Franchi Model PA (Series)

Pump-Action Tactical Shotgun

Italy | 1990

"The Italian Franchi Model PA series of shotguns arrived in two distinct tactical forms."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/15/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Franchi PA is a modern pump-action shotgun developed by the Italian concern of Franchi primarily for law enforcement use. The series was derived from the SPAS-12 but designed along the lines of improved compactness, reduced weight and controlled production costs which remain prized qualities of any firearm to date. Work on the shotgun began during the 1980s and resulted in a wholly conventional weapon which relied on the proven manual pump-action mechanism featured in many other shotguns prior. The end-product proved a reliable, versatile weapon capable of firing lethal and non-lethal ammunition. However, the weapon has since found only a few global takers in Italy and Spain.

The PA series was born through the original "PA-7" model. This featured a clean rectangular metal receiver with right side ejection port and integral grip with shoulder stock. The smoothbore barrel was mounted over the tube magazine which managed 12 gauge ammunition in a 5- or 7-round count form. The pump slide was ribbed in the usual way for better gripping and seated over the magazine tube for easy access. Bringing the slide rearwards cleared the firing chamber of spent shells (through a mechanical ejection process) while introducing a fresh shell from the available spring-loaded tube magazine. The PA-7 was given a solid wooden shoulder stock and a sighting aperture was fitted just aft of the muzzle. Available barrel lengths were 18.5" and 24".

The PA-8 was the dedicated tactical police version which lacked the wooden shoulder stock. Instead, this assembly was replaced by a stand-alone plastic pistol grip. The stock was a foldable metal unit which could lay over the receiver (as in the SPAS-12 series). All other functionality remained faithful to the PA-7 and, again, barrel lengths of 18.5" and 24" were featured. The PA-8 was manufactured through the PA-8E and PA-8L models with subtle differences in between.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Franchi Model PA (Series). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,020 mm
40.16 in
O/A Length

610 mm
24.02 in
Barrel Length

6.83 lb
3.10 kg
Weight

Manually-Actuated Pump-Action Slide
Action

12-gauge
Caliber(s)

5+1 or 7+1 Round Tubular Magazine
Feed

Forward Iron
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Franchi Model PA (Series) Pump-Action Tactical Shotgun family line.

PA7 - Varnished rifle-style wooden buttstock

PA8 - Hard plastic pistol-style grip

PA8E - Hard plastic pistol-style grip; fixed buttstock; 18.5- or 24-inch barrel lengths.

PA8I - Up-and-Over folding metal stock; 18.5- or 24-inch barrel lengths.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Franchi Model PA (Series). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Franchi S.p.A. - Italy

[ Italy; Spain ]

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Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

CLOSE SUPPORT

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

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Going Further...
The Franchi Model PA (Series) Pump-Action Tactical Shotgun appears in the following collections:

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