Franchi SPAS-15
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox weapon
The Franchi SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Luigi Franchi S.P.A.
DesignEdit
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.<ref name="Jones">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Walter">Template:Cite book</ref>
Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine.<ref name="Walter" /> 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.<ref name="Walter" />
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.Template:Cn
LegalityEdit
In Italy, the SPAS-15 is a common weapon for both law enforcement and civilians.Template:Cn
In Canada, the SPAS-15 is classified as a Prohibited Weapon and cannot be legally owned or imported except under very limited circumstances.<ref>List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Template:Webarchive, Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)</ref>
In 1994, the United States banned the importation of the SPAS-15 with close to 180 shotguns imported, but later abolished the relevant regulations.
UsersEdit
- Template:Flag: Used by Grupo Alacrán.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Flag: Used by BOPE, BFEsp,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Flag: National Security Guard.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Flag: 2,000 acquired in 1999 by the Italian Army.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Also used by the Carabinieri.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Flag: Israeli special forces<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Flag: Portuguese Army.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Manual
- Franchi SPAS-15 (archive) at Modern Firearms
- Franchi Homepage in English
- magazine patent