Franchi SPAS-15

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Franchi SPAS-15
Franchi SPAS 15.png
Side-view of Franchi SPAS-15
Type Combat shotgun
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1986–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
Designer Franchi
Designed1984 [1]
Manufacturer Franchi
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)

Cartridge 12 gauge
Action Pump-action/gas-actuated, rotating bolt [2]
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Effective firing range40 m (130 ft)
Feed system3 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.

Contents

Design

The Franchi SPAS-15, a smoothbore shotgun, used by the Italian Army. SPAS15.jpg
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. [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

See also

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References

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  2. Firearms, an illustrated guide to small arms of the world, di Chris McNab
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  4. Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 308. ISBN   978-0-7106-2869-5.
  5. List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Archived 11 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine , Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
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  13. (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)