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Franchi SPAS-15

(Redirected from SPAS 15)

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
Side-view of Franchi SPAS-15
TypeCombat shotgun
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1986–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerFranchi
Designed1984[1]
ManufacturerFranchi
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)
Cartridge12 gauge
ActionPump-action/gas-actuated, rotating bolt[2]
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Effective firing range40 m (130 ft)
Feed system3 or 6-round detachable box magazine[3]

Design

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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

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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

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Walter, John (2002). The World's Elite Forces: Small Arms and Accessories. Greenhill. p. 57. ISBN 9781853674969.
  2. ^ Firearms, an illustrated guide to small arms of the world, di Chris McNab
  3. ^ Franchi SPAS-15 Manual (PDF). p. 2.
  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)
  6. ^ "wiw_sa_argentina - worldinventory". 24 November 2016. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  7. ^ "wiw_sa_brazil - worldinventory". 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  8. ^ a b "The Brazilian truckers strike: PRF firearms in use -". The Firearm Blog. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  9. ^ "NSG gets shot in arm with grenade lobbing UAVs, dogo robo". Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ "Arma dei Carabinieri - Home - l'Arma - Oggi - Armamento - Armamento speciale - Fucile ad anima liscia Franchi SPAS 15 MIL". Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  12. ^ "Isayeret.com | the Israeli Special Forces Database". Archived from the original on 31 July 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  13. ^ Thompson, Leroy (3 December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Tactical Life. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  14. ^ "Franchi SPAS" (PDF). 17 January 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
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