Franchi SPAS-12 Shotgun

Variations, Photo Gallery, Buyer's Advice

Variations

When comparing prices, you should know there are quite a few variations which make the gun worth more or less:

• Folding metal stock (more) or one-piece polymer stock (less) or detachable wooden stock (more).  Note there are three types of folding metal stocks, see here to make sure you know what you are buying.  For full details on stocks click here.

• If a folding metal stock, is the carrying hook missing?  Many are, but they now are very expensive and hard to find genuine ones; a nice reproduction can be bought.  If it has a hook, is it original or a replacement?

• Magazine extension (more) or not (less).  The 8 round extension is almost as long as the barrel.  See Specifications above.  Is it the correct extension?  The SPAS, LAW, and SAS use different ones that will work on different guns sort of.  Is ot a metal extension or a plastic one?

• New pushbutton-type safety (more) or the old lever-type safety that was safety recalled (far less -- Lever-style safeties are very dangerous!!  Please click here before buying one!  I would not recommend that you do!!!)

• Where is the front sight located?  See the two different locations in the pictures below.  The more forward is preferred by some for the longer site radius, but I wouldn't change the price too much for it.

• What kind of Operating Handle (26)  does it have?  See this link.  I am starting to hear about a lot of the "B" handles breaking, so they are to be concerned about.

• At this time there appears to be a SPAS-12 and a SPAS-12L, the "L" version for law enforcement that always came with the folding stock and magazine extension.  Details to follow.

• Any extras?
• Mushroom-head Carrier Latch Button
• Choke Tubes
• Divertor
• Scope Mount
• Sling  (worth a fortune)
• Box
• Original Manual
• Extra Stocks

• And, of course, how seriously used is it?

If you're really after a SPAS-15, if you have to ask what they cost, you can't afford one, only 180 imported.
 

What's a "Recalled Safety" or "Lever Safety?"
You might want to know

SPAS-12 Barrel Lengths
More detail on barrel lengths and front site placement

SPAS, SAS, and LAW Stocks
What I know, so far, about the stock options for the Franchi guns.

SPAS, SAS, and LAW Magazine Tubes
They are quite different.

The "Stainless" and "Nickel" and "Marine" Silver SPAS'es
What I know, what I don't.

Prices

Ever now and then I amuse myself by seeing what the guns are selling for.  I'll share those results, these from 1/1/2011 to 4/7/2011.

I only collect prices of guns that sold, who cares about asking prices?

I can't document every detail, so I'll just give price ranges.  The Variations I list can greatly affect the price of a gun.

Also consider that some buyers want something badly and pay a bit more than they should.

And, as always -- something is worth exactly what someone else will pay for it.  Please do not write to ask me what a gun is worth.
 

Gun	Stock/Safety	Price
SPAS12	Synthetic w/Lever Safety	$704
	Synthetic w/Crossbolt Safety	$550 - $1,975
	Folder w/Lever Safety	$1,075 - $2,525
	Folderw/Crossbolt Safety	$1,000 - $2,000
SAS12	Wooden w/Lever Safety	?
	Wooden w/Crossbolt Safety	$500 - $550
	Folder w/Lever Safety	?
	Folderw/Crossbolt Safety	?
LAW12	Synthetic w/Lever Safety	$600
	Synthetic w/Crossbolt Safety	$555 - $1100
	Wooden w/Lever Safety	$705
	Wooden w/Crossbolt Safety	?
SPAS15	Folder	$6,000 - $10,525

I've yet to see a SAS12 with a synthetic stock.

Final Words and Advice

Be careful -- a used (or even just old) SPAS-12 does not always age well -- make sure the rubber shock absorber in the folding stock (Part 83) is intact, the bumper that stops the slide is intact (Part 6), and the same for the O-ring down in the gas system (Part 25A).  These are not expensive items, but pointing them out to the seller may help you get a better price.  In any case, they mean it isn't a cherry "almost NIB" if these parts are damaged.

If you buy one of these for other than an investment, be sure you know what you are getting into.  If you just want a simple, inexpensive shotgun for home defense, please buy a Remington 870 or a Winchester 12, 1200, or 1300 pump.  Just about all can be had for $200 used.

A SPAS is almost as complicated as your new VCR.  Unless you spend considerable time learning it, you will forever be tugging at things and wondering why they are locked or won't move, never quite sure which lever or knob is the right one.  And it is a heavy gun.  Do you need all that heat shielding for when the gun gets hot after 10 or 20 rounds?  Is the pushbutton lock on the loading door a pain to you, or just what you need to keep rocks out of the gun while crawling around with it?

If you are not prepared to drill with it for many hours until its use becomes second nature to you, then don't buy it for self defense use!  A 1/2 second puzzle from a gun can mean your life!  Don't get me wrong -- it is one hell of a devastating weapon if you learn how to use it, it has many good features that take all this learning  -- but will you really make that commitment?

Last note -- don't buy a lever safety gun unless you plant to part it out for the stock, etc.