Laser action has been obtained in atmospheric‐pressure mixtures of 0.1% F2/2% Kr/97.9% Ar at 248.5 and 249.5 nm with electron‐beam‐controlled discharge pumping. The laser and discharge characteristics are explored as a function of discharge electric field and total mixture pressure. These preliminary measurements indicate laser output energies up to 6 mJ with a pulse length of 90 nsec. Limiting efficiencies for this laser system are discussed.