Franchi LAW-12
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1982
Also known as: Law-12, Franchi Law 12
Overview
The Franchi LAW-12 is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge combat shotgun produced by the Italian firm Luigi Franchi. Introduced in 1982, it is the semi-automatic-only sibling of the better-known SPAS-12, sharing the same receiver and gas system but omitting the SPAS-12's selectable pump-action capability. Marketed primarily for police and security use, it fed from a tubular magazine and was offered with a fixed stock as a simpler, lighter alternative to the dual-mode SPAS-12.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 546 mm (21.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Fixed Stock, Ghost Ring Sights, Carry Handle, Tubular Magazine
Service history
Operators
- Law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 1982-2000
Produced alongside the SPAS-12 and SAS-12; production ended around 2000.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Luigi Franchi
Discontinued: 2000
Notes
LAW-12 stands for 'Law-12'. It is mechanically the semi-automatic version of the SPAS-12; a manually operated pump-only counterpart was sold as the SAS-12.
Background
The LAW-12, SPAS-12, and SAS-12 formed a family of Franchi tactical shotguns sharing a common receiver: the SPAS-12 offered selectable pump/semi-auto action, the LAW-12 was semi-automatic only, and the SAS-12 was pump-action only.