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Franchi SPAS-15



Overview


SPAS-15

A SPAS-15 magazine fed shotgun in service with South Korean forces.
Source: South Korean internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Italy
Type
Shotgun
Entered service
1986
Status
In service
Development
1984
Developer
Italy - Franchi
Production
1986 - 2005
Producer
Italy - Franchi
Unit cost
About $ 1.500 in 2005

Description


Introduction

The SPAS-15 is a combat shotgun of Italian origin. It was developed for law enforcement and military use. Essentially the SPAS-15 is an improvement over the earlier SPAS-12 by adding magazine feed. It retains the ability for semi-automatic and pump-action operation.

Design

Externally the SPAS-15 looks like an assault rifle due the box magazines, carrying handle and forearm. The SPAS-15 differs from the SPAS-12 in its rotating bolt short gas piston operation. The receiver is made of aluminum and the furniture uses a lot of plastics. Early versions had a fixed plastic or folding metal stock. Late versions have a plastic folding stock.

Firepower

The SPAS-15 is a semi-automatic shotgun that allows for pump-action operation when using low powered ammunition. It fires 12 ga shells of 2.75-inch length from 6 round detachable magazines. Additionally 3 or 8 round magazines are available.

Users

The SPAS-15 was sold to various military and law enforcement units. The Italian army adopted it for peacekeeping missions. Italian special forces rejected it for its size.

Details


SPAS-15

Late model SPAS-15 with folding stock.
Source: Franchi - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the SPAS-15

The SPAS-15 comes in only one version. Early versions were available with plastic fixed stock or a foldable metal tube stock. Later versions had a folding plastic stock.

Facts SPAS-15
General
Origin
Italy
Type
Shotgun
Caliber
Caliber
12ga 2.75", no magnum shells
Magazine
3, 6 or 8 round detachable box
Barrel length
450 mm
Rifling
Smooth bore
Operation
Action
Gas operated or pump action
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic or pump-action
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed or foldable
Length
1.00 m / 0.75 m
Width
49 mm
Height
267 mm without magazine
Weight
3.9 kg empty
Sights
Type
Iron sights
Sight radius
0.4 m