Franchi SPAS-15
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| SPAS-15 | |
|---|---|
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| 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 |
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Users
Brazil: Brazilian Armed Forces.[citation needed]
Italy: Acquired in 1999 by the Italian Army.[4]
Portugal: Portuguese Army.[5]
Serbia: Special Brigade.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Firearms, an illustrated guide to small arms of the world, di Chris McNab
- ^ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 308. ISBN 0-7106-2869-2.
- ^ List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms, Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
- ^ http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031402131.pdf
- ^ http://www.exercito.pt/meios/Documents/media_MeiosOp/Armamento/ESP%20CAÇ%20SEMI-AUT%20FRANCHI-SPAS.pdf
- ^ http://militaryworld.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/specijalna-brigada-vojske-srbije/
[edit] External links
- Manual
- Franchi SPAS-15 at Modern Firearms
- Franchi Homepage in English
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