Very Nice Pump-Action Shotgun Franchi – Mod. SAS 12 – Caliber 12/76 – Smooth Mirror Barrel – 8 Rounds (7+1) – Rarer and More Robust than the SPAS 12 – Franchi Quality Everywhere – TBE+

In the Franchi 12 family, there are three: SPAS 12, SAS 12, and LAW 12. And you shouldn’t confuse them…

The famous SPAS 12 is both a manual (pump/slide action) and semi-automatic firearm. Its little brother SAS, our gun of the day, is only pump/slide action, and the youngest LAW‑12 is only semi-automatic.

But there is still a common genetics with parts (trigger groups, stocks,…) that are often interchangeable between these models. And above all, a quality genetics from Luigi Franchi S.p.A. (and Franchi has been Beretta since 1993) that made the difference. This is why SPAS 12 and SAS 12 have often been chosen by police or special forces worldwide.

The easiest way to recognise the SAS 12 from its brother SPAS 12 is the absence of a selector on the left side. It is also slightly shorter.

The SAS 12 is less common than the SPAS 12 and is more suited for civilian use. Pump only, it is less fragile and especially less fussy than the SPAS 12, notably regarding foreign body introductions. It is also lighter (3.8kg versus 4.4 for the SPAS). Above all, it is very reliable and much easier to maintain. Robustness and excellent handling are the two great assets of this firearm.

I would also add a capacity of 8 cartridges (7+1) in caliber 12/76 which, combined with its materials and quality construction, makes it a top-tier firearm. One of the best shotguns on the market in the high-end category.

The SAS 12 (not SPAS) equips the GIGN, the Austrian EKO Cobra forces, and the Belgian Federal Police for special uses.

Our gun of the day is a splendid Franchi SAS 12 pump shotgun in caliber 12/76 with 7+1 rounds. No need to tell you that with such capacity and its smooth mirror barrel, it’s a category B through and through. It’s even B2 f) very precisely.

You can remove the magazine extender and switch it back to 4+1, but because of its smooth barrel, it remains in B. I saw you coming, little rascals!

And, as usual, I refuse to neuter it.

First, it abuses the firearms and I love them. Then, laws change very often, so you risk unnecessary mutilation the next month. I still regret having reduced the capacity of splendid and antique Winchester 1873s to a normal 12 rounds capacity and at 4000 bucks or more… and which are now quietly in D.

Franchi never officially published a year/serial number correspondence table for the SAS-12 but, by cross-referencing serial numbers, this one is probably from 1988/1990. A very good manufacture.

The firearm is also in more than excellent condition despite its well over 45 years. This shotgun has seen very little use.

No trace of corrosion on the steels which are superb – Original bluing at 99%. Excellent condition+

Polymer in excellent condition too, almost like new despite rare scratches (greatly exaggerated by my close-ups) that I could have hidden with a simple marker (but that’s not my style!). No dents or deep scratches – Very healthy and clean. Almost new. Excellent condition+

Mechanics (still breaking in) but very smooth – I would say “soft” compared to mid and low-end competition. The quality of the fit plays a big part.

It needs to be disassembled and cleaned/oiled (except the barrel for oiling!) because its owner had stored it very dry in a dusty cupboard and never used it… The pump slides like a dream. It’s Franchi.

Clean and crisp percussion – light, I’d say, with a very short travel. Quality is often in the detail.

Very beautiful smooth barrel to clean but mirror finish. It is threaded as well.

At 103 cm, it’s also a very handy and very fun gun at the range for running boar.

In short, a superb big-brand pump shotgun, in impeccable condition and as a bonus d
will also come as a collector’s item.

CATEGORY B FIREARM UNDER THE CSI: FIREARM SUBJECT TO AUTHORIZATION, PHOTOCOPIES OF A VALID IDENTITY DOCUMENT AND LICENSE REQUIRED – SIA ACCOUNT MANDATORILY OPENED. Shipment against signature in two separate packages at least 48 hours apart mandatory.

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