press of a button, like a Beretta or SIG.
The trigger is a bit heavy, but smooth enough. About K-frame size, feels heavier, and points okay. The cylinders are recessed and the trigger has a curved face with serrations.
I did a Google search, but haven't found much.

Does anybody have any information on reliability? Wil it take any common speedloaders? The K-frame speedloaders would be ideal.

It looks like it could be a good working gun. It is blued, but not so nice that I would be concerned about it getting a bit beat up. The 3" barrel makes it handy enough.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

My newest Blue Book doesn't even show it. I saw some stuff on the web about it after a quick search.

If it's priced right and you like it I would buy it. FN makes good stuff, plus it's an oddity.

 

[Leonovicz]

I recall reading a number of years ago that the FN Barracuda was either a licensed copy of an Astra revolver or manufactured by Astra and stamped "FN." I unfortunately cannot remember where I read it.

 

[ABTOMAT]

I heard that they were an FN product mainly exported to 3rd world countries. But a very good and well made gun. Can take a 9mm cylinder. Here's one on GB:

http://froogle.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46627112#PIC

 

[Croyance]

What is the reputation of Astra revolvers and what speed loaders might this use if it is an Astra?

 

[Reed1911]

The FN Barracuda was the only revolver FN ever made, They were made a little over 20 years ago and dropped as they never sold as FN thought they would. They are not Astra's nor are they copies, they are entirly FN made. Astras BTW are actually well made revolvers, though lack the finer "smoothness" most of us expect from our guns.

If you call FN they will be happy to send you copies of the information they have and the advertisements from 20 years ago. They will be a little easy to come by for the next few months as PW Arms just imported 400 of them (they are sold out and on dealers shelves). We have a few left on the shelf for 300.00 + 20.00 S/H if anyone is interested.

 

[Croyance]

Have you played around with various speed loaders to see if there is some size compatibility? Are the 9mm cylinders available?

 

[Reed1911]

I have not had a chance to do anything with speedloaders, to be honest you are the first person to ask. As best I can tell the 9mm Cylinders are more of a collector piece than the revolver itself. I cannot locate them anywhere.

 

[Croyance]

I have found out that the K-frame .357 magnum speed loaders fit perfectly. A handy tidbit if a customer asks.