Show and Tell: Collectible Firearms | Episode 5

Published on February 9, 2021
Duration: 31:35

This video from Legacy Collectibles showcases the rare Franchi Spaz 15 semi-automatic shotgun, highlighting its unique dual-action capability (semi-automatic and pump-action). The presenter, with extensive experience in collectible firearms, explains the historical context of the Spaz 15, its limited import into the US due to the 1994 assault weapons ban, and its subsequent rarity and high collector value. The video details the shotgun's features, including its box magazine and the functionality of its select-action mechanism, particularly its utility for law enforcement with less-lethal rounds.

Quick Summary

The Franchi Spaz 15 is a rare and collectible 12-gauge shotgun known for its unique dual-action capability, allowing it to function as both a semi-automatic and a pump-action firearm. This versatility, combined with its limited import numbers due to the 1994 assault weapons ban, makes it highly sought after by collectors, with values often ranging from $6,000 to $8,000.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to Legacy Collectibles & Spaz 15
  2. 00:32Introducing the Franchi Spaz 15
  3. 00:52Dual Action: Semi-Auto and Pump Functionality
  4. 01:11The Story Behind the Spaz 15's Collectibility
  5. 02:02Spaz 15 vs. Spaz 12: Improvements and Features
  6. 02:34Box Magazine vs. Tubular Magazine
  7. 02:58Detailed Look at the Select-Action Feature
  8. 03:41Why the Pump Action is Crucial (Less-Lethal Rounds)
  9. 04:14Demonstrating Pump Action and Safety
  10. 04:58Safety Mechanism in Pump Mode
  11. 05:34Semi-Automatic Operation
  12. 05:56Spaz 15 Specifications (12 Gauge, Made in Italy)
  13. 06:09Production History and Import Restrictions
  14. 06:25Impact of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban
  15. 06:46Post-Ban Status and Production Halt
  16. 07:14Collector Demand and Rarity
  17. 07:22Online Market Value of the Spaz 15
  18. 07:35Video Clip: Spaz 15 in Action
  19. 07:45Spaz 15 Performance and Handling Impressions
  20. 08:05Transition to Other Collectibles
  21. 08:38Original Walther PP Box (1938-39)
  22. 09:24Original Walther PP Manual (April 1939)
  23. 10:01Walther Holsters and Accessories
  24. 10:32Original Cleaning Rod and Tin
  25. 11:15Original Oil and Rag
  26. 11:23Pricing of Individual Walther Parts
  27. 11:46Rare Akka Holsters (Party Leader, SA, NSFK)
  28. 13:56Rarest Akka Holster: NSFK Presentation Holster
  29. 14:33Unmarked Akka Military Holster
  30. 15:21Luftwaffe Proofed Walther PP Holster
  31. 15:50Kriegsmarine Holster (Black with Black Stitching)
  32. 16:46SA Pistol (1938) in SA Holster
  33. 17:08SA Pistol Condition and Features
  34. 18:00SA Group Marking (SA Group Mitta)
  35. 18:18NSKK Presentation Walther Model 1 Rifle
  36. 18:50Rifle's History: Broken Stock Incidents
  37. 20:03Walther Model 1 Rifle Details
  38. 20:34Presentation Details: Major Johannes Sook
  39. 21:11Research Dossier on Major Sook
  40. 21:32Major Sook's Background (WWI Pilot, SS, Police)
  41. 22:13Postcard from Hans Sook (1944)
  42. 23:40Colt Camp Perry Target Pistol (1930s)
  43. 24:23Camp Perry Pistol Design and Rarity
  44. 25:09Manufacturer's Information and Target Shot (1933)
  45. 25:37Original Box for Camp Perry Pistol
  46. 26:01German S Mine (Bouncing Betty)
  47. 26:14How the Bouncing Betty Works
  48. 26:47Explosion Pattern and Shrapnel
  49. 27:34History and Use of the Bouncing Betty
  50. 27:53Disassembly and Arming Mechanism
  51. 29:14Disarming the Bouncing Betty
  52. 29:53Why the Bouncing Betty is Featured
  53. 30:36Puzzles and Merchandise
  54. 31:13Legacy Collectibles Website Information
  55. 31:26Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Franchi Spaz 15 a unique firearm?

The Franchi Spaz 15 is unique due to its dual-action capability, allowing it to function as both a semi-automatic and a pump-action shotgun. This feature is particularly beneficial for law enforcement using less-lethal rounds that may not cycle a semi-automatic action.

Why is the Franchi Spaz 15 considered rare and collectible?

The Spaz 15 is rare because only about 180 units were imported into the U.S. before the 1994 assault weapons ban halted imports. Production also ceased around the time Beretta acquired the factory, and it was never reintroduced, making it highly sought after by collectors.

What is the typical market value for a Franchi Spaz 15?

Given its rarity and collectible status, the Franchi Spaz 15 can command prices ranging from $6,000 to $8,000 on the collector's market, reflecting its limited availability and historical significance.

How does the Spaz 15's pump action benefit law enforcement?

The pump-action capability of the Spaz 15 is crucial for law enforcement when firing less-lethal ammunition. These lighter rounds often lack the recoil needed to reliably cycle a semi-automatic shotgun, making the manual pump action essential for consistent operation.

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