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Franchi LAW-12
The LAW-12 is a combat shotgun developed by Italian firearms company Franchi based on their previous Franchi SPAS-12. For all intents and purposes, it is a semi-automatic-only version of the SPAS-12, retaining much of its parent weapon's receiver design, though the omission of the pump-action build greatly streamlines the forend of the shotgun, making it substantially lighter (almost 1.35lbs. less than the SPAS-12) and more ergonomic. Unlike the SPAS-12, the LAW-12's design incorporates what is known as a Quick Employment Safety, in the form of a light throw lever on the left side of the trigger block that disconnects the trigger from the action that can be disengaged by the shooting hand, allowing the user to safely carry the shotgun while in battery. Other than that, the manual safety of the LAW-12 is identical to that of the SPAS-12 and also comes in two versions.
Like the SPAS-12, the LAW-12 was also primarily targeted at law-enforcement users as a cheaper alternative to its cousin, though civilian ownership is also possible. Apart from the receiver and barrel chokes, the LAW-12 was substantially redesigned from the SPAS-12 in order to improve on its semi-automatic action, most notably the use of a two-piece gas piston, making much of the forend components incompatible with the older shotgun and vice versa. Most LAW-12s were shipped with solid stocks, though alternatives were aplenty and those made for the SPAS-12 are also compatible.
Regardless of its improvements, the LAW-12 wasn't nearly as successful as the SPAS-12 in sales. Importation of the LAW-12 into the United States ceased in 1994 following the advent of the Assault Weapons Ban, and official production stopped in 2000 shortly before the SPAS-12 was discontinued.
Specifications
(198X - 2000)
- Type: Shotgun
- Caliber(s): 12 gauge
- Weight: 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
- Length: 41.5 in (105.4 cm)
- Barrel length(s): 21.5 in (54.6 cm)
- Capacity: 8-round internal tube magazine
- Fire Modes: Semi-Auto
The LAW-12 shotgun has appeared in the following:
Film
| Title | Actor | Character | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Fire | Powers Boothe | Detective Mace Ryan | 1992 |
See Also
- Franchi - A list of all firearms manufactured by Franchi.