Franchi SPAS-15
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The Franchi 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.[1][2]
Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine.[2] 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.[2]
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.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Legality
In Italy, the SPAS-15 is a common weapon for both law enforcement and civilians.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
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 1994, the United States banned the importation of the SPAS-15 with close to 180 shotguns imported, but later abolished the relevant regulations.
Users
- Template:Country data Argentina: Used by Grupo Alacrán.[4]
- Template:Country data Brazil: Used by BOPE, BFEsp,[5] Federal Highway Police[6] and Military Police GRT unitScript error: No such module "Unsubst".. Small numbers were also acquired by Federal Police in 2002 but retired due to reliability issues.[6]
- Template:Country data India: National Security Guard.[7]
- Template:Country data Italy: 2,000 acquired in 1999 by the Italian Army.[8] Also used by the Carabinieri.[9]
- Template:Country data Israel: Israeli special forces[10]
- Template:Country data Malaysia[11]
- Template:Country data Portugal: Portuguese Army.[12]
Non-state users
See also
References
External links
- Manual
- Franchi SPAS-15 (archive) at Modern Firearms
- Franchi Homepage in English
- magazine patent
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- ↑ List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Template:Webarchive, Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
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