Are Spas 12's any good?

[SmokeRolls]

Two questions:
#(1)I know the movies made these shotguns rather an icon but are they worth a crap for a tactical shotgun?
#(2)What's their value in good condition?
.....SmokeRolls

 

[showlow50]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I have a friend who has one and used it in 3gun. It is heavy and I don't know if you can get parts for them any more. It has a great wow factor but there are much better shotguns out there.

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Yeah.. It's been years since I held one. I have never shot one though.
I know of a folding spas 12 and thats the reason I'm asking.
Anybody have an idea to what a folder Spas 12 is worth?
....SmokeRolls

 

[DRAM40A1]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

A quick look see on Guns America and Gun Broker showed them selling right around $1100.00.

 

[steve123]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I owned one years ago.It has a cool factor for sure.The thing I didn't like about it was it would only function correctly with 1 and 1/4 OZ ammo and hotter.The standard 1 and 1/8 OZ wouldn't work all the time in it.

 

[WldWldWest]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I had one back in the day, I cant remember if they were all folders or not but mine was.But what I do remember, It was like toting a fence post around! Actually I still have the Hook that went into the end of the stock if anyone needs it.

 

[ORD]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Unless you just HAVE TO HAVE the SPAS-12, there are a SH!TLOAD of vastly superior shotguns on the market now (none folders though).

Also, on value...it all depends on the overall condition, working order, whether it has the fixed (MUCH BETTER) or folding stock (and does the stock still have the butthook), whether is has the full-length mag tube/extension or not, whether the safety recall was ever performed (switched from the lever to a push-button cross bolt type), factory paperwork/box/etc., etc.

For a folder, in good working order, with the extended/full-length tube and the safety recall performed, and so on...I would not go any higher than $1200 MAX.

 

[Jer]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had one back in the day, I cant remember if they were all folders or not but mine was.But what I do remember, It was like toting a fence post around! Actually I still have the Hook that went into the end stock if anyone needs it. </div></div>

I may know someone who recently bought one that may or may not need one. I'll check with him or her to see if he or she does or doesn't need one.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it would only function correctly with 1 and 1/4 OZ ammo and hotter.The standard 1 and 1/8 OZ wouldn't work all the time in it.</div></div>

Going to ask the obvious...why not switch to pump action? Been looking at M3's for this exact reason. Figure what wont cycle in semi will cycle in pump such as breeching loads and low recoil 00.

 

[SniperCJ]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Hard to beat the cool-daddy factor tho...

 

[samnev]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Cumbersome and heavy. IMO there are a lot better tactical shotguns out there like the Remmy 870 Police, HK Import Benelli M1 Super 90 (if you can find one) or the Benelli M2 or M4.
The SPAS 12 I see advertised are in the $1100-$1300 range. For that money I'd get a Benelli.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I held one back in the day. My Grandpa took me into a gunshop and they had it hanging on the wall (it was new back then).

I thought it was cool as hell. I would love to have one as a collector, but for a shooter I would have to go with the Benelli.

However I really do like my Remington 1100.

 

[Mute]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Used to own one. They're ok. For the most part work but the semi-auto mode wasn't very reliable except with very heavy loads. Also, it's a bit front heavy and cumbersome.

 

[drmarc]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I have one, folding stock+butthook, extended mag, preferred sight arrangement and the post recall "safe" safety. I've had it about 25 years, it's pretty effin cool if I have to say so myself.

Would I buy one now when for the same money I can get most of the above mentioned shotties or even a Benny M4 for, I don't think so. I'm glad I have one though. I shoot my M4.

It was a big hit at one Halloween "Zombie" shoot though, can't beat the one hand under arm hook Terminator stance to wow the kids and lay waste to the undead....

 

[steve123]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anchor Zero Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it would only function correctly with 1 and 1/4 OZ ammo and hotter.The standard 1 and 1/8 OZ wouldn't work all the time in it.</div></div>

Going to ask the obvious...why not switch to pump action? Been looking at M3's for this exact reason. Figure what wont cycle in semi will cycle in pump such as breeching loads and low recoil 00. </div></div>

I was using it in 3 gun comps back then.In pump mode I couldn't keep up with the semiauto guys.When Benelli came out with their Practical model I sold the Spas and never looked back

One thing for sure it'd knock them heavy poppers down with authority!

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

folders
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2358313#Post2358313

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1795378#Post1795378

fixed stock
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2361952#Post2361952

 

[netranger6]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I own one too, a low serial in all of its original glory. It's my collector and once in a blue moon shooter. My modded M4 is my shooter.

Really, it's not all that heavy. Hell, some think the M4 is heavy, but then again people vary in size too. It's designed to shoot high power in semi, and low in pump, and is chambered for 2 3/4 only. Oh sure, you can fire a 3 inch, but do it alone, out of sight, without me around!

It's a pretty fucking cool weapon though, and will rip 'em off in auto. The best part, is using the hook to one hand it around a corner...as long as your arms and grip can man up.

 

[Charger442]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I have wanted one for years and everytime I think I'm going to buy one I see comments like above. Just can't bring myself to pay that money for a non shooter

 

[netranger6]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charger442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have wanted one for years and everytime I think I'm going to buy one I see comments like above. Just can't bring myself to pay that money for a non shooter </div></div>

What's non shooter about it? It was purposefully designed, and is a tank. However, parts are in short supply, so it's good to have something you can rack rounds up on too.

 

[Pat M]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Bought one back about 1991, $450

8+1, 2 3/4" , mine has 1,000+ rounds through it (buck,slugs,cheap Walmart) might fail to eject 1 in 50 (#7 1/2)

Fast as my buddies Saiga with less muzzle jump, softest recoil out of all autos

And i can run a short pistol grip, and shoot around corners (F the inertia crap)

Will get up pics ASAP

 

[ckirkc]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I owned one briefly. It looks cool, fires much slower than a Saiga, and has one thing I cannot stand on a firearm and that is buttons other than the safety that make the weapon inoperable. It had some sort of catch that would prevent you from loading it, then there was something else that would prevent you from cocking it. I was so glad to see that gun go down the road.

 

[Falar]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

It is pure crap that they were banned for importation. That alone makes me want to pick one up.

 

[500grains]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> but are they worth a crap for a tactical shotgun?
</div></div>

Heavy, therefore slow to get on target, and poor ergonomics.

They increase the chance that the bad guy will get a round off before you do, thus increasing the chance that your life insurance will pay out at full value.

 

[Pat M]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

Benelli M4 = 7.8lb
Spas-12 = 9.7lb
Beretta 1201FP = 6.3lb !
Saiga = 7.5-8lb
Mossberg 930 SPX = 7.5
FN SLP = 7.7lb

 

[mavrick]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

It might be OT but I have nothing but good things to say about my mossy 930spx.

Dustin

 

[Pat M]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: Are Spas 12's any good?

I got another OT shotgun Q, how about the Remington VersaMax? Supposed to be able to handle ANY size and power load in the same mag, due to the staggered gas ports or something like that.

I just remember seeing the advertisement with the huge pile of shotgun hulls, I thought that was pretty impressive.