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Posted: 10/27/2014 10:55:41 AM EDT
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I got to wondering whether any of these guns are still in circulation. I'm in the UK and used to own one of the early ones (you probably remember their embarrassing habit of firing the chambered round when you applied the safety) until they fell out of favour. I regretted selling mine and would like to get another sometime in the future; as they are rare over here it would most likely be that I would need to import one, hence my original musing.
Your thoughts and views! |
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There are plenty of them in the states; I don't know how many. I have one with a folder, 1983 production. I paid $1100 USD, but average is about $1200, depending on condition of course. A lot of the folders are incorrect, and were swapped from other models like the SAS-12. Check spas12.com for good info on how to ID original parts. An original stock will latch into the rear sight hole. Factory slings and stock hooks are extremely uncommon. The safety issue was with the original lever-type safety (which mine has). The problem was that if the "nub" on the safety (which blocks the hammer) became worn, the gun could/would fire when the safety is rotated to the FIRE position from safe. The nub will definitely get worn if you have the hammer down (forward), apply the safety, and then attempt to cock the hammer. It's a design flaw they later corrected with the push-button safety. One can be made on a lathe if you can't find a reasonably-priced original (which is extremely likely). I haven't had a problem with my lever safety, and it works fine currently, but I don't trust it. I just use the "quick action safety" aka action lock. As far as using the gun, it's not too awesome, other than looks.  It's heavy at around 9 pounds. It's mediocre separately as both a semi-auto and a pump. As a semi, it doesn't cycle except with powerful loads like buckshot. You may get it to cycle with super-heavy dove or pheasant loads. Maybe. They use an O-ring (Rem 1100/11-87 O-ring works). In pump, it isn't as smooth as a dedicated pump, but it will cycle your cheap birdshot (or CS rounds) that way. They normally hold 9 shells. Loading is cumbersome. It only accepts 2.75" shells.You should definitely inspect the buffer, and even if it looks great, monitor it very closely if it's old. My original buffer is holding up fine, which according to spas12.com is unusual, but of course he sells replacements. I wanted one just because they're unique and were featured in some cool movies from my childhood. If you buy one thinking it's the lost-art pinnacle of combat shotgun technology, you'll be disappointed. I think the Benelli M3 is a better choice for a pump/semi tactical shotgun, but honestly I enjoy my beat-up used M1 entry. If I have a cycling problem (never do), I just reach up and rack the operating handle. No need to switch modes. Simple. It also cycles a much wider range of "weak shells" than the SPAS. Light birdshot is no problem for the Benelli. The SPAS does look awesome, though. Did I mention it looks awesome? lol Here's a video we did on it at AGW... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99XWeRVn9h0 |
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