Following the United States Federal Assault Weapons Ban, imports of SPAS-12 shotguns to the United States were stopped.
In 1990, Franchi renamed the shotgun the Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun, which allowed continued sales to the United States as a limited-magazine-capacity, fixed-stock model until 1994. The SPAS-12 was designed from the ground up as a rugged military shotgun, and it was named the Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun. The appearance and intended purpose of the SPAS-12 initially led to its 'military' designation as a combat shotgun. The SPAS-12 was sold to military and police users worldwide, as well as on the civilian market, and has been featured in many films, TV shows, and video games. The SPAS-12 is a dual-mode shotgun, adjustable for semi-automatic or pump-action operation. The Franchi SPAS-12 is a combat shotgun manufactured by Italian firearms company Franchi from 1979 to 2000. Tube Extension 5+1, 6+1, 7+1 and 8+1 rounds, internal tube magazine The Franchi SPAS-12 with stock folded and butt hook removed to allow for aiming with the stock folded
