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Franchi SPAS-12

1979 COLD WAR MODERN

Franchi SPAS-12 History

The Franchi SPAS-12 is a 12 caliber semi-automatic shotgun known for its variable firing method, which can be operated in pneumatic, semi-automatic (with auto-reloading) mode, or a manual pump/slide action system. Thus, the SPAS-12 can fire up to four rounds per second in the first mode, and its dual-mode system is managed by a two-position selector close to the fore grip.

The SPAS-12 was specifically designed as a combat shotgun and riot control, but was eventually marketed as a civilian sports system. Production of the series was led by Luigi Franchi Development (Franchi S.p.A) in Brescia, Italy, known for high-quality shotguns - from 1979 to 2000, including worldwide operators Austria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States.

The Franchi company was eventually sold to Milan's SOCIMI, which declared bankruptcy in 1993, leaving Franchi under the experienced leadership of the renowned Beretta group. Its majestic appearance made it a popular gun in Hollywood movies such as "The Terminator," "3,000 Miles to Graceland," "Underworld," and "Jurassic Park."

Despite its futuristic appearance and dual-function firing mode, the overall design of the SPAS-12 is somewhat traditional. The shoulder rest (removable wood, plastic or folded metal) is conveniently placed in the rear behind the pistol grip, and the trigger system is protected by an elongated ring. The receiver is roughly rectangular, with clear lines throughout, and there is a cartridge ejection port on the right side. Perhaps its most obvious design element is the SPAS-12's front handguard/slider, which wraps around a tubular magazine mounted under the barrel.

The grenades are fed into the tubular magazine one at a time. Sights and muzzle accessories are optional, expanding the weapon's tactical range. General iron sighting is achieved through the rear port and front blade assembly. In addition to the warheads and cluster munitions common to shotguns, the SPAS-12 can also fire "non-lethal" munitions for counterinsurgency purposes - so it is of interest to security parties.

Despite being fitted with an integrated lever safety, issues with the system led to a product recall.

The SPAS-12 line has barely changed, the early form was indeed done with a fully detachable wooden stock, but this eventually gave way to the more common foldable metal version. Later, synthetic shafts were also offered. The metal version can also be fitted with an optional folding shoulder strap for improved one-handed shooting - although this has been considered by most to be impractical given the sheer weight and recoil of the weapon.

The SPAS-12 series was later found to have 18 and 24 inch barrel systems and 5, 6 and 8 rounds of ammunition.

The SPAS-12 attempted to break through the civilian sporting gun market, but the system ultimately proved too bulky and often too complex for large hunting or competition, and due to its very "militaristic" character, the shotgun was eventually abandoned for import Banned in the US (high ammo count, semi-automatic fire mode, heat shield for continuous fire, etc...). Franchi ended production of their SPAS-12 in 2000 due to the remoteness of the US gun market and limited global interest.

However, lessons learned from design and development were incorporated into the later SPAS-15 series of automatic shotguns.

On the military market, the Franchi SPAS-12 found the home of the Austrian anti-terrorist unit EKO Cobra. Likewise, Indonesia deployed SPAS-12 and its special operations teams Komando Pasukan Katak and Komando Pasukan Khusus. Malaysia assigns shotguns to its special operations forces, and Bangladesh buys them in bulk for its presidential special security forces.

In the United States, SWAT teams were once allowed to use the SPAS-12, but the shotgun never found a permanent military base in the U.S. military.

By the way, the acronym SPAS-12 stands for "Sports Use Automatic Shotgun", a psychological effort by Franchi S.p. A. To offset import bans and other restrictions in several countries by making the weapon appear to be a "sport" system rather than an obvious one.

Regardless of its limitations and range, the SPAS-12 continues to be one of the most iconic shotguns in history.