| SPAS-15 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Combat shotgun |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Franchi S.p.A. |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.9 kg (8.5 lb) empty |
| Length |
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| Barrel length | 450 mm (18 in) |
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| Cartridge | 12 gauge |
| Caliber | 18.53 x 70 mm (2.75 in) smooth bore |
| Action | Pump-action / gas-actuated, rotating bolt [1] |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Effective 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..
Contents |
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.
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.