Franchi SPAS-15 | |
---|---|
![]() 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 |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length |
|
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 Franchi SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.P.A.
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.
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (
link)
Franchi SPAS-15 | |
---|---|
![]() 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 |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length |
|
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 Franchi SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.P.A.
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.
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (
link)