By: Friedrich Seiltgen

Copyright © 2022

The Franchi SPAS – 12 was one of the most iconic firearms produced. The weapon was introduced in 1979 by Italian firearm manufacturer Luigi Franchi S.p.A. The SPAS-12 was designed as a military combat shotgun and was designated as Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun – 12. By the end of production in 2000, approximately 37,000 units had been produced.

The SPAS-12 was a combination pump-action, semi-automatic, which featured a magazine cut-off that prevented another round from chambering while the action cycled. This allowed the operator to transition to a different type of round without first unloading the chambered round.

Another feature of this iconic gun was the folding buttstock with a hook. When extended, the hook could be turned to the right or left and sat under the operator’s forearm. This gave the shooter support when shooting with one hand.

In 1990 as a result of the George H.W. Bush gun ban, the SPAS – 12 was renamed the Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun – 12 and was produced as a fixed-stock, sporting-purpose shotgun. In 1994 the Federal Assault Weapons Ban signed by Bill Clinton ended the importation of the SPAS -12. The SPAS -12 remained in production until 2000 when Franchi ended production and focused on producing the SPAS-15, which was a box-fed shotgun nicknamed, “La Chiave dell’Incursore” (the key of the commando) because it was used to breach doors by Italian Commandos.

Due to its unique, aggressive look, the SPAS – 12 ended up being featured in television shows, video games, and movies. I know Gunpowder readers are familiar with the SPAS-12 used in the Terminator movies. It’s also been produced in airsoft and Nerf models.

Throughout the years, the SPAS-12 was produced in different variations such as the fixed stock version with a six-round capacity to pacify politicians and other assorted miscreants.

In 1987 Franchi was bought by the Socimi company in Milan. When the company went bankrupt, the assets were acquired by Beretta Holdings.

Although its lifespan was short, the SPAS-12 will go down as an icon in the firearms world.

SPECIFICATIONS

Action Type: dual-mode pump action/gas operated semi-automatic

Caliber: 12 gauge

Magazine capacity: 5-8 depending on magazine extension

Sights: non-adjustable circular aperture rear, blade front.

Barrel Length: 21.5 inches

Overall Length: 41 inches with stock extended

Weight: 9.5 lbs.

MSRP: N/A, $1,500 average price for used models

URL: N/A

That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article Ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”

Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counter Strategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Floridajolt.com, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].