Franchi SPAS-15

Automatic Combat Assault Shotgun [ 1996 ]

The Franchi SPAS-15 was developed to replace the earlier SPAS-12 combat shotgun.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/09/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The Franchi SPAS-15 shotgun is an automatic shotgun capable of firing multiple rounds without the need for a conventional and traditional manual pump-action slide system. At the time of its inception, the shotgun type was one of the few to be considered truly automatic in the sense that the user did not need to manually actuate a pump slide to introduce a new shell into the firing chamber. The weapon could fire traditional slugs, buckshot, flechette or flare rounds from a 3- 6- or 8-round detachable box magazine.

Utilizing some of the mechanics of the preceding SPAS-12 combat shotgun a pump-action / gas-actuated system, Luigi Franchi SpA developed the new SPAS-15 family. A key differentiating factor was its ability to fire in semi-automatic mode from a detachable box magazine as opposed to a tubular magazine design. Outwardly, the SPAS-15 also took on a more "assault rifle" form consistent with automatic fire and included a long-running handle grip atop the receiver, a wire collapsible buttstock, straight magazine, pistol grip and pump-action slide foregrip. The barrel was fitted underneath the gas tube and capped with a muzzle brake. The cocking handle was fitted atop the receiver within the hand grip loop.

The SPAS-15 weighed in at 8.5lbs and sported an overall extended length of 39 inches with the collapsing buttstock decreasing its overall size to 30 inches when folded. The smooth bore barrel measured in at 18 inches while the weapon was chambered for 12 gauge shells. The fire action was completed through either a pump-action facility or gas-actuated system utilizing an internal rotating bolt mechanism. Effective range was listed up to 130 feet though accuracy was generally higher at close ranges.

Franchi has since completed all serial production of the SPAS-15 series with primary operators becoming the Italian Army, Portugal and Serbia. Many more semi-automatic and automatic shotgun forms have since entered development or the shotgun market, many with an eye on potentially lucrative military contracts.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Spas-Franchi S.p.A. - Italy

Operators

Brazil; Italy; Portugal; Serbia

Service Year

1996

National Origin

Italy

CLOSE SUPPORT
Extreme close quarters use; trench-clearing; doorbuster; security.

SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

Overall Length

1,000 mm / 39.37 in

Barrel Length

450 mm / 17.72 in

Weight (Empty)

8.60 lb / 3.90 kg

Action

Rotating Bolt; Manual Pump-Action / Gas-Actuated

ROTATING BOLT
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Caliber(s)*

12 gauge
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

3-, 6- or 8-round detachable box magazine

Sights

Optional

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

Max.Effective Range

130 ft / 39.6 m | 43.3 yds

Rate-of-Fire

4 rpm

SPAS-15 - Base Series Designation.

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