Franchi SPAS-15
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1986
Also known as: Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun 15
Overview
The Franchi SPAS-15 is an Italian 12-gauge dual-mode combat shotgun and the successor to the SPAS-12. Like its predecessor it can switch between gas-operated semi-automatic fire and manual pump action, but it replaces the tube magazine with a detachable box magazine, allowing rapid changes between lethal and less-lethal ammunition. It features a folding stock, a chrome-lined barrel with interchangeable choke tubes, an ambidextrous paddle magazine release and an integral carry handle housing the rear sight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Folded Length | 750 mm (29.53") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Dual Mode |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Dual Mode Gas Pump, Detachable Box Magazine, Folding Stock, Interchangeable Choke Tubes, Chrome Lined Barrel, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Integral Carry Handle Sight, Grenade Launcher Capable
Variants
- Franchi SPAS-15 (Fixed Stock) — Fixed Stock
Service history
Operators
- Italian Armed Forces · adopted 1999
- Arma dei Carabinieri
- Brazilian Armed Forces
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Serbian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1986-2005
No total production figure published; US imports were tiny (roughly 50-180 units)
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Discontinued: 2005
Notes
Pump-action mode exists primarily to cycle low-pressure less-lethal rounds such as tear gas and beanbag loads that may not reliably operate the gas system. Only an estimated 50 to 180 units reached the United States before the 1989 import restrictions, making it extremely rare on the US civilian market.
Background
The SPAS-15 was developed largely at the request of Italy's Folgore Parachute Brigade, who wanted a shotgun that could switch instantly between lethal and less-lethal ammunition via quick-change box magazines, driving the move away from the SPAS-12's fixed tube magazine.