Franchi SPAS-15

Franchi SPAS-15
Type Combat shotgun
Place of origin Italy
Service history
In service 1986–present
Used by See Users
Production history
Designer Franchi
Designed 1986
Manufacturer Franchi
Produced 1986–2005
Specifications
Weight
  • 3.9 kg (8.5 lb) empty
Length
  • 1000 mm (39 in), stock extended
  • 750 mm (30 in), stock folded
Barrel length
  • 450 mm (18 in)
Cartridge 12 gauge
Action Pump-action/gas-actuated, rotating bolt [1]
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Effective firing range 40 m (130 ft)
Feed system 3, 6 or 8-round detachable box magazine

The Franchi SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.P.A..

Design

The weapon is based on the SPAS-12, and has similar pump-action/semi-automatic firing modes. In semi-automatic mode a gas piston drives a bolt carrier and rotating bolt. In pump-action mode the same components are driven by sliding the fore-end backwards. Pump-action mode is required to reliably fire low-pressure (less lethal) ammunition such as tear gas rounds or less-lethal bean bags. Switching between firing modes is done by pressing a button above the foregrip, and sliding the foregrip slightly forwards or backwards. The barrel is chrome lined and features screw-in choke tubes.[2]

Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine. The gun features a folding stock and a pistol grip safety. Amongst Italian troops the weapon is known by the nickname "La Chiave dell'Incursore" (the key of the commando) because it is used to blast the locks of closed doors.

Legality

In 1994, the United States banned the importation of the SPAS-15 with close to 180 shotguns imported, but later abolished the relevant regulations. In Canada, the SPAS-15 is classified as a Prohibited Weapon and cannot be legally owned or imported except under very limited circumstances.[3] In Italy the SPAS-15 is not subject to any kind of restriction for sale, purchase or possession, and despite no longer being in production it is still fairly common on the civilian market.

Users

See also

References

  1. ↑ Firearms, an illustrated guide to small arms of the world, di Chris McNab
  2. ↑ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 308. ISBN 0-7106-2869-2.
  3. ↑ List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Archived 11 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine., Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
  4. ↑ Juan Larrosa. "Blog de las Fuerzas de Defensa de la República Argentina". fdra.blogspot.it.
  5. ↑ "АЛМАЗ - антитерор". YouTube. 22 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Fotolog - 9º GRT no desfile de 07 de Setembro de 2005. Na foto os Policiais portam da esquerda para à direita o Fuzil Russo AK-47 (7,62x39mm), a Espingarda Cal. 12 semi-automática Franchi Spas 15 e a Espingarda da CBC cal. 12 pump-action convencional". Fotolog. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  7. ↑ "Google Sites". Sites.google.com. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  8. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
  9. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  10. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 31 July 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  11. ↑ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 17 January 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  12. ↑ "Specijalna brigada Vojske Srbije". Military World.
  13. ↑ "Photographic image" (JPG). 3.bp.blogspot.com. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
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