Introduction
The SPAS-12 is a pump-action shotgun designed by Franchi, a well-known Italian firearms company. Introduced in the late 1970s, it features dual functionality: a semi-automatic mode for standard cartridges and a manual pump-action mode for low-pressure ammunition. It is a unique weapon – powerful, versatile and visually striking – that has left its mark on the modern history of tactical weapons. Its aggressive appearance, combined with its great robustness, has made the SPAS-12 a classic of intervention forces, cinema and video games.
History of SPAS-12
Development and innovation
In the late 1970s, the need for a versatile shotgun was felt by security forces around the world. The limitations of conventional shotguns, notably their inability to fire non-lethal or low-pressure cartridges effectively in semi-automatic mode, prompted Franchi to design a new model.
The SPAS-12 (Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun) was born of this desire for innovation. It is presented as a dual-mode shotgun, capable of rapidly switching between smooth semi-automatic and pump-action manual operation when required. This unique mechanism enables it to fire a wide variety of ammunition, from lethal bullets to tear-gas cartridges.
The SPAS-12 was in continuous production from 1979 to 2000, with various variants, mainly based on the stock (folding, fixed, with shoulder hook), barrel finish and presence or absence of muzzle brake.
Adoption and use
The SPAS-12 has been adopted by various police units and special forces, although its distribution has remained limited due to its weight and mechanical complexity.
It has become extremely popular in pop culture:
Very present in action films such as Terminator and Jurassic Park.
Integrated into numerous video games such as Call of Duty, Rainbow Six and Counter-Strike.
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | SPAS-12 |
| Gauge | 12/70 (12 gauge) |
| Weight | 4.4 kg (with ammunition) |
| Overall length | 1,045 mm (unfolded stock) |
| Barrel length | 546 mm |
| Capacity | 8+1 cartridges |
| Firing modes | Semi-auto / Manual (pump) |
| Materials | Steel, polymer, aluminum |
| Special features | Folding stock, muzzle brake |
Ergonomics and design
The SPAS-12 is designed for tactical efficiency and robustness. Several elements contribute to its unique design:
Dual firing mode: the mechanical selector on the front of the handguard enables the user to quickly switch from semi-auto to pump mode.
Folding stock with shoulder hook: designed for easy transport and one-handed shooting if required, particularly in vehicles or confined areas.
Muzzle brake: limits muzzle rise when firing in bursts, improving control.
Solid structure: the body is made of thick steel, guaranteeing strength and durability, but also increasing overall weight.
Complex maintenance: compared to simpler models such as the Remington 870, the SPAS-12 requires more rigorous cleaning, due to its dual-function mechanism.
This design makes it formidable in short, intense contexts, but less suited to prolonged or mobile use.
Comparison with other shotguns
| Model | Capacity | Firing modes |
|---|---|---|
| SPAS-12 | 8+1 | Semi-auto / Manual |
| Benelli M3 | 7+1 | Semi-auto / Manual |
| Remington 870 | 7+1 | Manual only |
Among its direct competitors, only the Benelli M3 also offers a dual function. The SPAS-12 is heavier, but also more iconic, thanks to its design and cultural reputation.
Contemporary use
Today, the SPAS-12 is no longer produced, but it retains a strong collector’s value. It is eagerly sought after by gun enthusiasts, marksmen and lovers of military culture.
Collection: Some rare variants with original markings or in perfect condition can fetch high prices on the second-hand arms market.
Leisure shooting: Despite its weight, it is still appreciated for its shooting power and spectacular appearance.
Filming objects: Always used as props in action films or re-enactments.
Cultural references: It symbolizes an era of modern armaments, when mechanical innovation also involved original concepts.
Conclusion
The SPAS-12 is much more than a tactical shotgun. It represents a bold vision of innovation in weaponry, with a rare dual functionality and a strong visual identity. Although it was never widely used in the field, it left a deep imprint on the collective imagination. Today, it is a symbol of power, style and efficiency, and remains etched in history as one of the most iconic shotguns ever conceived.
