Gear: SPAS-12
Product Information
SPAS-12
Franchi S.p.A.
| Category: | Firearms, Tasers & Accessories |
|---|---|
| Subcategory: | Shotguns |
| Price: | Price varies as this weapon is no longer imported into the U.S. and is no longer manufactured. |
| Average Rating: | |
| Description: | The SPAS-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun produced by the Italian firm of Franchi S.p.A. It entered production in the late 1970's as a police and military combat shotgun with two settings - an automatic mode featuring a self-loading semi-automatic setting and the base pump-action setting. The weapon system can chew off nearly 4 rounds in one second in the automatic mode, less that for the manual pump-action mode. Few variants of the base SPAS-12 exist, though some can be found featuring a shorter 5-round tubular magazine count as opposed to the 8 shot count. The system can also be featured with a full stock or the folding stock as shown. The SPAS-12 tried to break the sporting gun market in the United States but the system proved too bulky, heavy and complex for any type of big game hunting or competition. The SPAS-12 has actually been outlawed for import into America for it's very militaristic features (heat shield for sustained firing, etc...). Though no longer in production since 2000, the SPAS-12 went on to influence the later SPAS-15 series of automatic shotgun systems for Franchi. The acronym of the SPAS-12, incidentally, stands for "Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun". Basic Information: Designation: SPAS-12 Type: Combat Shotgun Manufacturer: Franchi S.p.A. - Italy Country of Origin: Italy Operation: Gas, Semi-Automatic / Pump-Action Caliber: 12-Gauge Service Year: 1979 Dimensions: Overall Length: 41 in (900 mm) Weight (Empty): 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) Weight (Loaded): Not Available |
Member Reviews
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- devildog911, Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:04:09 UTC.
Really awsome weapon. It's a bit heavy and overall bulky for a duty shotgun. But the larger capacity variants combined with the ability to be fired in both pump and semi-auto modes make up for the cumbersom size.
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- 1st review
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- dsponder1980, Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:37:23 UTC.
While I will not venture as far as saying that this is the best shotgun, it is a good weapon. I have had enough time on this one to know that I would like to own one for myself but for now I will stick to my H&K. I think that if the guys at Franchi and the guys at Beretta could get together they could build one outstanding shotgun.
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- libidibibo, Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:29:24 UTC.
THE RETRACTABLE STOCK IS A GREAT-O IDEA =]
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- EB3, Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:22:26 UTC.
I remember this gun from when I was a child. My pops used to have one until he traded it in for a new Glock. Very nice Shotgun. I would definitely like to own one of these.
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- bad_LT, Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:34:59 UTC.
Use to have one of these. Exelent shotgun
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- Srialkiller02, Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:58:34 UTC.
Awesome shotgun. Used to use this all the time in video games. But i could never find a lot of ammo for it in the levels. lol.
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- DGM, Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:56:58 UTC.
...........dude...what?
I like the fact that it is dual-mode, so you can easily employ lethal and non-lethal cartridges with the same weapon, and it has the semi-auto mode. But I would take a Benelli or 590 any day.
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- danR8, Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:43:28 UTC.
I bought mine about 14 years ago and decided it was just a really cool shotgun to have. I collect shotguns of all sizes and kinds. I found it to be a very reliable and solid built shotgun. It is however large and heavy for a regular duty shotgun. It has some unique features that I have not seen on any other shotgun. The ability to switch from Auto to pump quickly. This is a fast and easy way to clear a malfunction if you can actually get it to malfunction. As with most Italian made shotguns it is completely reliable and built with a second to none attention to detail. The craftsman ship is second to none and the finish is above average. Nice sights and comfortable. The solid composite stock with the pistol grip is actually more valuable than the more popular folding stock model. Good overall shotgun but is held back from its full potential due to its large size and weight.
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- C_Repine, Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:53:34 UTC.
Not the best shotgun out there but also not the worst. I've had 2 of these weapons over the years and the SPAS-12's have a few major drawbacks compared with other shotguns:
1. Complicated.
2. Weight.
3. 2.75 inch chamber.- Flag as inappropriate
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- GregoryCarlSchuster, Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:20:20 UTC.
I needn't go off on technical specs cause I don't know 'em for this gun, but, the is prolly the most "BA" shotgun in existence. 4 stars because of the fact that there are so few in the US and they're so gash darn expensive. Friend of the family's has one for the Montgomery Police Dept. The Man is a one man SWAT team. Ask my Bro. Dude's name is Larry.
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- max4777, Wed, 21 May 2008 02:09:08 UTC.
This baby has been in the family for 20 years. My father bought it after he saw it in the movie "Terminator". He gave it to me last year. It is a lot of fun to shoot!
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- cornmuffinbread, Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:51:36 UTC.
one of my favorites
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