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Italian combat shotgun From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Franchi SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.P.A.
Franchi SPAS-15 | |
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![]() Side-view of 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 | 1984[1] |
Manufacturer | Franchi |
Produced | 1986–2005 |
Specifications | |
Mass |
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Length |
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Barrel length |
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Cartridge | 12 gauge |
Action | Pump-action/gas-actuated, rotating bolt[2] |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Effective firing range | 40 m (130 ft) |
Feed system | 3 or 6-round detachable box magazine[3] |
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.[4][1]
Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine.[1] The gun features either a fixed black wooden stock or a side folding metal stock. Both had the same pistol grip safety.
Additionally, a semi-auto only variant called SPAS-16 was manufactured in small numbers.[1]
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.[citation needed]
In Italy, the SPAS-15 is a common weapon for both law enforcement and civilians.[citation needed]
In Canada, the SPAS-15 is classified as a Prohibited Weapon and cannot be legally owned or imported except under very limited circumstances.[5]
In 1994, the United States banned the importation of the SPAS-15 with close to 180 shotguns imported, but later abolished the relevant regulations.