Franchi SPAS-15
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 | |
|---|---|
| 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] |
Design
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]
Legality
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.
Users
Argentina: Used by Grupo Alacrán.[6]
Brazil: Used by BOPE, BFEsp,[7] Federal Highway Police[8] and Military Police GRT unit[citation needed]. Small numbers were also acquired by Federal Police in 2002 but retired due to reliability issues.[8]
India: National Security Guard.[9]
Italy: 2,000 acquired in 1999 by the Italian Army.[10] Also used by the Carabinieri.[11]
Israel: Israeli special forces[12]
Malaysia[13]
Portugal: Portuguese Army.[14]
See also
References
External links
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