Military Wiki
SPAS-15
SPAS15
Type Combat shotgun
Place of origin Flag of Italy Italy
Service history
Used by See Users
Production history
Manufacturer Franchi S.p.A.
Produced 1986 - 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
Caliber 18.5 x 76 mmR (2.75 in) smooth bore
Action Pump-action / gas-actuated, rotating bolt [1]
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Effective firing range 40 m (130 ft)
Feed system 3, 6 or 8-round detachable box magazine

The SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.p.A..

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.[2]

Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine. The gun features a folding stock and a pistol grip safety.

Legality[]

In 1996, the United States banned the importation of the SPAS-15, but later abolished the relevant regulations. In Canada, the SPAS-15 is classified as a Prohibited Weapon and cannot be legally owned or imported except under very limited circumstances.[3] In Italy the SPAS-15 is not subject to any kind of restriction for sale, purchase or possession, and despite no longer being in production it is still fairly common on the civilian market.

Users[]

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at Franchi SPAS-15 and the edit history here.