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Franchi SPAS-12

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The Franchi SPAS-12 is a high performance combat shotgun designed manufactured by the Italian company Franchi S.p.A..
Date of Design (year): 
1979
Barrel Length (mm): 
546
Weight Empty (kg): 
4.4
Effective Range (meters): 
40
Headline: 

The Franchi SPAS-12 is a high performance combat shotgun designed manufactured by the Italian company Franchi S.p.A..

The SPAS-12 was developed and designed during the 1970s as a law enforcement or semi-automatic military shotgun. Production of the shotgun began in October 1979. The Franchi PAS-12 can function on two distinct settings. The first setting is "automatic" (more accurately, semi automatic, self-loading) - the foregrip of the shotgun is locked forward and a unique gas system loads the next round without any additional effort from the operator. In automatic mode, the gun is capable of firing around 4 rounds per second, one round per each trigger pull. The second setting of the shotgun is pump-action - the foregrip of the weapon must be manually pumped back and forth smoothly after every shot to eject the used shell and load a fresh round from the internal magazine. Pump Action mode is mandatory to reliably fire low-pressure ammunition such as the less lethal bean bags or the more lethal tear gas rounds. Switching between firing modes on the shotgun is performed by pressing a small button under the foregrip, and sliding the foregrip slightly backwards or forwards until it clicks into position.

The SPAS-12 also has an exclusive magazine cut-off feature that, when activated, disallows the loading of a fresh round from the internal magazine when the slide is opened. This feature permits the operator to load a specialized round into the distinct chamber without emptying the entire magazine first. Early Franchi SPAS-12 models additionally featured a lever-type safety, but this feature often tended to malfunction. The lever safety was later replaced by a reliable push-button safety.

In 1983, the gun was introduced to the United States, where it was marketed as a sporting shotgun to help bypass laws that would normally label it as illegal for civilian ownership. As a result, the SPAS acronym officially stands for "Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun". However, military-oriented features like a heavy heat shield for sustained fire increase the weight of the weapon to the point where it can become unwieldy for hunting or competition shooting. For this reason, there exist popular reinterpretations of the acronym, such as "Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun" or "Special Purpose Assault Shotgun".

Legal Status in the United States

US firearm laws, in recent years, have universally blocked the importation of the SPAS-12 shotgun, because the shotgun fits under the profile of a military shotgun (which is defined as an illegal destructive device). Transfers and re-sales within the country are generally unobstructed, but few SPAS-12s are being imported from foreign countries. Additionally, in 2000 Franchi stopped production of the SPAS-12 altogether, and Franchi has since shifted its entire marketing focus towards the new and improved SPAS-15. Together, these drastic events have made the SPAS-12 a true collector's item both in the United States and abroad.

73 Comments

1 year 51 weeks ago, 8:37 AM

Anonymous

I have almost everything for sale...No lower receiver...,but I have :
1. Pistol grip and folding stock WITH HOOK.
2. Spas 12 Barrel with Choke...and a lot more.
This is a spas 12 with early numbers AA06XXX. If you are interested in parts for your SPAS 12,please email me.
Thank you,
Marc

1 year 46 weeks ago, 11:34 AM

Anonymous

When I inspected my buffer, it crumbled. Have you any idea where I can get one? I cant find spas12.com's web page anymore.

1 year 33 weeks ago, 9:18 AM

DukeScout

DukeScout's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Apr 2008

The best I have ever seen is Chris' at: SPAS12.com

1 year 46 weeks ago, 9:34 AM

Anonymous

looking for a pistol grip both sides the gun was droped!
thanks BILL

1 year 45 weeks ago, 3:46 AM

Anonymous

I have a pistol grip I could sell you. I had another but sold that. It's now a rare item and I had to pay a lot for it about 5 years ago so I'm afraid it would be expensive, but at least I have one.
Send me your email address and I'll send you a photo if you like.
Which country are you in?

1 year 36 weeks ago, 12:53 PM

bushhogbill

bushhogbill's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Mar 2008

Ed send me a photo of the grips and price! I live in ohio thanks Bill my email address is billl@defabco.com

1 year 46 weeks ago, 9:06 AM

Anonymous

I saw your post on gunslot.com about your spas-12 for sale. I have been looking to buy one for a while and was wondering if you could send me some pics of the one you have, i'd also like to know how much you're asking.

Thanks

1 year 45 weeks ago, 6:34 PM

Anonymous

I have a SPAS-12 brand new in the box, never fired.

Make me an reasonable offer. All offers concidered.

Thanks

1 year 45 weeks ago, 8:17 AM

Anonymous

i am intrested in finding out what you are trying to get for you spas 12.

1 year 42 weeks ago, 6:39 PM

Anonymous

HELLO, WITH THE FOLDING STOCK/HOOK???? IF IT DOES CALL ME AT 813-968-2878 IN THE DAY... THANKS EVAN......

1 year 39 weeks ago, 3:54 PM

Anonymous

Do you still have the SPAS for sale?

1 year 37 weeks ago, 7:32 PM

Anonymous

I have a brand new law 12 by "spas". I should have bought a spas-12 when i bought this law -12. What are you asking for your spas-12? My law-12 is still in the box and haver been fired.

1 year 36 weeks ago, 10:26 AM

Anonymous

Hey i was wondering if you still had that Spas 12 im looking to buy one, money is not a problem finding one is lol thanks.

1 year 36 weeks ago, 4:46 PM

Anonymous

How much do you want for your SPAS-12?

1 year 35 weeks ago, 11:07 AM

sportpro448

sportpro448's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Mar 2008

I was also wondering the asking price, im looking for the spas12 also. I can offer a trade and or money.
Thanks
Jamieson

51 weeks 3 days ago, 8:07 PM

gonzowitz

gonzowitz's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Nov 2008

do you still have your spas for sale if you do what price do you what to sell it for.

33 weeks 3 days ago, 12:20 PM

lalonga

lalonga's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Apr 2009

I am selling a SPAS 12. Folding with hook and fixed stocks included, barrel choker, both magazines, push button safety,front sight is the one all the way to the front. IS used but in very good conditions, less than 200 shots fired.
Will sell for $2,250 or trade for STI or SVI pistol. Anyone interested email me at prtrainingsolutions@yahoo.com

1 year 45 weeks ago, 7:42 PM

Anonymous

I will be putting the following parts on Ebay ..soon..:
1. pistol grip and folding stock with butt plate and HOOK.,
2. Barrel with RARE OPTIONAL VARIO CHOX
3. Trigger assembly ( complete ),
4. Springs,handguard,forehand.,rear and front sight
and if anyone have any questions or offers,please e-mail me...at marcdesfosses@yahoo.ca

1 year 44 weeks ago, 10:49 PM

Anonymous

if you still have the pistolgrip with the folding stock write me back and i will buy

1 year 42 weeks ago, 1:19 AM

Anonymous

Do you still have Spas 12 folding stock?

How much?

1 year 41 weeks ago, 10:22 AM

Anonymous

If you have one you want to sell ,I am really needing one ,if you need to email me my email adddress is gyoung2993@charter.net, thank you and God Bless

1 year 35 weeks ago, 4:49 PM

nsw550

nsw550's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Mar 2008

What vario chokes do you have?

1 year 33 weeks ago, 9:14 AM

DukeScout

DukeScout's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Apr 2008

Jettagl90, (Marc) I need the chokes!

1 year 30 weeks ago, 5:42 PM

Lonewolf1722

Lonewolf1722's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Apr 2008

Hello,
I recently created an account on this site and saw that you are selling parts for early model SPAS 12's. I am missing the stock fastener and stock fastener washer for mine. If you still have these parts are you willing to sell just them? If so, please write back and I'm sure we can come to a reasonable price. Thank you for your time.

-Kris-

1 year 28 weeks ago, 8:24 PM

sportpro448

sportpro448's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Mar 2008

how much for the pistol grip stock and hook

1 year 20 weeks ago, 1:58 PM

Anonymous

I really would like to buy a folding stock and hook for my spas 12. If you have these email q7cd@aol.com or call 575-202-9576. I will pay good money!
thank you
-Seth

1 year 20 weeks ago, 5:35 PM

Anonymous

Marc, how much do you want for the folding stock ?
Carl Ward

1 year 10 weeks ago, 1:07 PM

wilcam47

wilcam47's picture

Rank:
Major
Points:
47
Join Date:
Sep 2008
Location:
md

I know this is an old post but do you still have parts? let me know thanks!

1 year 10 weeks ago, 12:57 PM

tutu 02

tutu 02's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Sep 2008

Hi Marc !

Hope it's not too late...

I'm interested in your folding stock for my spas 12, because I just broke the gum part around the axis of the shoulder plate today.

Pls keep me posted if yours is still for sale and at what price.

Best regards

Stephan
from Geneva, Switzerland.

Stephan
1 year 9 weeks ago, 8:25 PM

ghostrider3

ghostrider3's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Sep 2008

i am in need of a few spas 12 parts.
1. full stock (plastic)
2. safety

18 weeks 2 days ago, 7:06 AM

bubby

bubby's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Jul 2009

I need a hand guard for my spas 12

15 weeks 5 days ago, 12:33 AM

DEATHx117x

DEATHx117x's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Aug 2009

do you still have the folding stock? because if you do, i'm very intrested in buying it! :)

5 weeks 1 day ago, 7:22 PM

cannonfodder

cannonfodder's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Oct 2009

I need the hook, pistol grip,the rubber bumper in the receiver, I'd probably take all you got. Write me back here with your email address,

1 year 45 weeks ago, 8:43 AM

toms_stuff32

toms_stuff32's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Jan 2008

I have a Used Spas 12 with the hook that I am trying to sell.
email me at toms_stuff32@yahoo.com

1 year 41 weeks ago, 10:08 AM

Anonymous

If you still have one ,I am interested in buying one .Let me know if you are still wanting to sell

1 year 40 weeks ago, 2:26 AM

Anonymous

Looking for a folding stock w/ pistol grip for spas 12. Will settle for just the pistol grip if anyone has one. email me with pics and price.

1 year 36 weeks ago, 10:03 PM

Anonymous

I am looking for SPAS handguard and pump grip.will accept ANY condition!
one mans garbage is another mans gold.

1 year 35 weeks ago, 5:04 PM

nsw550

nsw550's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
2
Join Date:
Mar 2008

Anyone have any of the Variomix choke tubes for the spas/sas 12?

1 year 10 weeks ago, 1:16 PM

Dr wrink

Dr wrink's picture

Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Points:
77
Join Date:
Aug 2008

Always like Spas 12 always will.

1 year 8 weeks ago, 8:51 PM

chapiro1269

chapiro1269's picture

Rank:
Sergeant
Points:
14
Join Date:
Sep 2008

i have a spas 12, im missing the pistol grip and the trigger wont click , what is that i need ?? anyone...

1 year 5 weeks ago, 12:05 AM

fordvg

fordvg's picture

Rank:
Vice President
Points:
6327
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
Fancy Farm, Kentucky, United States

Great shotgun and fun to shoot.

"WAR IS A RACKET, I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street, and for the Bankers." Major-General Smedley Darlington Butler USMC Ret. 2 time Medal of Honor winner.
1 year 5 weeks ago, 11:06 PM

trip210

trip210's picture

Rank:
Private
Points:
1
Join Date:
Oct 2008

send me a PM if interested

1 year 5 weeks ago, 1:16 PM

afourfoothitter

afourfoothitter's picture

Rank:
Brigadier General
Points:
217
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
redneckville, north kakalacliki, United States

anyone have a extra plastic full stock or wood stock for sale with all the parts i am looing for one and will pay VERY GOOD for 1 make me a offer afourfoothitter@yahoo.com

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=...

its better to burn out than fade away
1 year 5 weeks ago, 1:53 PM

Reaper308

Reaper308's picture


Rank:
Secretary of Defense
Points:
3807
Join Date:
Jun 2008

as of a few years ago... i know this guy was pretty much the only person in the country importing parts for the SPAS 12. its worth a shot...

Carlson's
720 S. Second
P.O. Box 162
Atwood, KS 67730
(785)626-3700
Fax: (785)626-3999

"Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is a muzzle flash."
1 year 5 weeks ago, 2:04 PM

afourfoothitter

afourfoothitter's picture

Rank:
Brigadier General
Points:
217
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
redneckville, north kakalacliki, United States

yea they have the stock but no buttplate or pistol grip cap so does anyone have spares of these?

its better to burn out than fade away
1 year 4 weeks ago, 2:47 PM

afourfoothitter

afourfoothitter's picture

Rank:
Brigadier General
Points:
217
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
redneckville, north kakalacliki, United States

spas 12 parts anyone got any?

its better to burn out than fade away
1 year 2 weeks ago, 3:08 PM

jaymce

jaymce's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
6
Join Date:
Nov 2008

Currently have +2 & +4 Mag extensions. Not factory but they do work.

I also have the stock shock figured out but need pin hole dia. to be sure the dia is right.

I am working on the stock buffer

and reciever shock absorbers

I am fairly cirtian I can reproduce the hook as well.

E-mail sinister_sleds@yahoo.com for pics and info.

1 year 2 weeks ago, 4:28 PM

afourfoothitter

afourfoothitter's picture

Rank:
Brigadier General
Points:
217
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
redneckville, north kakalacliki, United States

YEA I WANT ONE OF YOUR EXTENTIONS YOU SAY +4 THAT WOULD MAKE IT A NINE SHOT RIGHT

its better to burn out than fade away
1 year 2 weeks ago, 7:14 AM

jaymce

jaymce's picture

Rank:
Corporal
Points:
6
Join Date:
Nov 2008

afourfoothitter wrote:
YEA I WANT ONE OF YOUR EXTENTIONS YOU SAY +4 THAT WOULD MAKE IT A NINE SHOT RIGHT

Sent you a PM. E-mail me I can send pics and we can work out the details. Working on the washers right now to make the extensions more closely resemble the real extensions.

1 year 2 weeks ago, 11:03 AM

afourfoothitter

afourfoothitter's picture

Rank:
Brigadier General
Points:
217
Join Date:
Oct 2008
Location:
redneckville, north kakalacliki, United States

theguy from the spas 12 website is back so i dont know what your gonna do now are you gonna build a site he eraseda all the post including the ones i wrote about joining gunslot

its better to burn out than fade away

Details of Franchi SPAS-12

Department:
Shotguns
Manufacturer:
Franchi S.p.A.
Action:
Pump Action
Caliber:
12 Gauge

Rate Franchi SPAS-12

9.5 Excellent
(8 votes)
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