Franchi PA8

About the Franchi PA8

The Franchi PA8 is an Italian pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, developed by Luigi Franchi as a lighter, lower-cost and less menacing tactical alternative to the company's combat-oriented SPAS-12. Feeding from a tubular magazine and built around a lightweight alloy receiver, it was aimed primarily at police and law-enforcement use. The PA8 added a plastic pistol grip over the wood-stocked PA7, and was offered in 18.5-inch and 24-inch barrel lengths. The PA8E carries a fixed synthetic buttstock, while the PA8I uses an up-and-over folding metal stock for compact storage and transport.

Franchi built its reputation on the dramatic dual-mode SPAS-12, but many police buyers wanted something cheaper and less intimidating; the PA series, capped by the pistol-gripped PA8, was Franchi's answer: a conventional pump that kept the tactical profile without the SPAS's weight, cost or aggressive looks.

Franchi PA8 specifications

Part of Franchi's PA pump-action series (PA3/PA7/PA8) derived from the SPAS-12 program, emphasizing improved compactness, reduced weight and controlled production cost. The PA8I's folding metal stock pivots up and over the top of the receiver.