SPAS-15

Description

Based on the earlier SPAS-12, in 1986 Franchi updated their revolutionary ‘combat shotgun’ design to create a less bulky weapon that was more suitable for law enforcement/military use.

To do this they adopted an ‘assault rifle’ styled design, which allowed them to implement a detachable box magazine and overall reduced the weight by 0.5kg.

As per the SPAS-12, the semi-automatic action makes the SPAS-15 the perfect weapon for gaining entry into fortified buildings, allowing for door hinges and locks to be removed at speed to maintain the element of surprise. Whilst the box magazine feed system allows the operator to reload the weapon at speed, as opposed to the time consuming reloading of an internal tube magazine, found on standard shotguns.

With the aid of its foregrip pump-action mode, low power shells, such as tear gas or non-lethal options such as bean bag rounds could also be utilized.

In all a popular weapon, currently in service Italian, Israeli, Indian and Chinese Special Forces. As well as countless South American Police ‘SWAT’ style units.