Franchi SPAS-15

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
Side-view of Franchi SPAS-15
TypeCombat shotgun
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1986–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerFranchi
Designed1986
ManufacturerFranchi
Produced1986–2005
Specifications
Mass
  • 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)
Cartridge12 gauge
ActionPump-action/gas-actuated, rotating bolt[1]
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Effective firing range40 m (130 ft)
Feed system3 or 6-round detachable box magazine[2]

Design
The Franchi SPAS-15, a smoothbore shotgun, used by the Italian Army.

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.[3]

Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine. The gun features either a fixed black wooden stock or a side folding metal stock. Both had the same 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.[4] In Italy, the SPAS-15 is a common weapon for both law enforcement and civilians.

Users

See also

References
  1. Firearms, an illustrated guide to small arms of the world, di Chris McNab
  2. Franchi SPAS-15 Manual (PDF). p. 2.
  3. Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 308. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  4. List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Archived 11 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
  5. "wiw_sa_argentina - worldinventory". 24 November 2016. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  6. "wiw_sa_brazil - worldinventory". 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  7. "The Brazilian truckers strike: PRF firearms in use -". The Firearm Blog. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  8. http://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/597178/nsg-gets-shot-arm-grenade.html. Retrieved 16 January 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. "Arma dei Carabinieri - Home - l'Arma - Oggi - Armamento - Armamento speciale - Fucile ad anima liscia Franchi SPAS 15 MIL". Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  11. "Isayeret.com | the Israeli Special Forces Database". Archived from the original on 31 July 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  12. (PDF). 17 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160117213826/http://www.exercito.pt/meios/Documents/media_MeiosOp/Armamento/ESP%20CA%C3%87%20SEMI-AUT%20FRANCHI-SPAS.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2018. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)


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