Coming Soon: The SPAS-12 is Back! The Bronco Arms TACSX 12 SPS F
By: Heike Seiltgen
The Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun 12 is back! With its cool design, this iconic shotgun from the 80s made its way to the big screen in the Terminator, Jurassic Park, and a host of video games. The SPAS-12 was issued to 22 different military and police agencies worldwide. Over 37,000 were produced between 1979 and 2000, and sales were brisk until anti-gunners got everyone in an uproar about black rifles and assault weapons. As criticism grew, George H.W. Bush caved and initiated an import ban, which also stopped the import of the Steyr AUG and the HK 90 series rifles. In 1990, Franchi changed the nomenclature to Sporting Purpose Automatic Shotgun and fitted the gun with a fixed stock.
Turkish weapons manufacturer Bronco Arms has resurrected the Franchi SPAS-12 and made some improvements along the way. While the SPAS-12 is undoubtedly cool, it had its problems. The push-button cross bolt safety has been known to fail and release the hammer when depressing the trigger while on safe (sub-optimal), double feeds, jamming, and issues when transitioning between pump and semi-auto modes, as the pump action was designed for use with low-powered rounds like tear gas or less lethal alternatives.
The aluminum receiver has been modified to fix the feeding problems. The Franchi SPAS-12 has a magazine cut-off feature, which prevents the magazine from releasing a new round when the action is cycled. This allows the shooter to load a different type of round into the chamber without unloading the chambered round. The latest version has the cut-off button directly under the charging handle rather than ahead of it to fix the jamming issue. The pistol grip now has a more swept angle, and the forearm is equipped with material to give the shooter a better grip while working the action.
The TACSX 12 SPS F is available in a fixed stock version, boring, and, of course, the original folding stock with the hook that was a carrying handle when the stock was folded and an arm brace when the stock was deployed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Pump/Semi-Automatic Shotgun
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 43 Inches
Weight: 8.4 Pounds Unloaded
MSRP: estimated at $400
URL: www.broncoarms.com
THE VERDICT
The TACSX 12 SPS F has addressed some of the issues with the original SPAS-12, and at a price of around $400, it’s definitely a buy.
Heike Seiltgen is a Security Professional and retired Customs Officer with 20 years of service with the Deutsche Zoll. Her photos have appeared in RECOIL, the Armory Life, and more.
Contact her at zoll30@live.com.