“The Franchi SPAS-12 is a combat shotgun manufactured by Italian firearms company Franchi from 1979 to 2000.”
―Unit: Classified description.
General Information[]
The Franchi SPAS-12 is a combat shotgun manufactured by Italian firearms company Franchi from 1979 to 2000, notable for its ability to switch between semi-automatic and pump-action. It was generally sold to military and police forces, though many were sold on the civilian market as well.
Its imposing appearance and its purpose as a military shotgun led to imports of the SPAS-12 to the U.S. being stopped by the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, despite it being renamed to the "Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun" (for which it most certainly was not designed).
In-game Information[]
It is the second fastest firing shotgun in the game. Holding down LMB will allow this weapon to be fired in a pseudo-full-auto state. Most players should be able to get a kill with this weapon. However, if you empty out the magazine, an extremely long 5.5 second reload time will have to be endured. This rarely happens though because it does massive damage per round despite not being a one-hit kill. Players should keep note of the spread as it increases when fired continuously. Most players will get a kill before having to go through an empty reload.
Pros & Cons[]
Pros:
- Fast rate of fire for a shotgun.
- 1-by-1 reloading allows topping off.
- High magazine size for a shotgun.
- Dominates in close range.
Cons:
- High ammo consumption rate.
- Very slow 5.5-second empty reload time.
- Low damage per pellet.
- High pellet spread upon continuous shots.
Tips[]
- The SPAS-12's bullet spread is actually more vertical instead of horizontal. This will make it easier to pick off individual opponents.
- It may look tempting, but it is recommended to not use this weapon while approaching an enemy from a distance, especially since you only deal 8 damage per pellet.
- Use your Knife to get closer to opponents and then switch back to the SPAS-12 once you're confident you can take them out in under 3 shots.
- If it's impossible to close the distance, space out your shots instead of spamming to deal respectable damage. A teammate that's nearer to your target can get you an assist.
Trivia[]
- The SPAS-12 was once formerly known as the "Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun", although the US Assault Weapons Ban led to the renaming of it to the "Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun". It was first developed as a combat shotgun.
- When finishing the reload, the character animation appears to use the chamber to charge the weapon, unlike before, which appears to use the fore-grip to cock the weapon instead of using the chamber.
- The SPAS-12 can actually be changed from semi-automatic to pump-action, to allow it to reliably cycle low-pressure rounds such as beanbag shells and tear gas rounds.
- This is the signature weapon for Shock Force, Rioter, Punk Rioter and Breacher.
- This weapon is tied with the Barrett for the 4th longest reload time, with 5.5 seconds, only surpassed by the MG42 with a 5.75 second reload time, the Musket with a 6-seconds reload time, and the Dual Volcanics with an 18-second reload time. However, you can fire while reloading.
- The SPAS-12, XM1014, and the Inertial Shotgun are the only semi-automatic shotguns in the game.
- In the Anniversary Update, the damage was buffed from 6 to 8.
- The SPAS-12 model and animations were previously taken from Typical Colors 2, where it is known as the "Deathblow", being a secondary weapon for the Trooper, Arsonist and Brute.
- Despite the SPAS-12 in Arsenal being semi-automatic, the Typical Colors 2 variant is pump action.
- The model also uses the Tokyo Marui company version of the Franchi SPAS 12.
- Despite the SPAS-12 in Arsenal being semi-automatic, the Typical Colors 2 variant is pump action.
- The firing sound effect used for this weapon was taken from the Panic Attack in Team Fortress 2.
- The model in-game has it's folding stock removed.
- The SPAS in game reloads a shell without using the carrier latch button
Gallery[]
Audio (Outdated)[]
Weapon History[]
- 11/27/18: Added into the Mega Update of Arsenal.
- 11/27/19: Buffed damage from 6 to 8.
- 10/31/21: Added new sounds
