SPAS-12 inspired forend/handguard

[Franklinexpress]

I know some of you are pretty good using CAD. I’m thinking of getting a custom forend similar to that of the SPAS-12 like in the image, metal mlok and the polymer minus that bump in the front. I’m only looking for the designs, I can take care of manufacturing on my end. Is anyone willing to work on this? I can pay. I also have some skeleton type stock sketches but first this.  Any tips welcome. Again, just need someone good with mechanical design. 

[Franklinexpress]

Another option is to just design the polymer part that could maybe be attached to an existing mlok handguard like the Briley etc..

[Scout_21]

Oh, that's not mlok on the spas-12. Its venting slots in the heatshield. It was a convertible shogun (pump and semi) and anything mounted in those sections would have interfered with the pump action.

[Franklinexpress]

1 hour ago, Scout_21 said:

Oh, that's not mlok on the spas-12. Its venting slots in the heatshield. It was a convertible shogun (pump and semi) and anything mounted in those sections would have interfered with the pump action.

Yup, I’m aware. What I’m saying is if we made our own it should be mlok. I phrased it wrong now that I re-read it.

Edited July 18, 2023 by Franklinexpress

[Franklinexpress]

Started the process, super early stage and still working on size. The holes will be mlok.

 

[Quicksand17]

That looks pretty nice.

[Franklinexpress]

Design is almost done. Started talking to some machine shops on costs for something like this. First prototype won’t be cheap but doable, not a problem. The question will be, do people want this. I certainly do, so I’ll definitely have one on my benelli.

Edited September 25, 2023 by Franklinexpress

[Franklinexpress]

[rubicon20032003]

Im in 

[Franklinexpress]

More pics

[Franklinexpress]

Prototype ordered, should have it in about 10 days.

[Gmcrigger2007]

Looks very interesting .

 

[NCswamp13]

Any chance of making one with a functional pump action for the M3? That would be awesome. 

[Franklinexpress]

20 minutes ago, NCswamp13 said:

Any chance of making one with a functional pump action for the M3? That would be awesome. 

Right now, the plan is to see if there is a market for this. If it goes well, then I plan on making one for the beretta 1301, Mossberg 500, and Remington 870. Not sure about the M3 yet, numbers have to make sense.

[sonyman74]

That's HOT!!!!!

[Franklinexpress]

First prototype came in. Don’t worry about the green, that’s just for prototyping. It will be black. Will need to make some fitting adjustments since I had to fiddle with it to make things fit and wasn’t a nice experience.  In the process of doing this, I came up with a better handguard that will be more ergonomic and all polymer. Doing the mlok rail part might not be a good idea due to potential sales vs cost. Still need to run some numbers. Enjoy the pics.

[rubicon20032003]

6 hours ago, Franklinexpress said:

First prototype came in. Don’t worry about the green, that’s just for prototyping. It will be black. Will need to make some fitting adjustments since I had to fiddle with it to make things fit and wasn’t a nice experience.  In the process of doing this, I came up with a better handguard that will be more ergonomic and all polymer. Doing the mlok rail part might not be a good idea due to potential sales vs cost. Still need to run some numbers. Enjoy the pics.

I definitely want one .When there ready to go 

[Franklinexpress]

14 hours ago, rubicon20032003 said:

I definitely want one .When there ready to go 

Not sure yet, still designing and making improvements 

[John Doe]

2 hours ago, Franklinexpress said:

Not sure yet, still designing and making improvements 

Don't worry, take your time and do it right. When done, we will all be here ready to throw our money at you.

[Isaiah760]

Any updates? Did the market get good and possibly expanded to the Mossberg 500?! 

[bambihunter]

Looks like you are doing quite a faithful reproduction.

It's kinda funny. I have a mint SPAS-12 folder and the forearm and barrel guard is the part I dislike the most other than the idiotic redundant safety. Also, every pump of the action rubs on it so it slowly grinds away the finish at the contact points.

Really, the SPAS-12 is an iconic shotgun, maybe simply because of its unique look, especially the folding stock with hook version. But, the Benelli M3 top folder is a MUCH better shotgun in every way in my opinion. The very rare (in the U.S) SPAS-15 fixes all the oddities of the SPAS-12 and gave it a detachable magazine.

[Franklinexpress]

On 1/13/2025 at 12:50 AM, Isaiah760 said:

Any updates? Did the market get good and possibly expanded to the Mossberg 500?! 

Nah, needed a few modifications in the design but making it would be quite pricey and the market being rather small, it’s not worth it for me. 

[Goon]

How much ballpark did a one off cost? I was working on this myself but for an m3.