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The SPAS-12 is a dual-mode 12 ga. shotgun manufactured by the Italian company Franchi S.p.A..
Overview
The SPAS-12 was designed during the 1970s as a semi-automatic military/law enforcement shotgun. The SPAS acronym stands for Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun - in the United States it was marketed as a sporting shotgun to help bypass laws that would normally label it as illegal for civilian ownership. 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.
The SPAS-12 can function in two roles. The first is as a regular pump-action shotgun, where the foregrip is manually "pumped" back after every shot to eject the spent shell and load a new round from the internal magazine. The second mode is automatic (more accurately, self-loading semi-automatic), where the foregrip is locked forward and a gas system serves to load the next round without further effort from the operator. In automatic mode, the gun can expend around 4 rounds per second, one round per trigger pull.
The SPAS-12 also has an interesting feature that, when activated, prevents the loading of a new round from the internal magazine when the slide is opened. This allows the operator to load a specialized round into the chamber without going through the entire magazine first.
In recent years, US firearm laws have completely blocked the importation of the SPAS-12 shotgun, since it fits the profile of a military shotgun (an illegal destructive device). Re-sales and transfers within the country are relatively unobstructed in most states, but no more SPAS-12s are coming in across the border. Additionally, in 2000 Franchi has ceased production of the SPAS-12 altogether, and has since shifted its marketing focus towards the new SPAS-15. Due to these events, the SPAS-12 is now a collector's item in the US.
In popular culture, the SPAS-12 is the definitive pump-action shotgun. Its distinctive looks and beefy ka-chunk-chunk sound have helped it gain appearances in Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, as well as massively successful video games like Grand Theft Auto and Half-Life.
While it looks quite formidable, the SPAS-12 is surprisingly fragile due to its complex design.
Variants
The SPAS-12 comes with an optional folding stock. The stock may carry a large hook at the end, which acts as a carrying handle and can also be used to brace the weapon while firing. Full stocks are also available, as are pump-mounted tactical flashlights and lasers. Some versions of the SPAS-12 also have a shortened barrel for lower weight and better maneuverability in tight quarters. The magazines on these "shorty" variants can only accommodate 6-7 rounds.
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