Franchi SPAS-15
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| SPAS-15 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Combat shotgun |
| Place of origin |  Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | France, Italy, Malaysia |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Franchi S.p.A. |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.9 kg (8.5 lb) empty |
| Length | 1000 mm (39 in), stock extended 750 mm (30 in), stock folded |
| Barrel length | 450 mm (18 in) |
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|
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| Cartridge | 12 gauge |
| Action | pump-action / gas-actuated |
| Rate of fire | 4 rounds/s (semi-auto) |
| Effective range | 40 m |
| Feed system | 6 rounds, detachable box magazine |
The SPAS-15 is a dual-mode 12 gauge shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Franchi S.p.A..
The weapon is based on the SPAS-12, and has similar pump-action/semi-automatic firing modes. Its design is very similar to the M16 rifle. 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 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.
Unlike its predecessor, the SPAS-15 is fed by a detachable box magazine. The gun features a folding stock and a pistol grip safety.
