Manufacturer : Franchi (Now a part of Beretta)
Type : SPAS (Originally stood for Special Purpose Assault Shotgun later "corrected" to Sporting Purpose [someting] Shotgun)
Came in
SPAS-12 : Semi/Pump, vertical pistol grip, tube magazine. Folding stock available (later banned).
SPAS-15 : Semi/Pump, v grip, detachable box mag.
SPAS-16 : Same as -15 but capable of Full-Auto.
Then there's the SAS-12, Pump only version and the LAW-12, Semi only version.
Semi and Full operation is gas assisted. The hook on the folder can be used as a carry handle when the stock is folded on top and as a brace under your shooting arm (outstretched) when shooting one handed (if you can with that 9 pound behemuth). Accessories include modified, improved, full and special shot diverter chokes. Mag extensions came in +1 (it think) and +3.
A very impressive (and intimidating) looking shotgun but very heavy, bulky, and long. A better choice would be a Benelli M3SuperDuper90. Also an Auto/Pump and a couple pounds lighter. You do lose one round in the mag, though. haven't priced them lately but they went for ~$600-$700 in 1989/90(fixed stock, this is around when the folding stock ban took effect).
- Ron V.
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