Astra 600 etc.

richardoldfield

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I went to Top Gun Indoor Range to shoot yesterday with my friend, Billy Kirkland, and his brother-in-law and nephew. All shooting was done at 10 yards. I was given the chance to shoot a pistol that was new to me and it was a 9mm Astra 600. This pistol style was used by Germany as a substitute sidearm in WWII.

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This is a well made handgun with a small grip safety. I was able to shoot seven rounds through it and my impressions are the grip safety is too small, I didn’t know it had one until I couldn’t get it to fire. I was able to keep all shots in a 6x6“ square but it’s heavy trigger, small sights, and stout recoil make that a chore. This is a straight blow back style pistol and believe me it kicks!

The next handgun I fired was my FEG High-Power and it was flawless. I shot groups the size of a medium orange and they would be better if I removed the magazine safety, which I am going to do. I have owned this pistol for a number of years and it is a good solid performer. Its exterior is beautiful but there are machine marks inside. Heck, for $159 I do not take its slide off that often for critiques. Lastly, my pistol has sights that Browning/FN should have used on the early High-Powers, the sights are three dot and easy to pick up.

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I then shot Springfield Mil-Spec put together using Winchester 230gr FMJ White Box ammo and it remains a marvel. Yes, it is that accurate and reliable with magazines it likes. The Springer likes Wilson Combat 7 round, Chip McCormick, and Metalform magazines but it despises Wilson Combat 8 round magazines. The Springer balks every time on the first round out of the Wilson Combat 8 round magazines. I fired 50 rounds into a tennis ball sized group.

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I continue to lust over the last pistol I shot. It is Billy’s Dan Wesson Patriot 45acp. I have never shot any handgun better than this one. Groups were ¼” at 10 yards. The sad part is I can do this effortlessly with Billy’s jewel. I want a Dan Wesson Patriot 45acp so bad I can taste it.

Regards,

Richard:D
 
richardoldfield said:
I was given the chance to shoot a pistol that was new to me and it was a 9mm Astra 600. This pistol style was used by Germany as a substitute sidearm in WWII.

e9e3b02f.jpg


This is a well made handgun with a small grip safety. I was able to shoot seven rounds through it and my impressions are the grip safety is too small, I didn’t know it had one until I couldn’t get it to fire. I was able to keep all shots in a 6x6“ square but it’s heavy trigger, small sights, and stout recoil make that a chore. This is a straight blow back style pistol and believe me it kicks!

I have been interested in this gun but have only seen pictures of it so far. I have bought an Astra 4000 in 32 ACP but not taken posetion of it yet. I didn't know the 9 mm gun was a blow back.
 
yep, straight blow back, and most of them will fire 380, and 9 mm somewhat interchangeabley, the 600 (I believe) was chambered for 9mm largo and will take that and the two previoius cartridges,,,,,better be in shape though, the recoil spring to pull the slide back is strong!!
 
George Nonte published an article in the 1972 Gun Digest (What Interchangeable 9MMs?) describing his efforts to fire .380ACP and 9MM Luger in an Astra chambered for the 9MM Largo.

380ACP
Frequent failure to fire and if it fired would not cycle action.

9MM Luger
Frequent failure to fire due to headspace caused by shorter round. Action cycled well but many bulged cases, blown primers and one case head disintegration.

His conclusion was that the Astra should be used with proper ammo like any other firearm.
Google Sociedad Largo.
 
Interchangeable 9MMs

Definitely not a good practice but in an emergency situation it is better than throwing the gun at the threat.
 
Cocked&Locked said:
yep, straight blow back, and most of them will fire 380, and 9 mm somewhat interchangeabley, the 600 (I believe) was chambered for 9mm largo and will take that and the two previoius cartridges,,,,,better be in shape though, the recoil spring to pull the slide back is strong!!


CL old pal,
The 600 is chambered for 9mm para. The 400 was 9mm largo and can usually also work with 9mm steyr plus 9mm para also. The slide isn't really hard to work in spite of being a blowback action. I have a 600 in almost new condition if you want to try it out.
 
liberal-hater said:
CL old pal,
The 600 is chambered for 9mm para. The 400 was 9mm largo and can usually also work with 9mm steyr plus 9mm para also. The slide isn't really hard to work in spite of being a blowback action. I have a 600 in almost new condition if you want to try it out.


ah well, I stand corrected, now where did I put my dunce cap?:D

You wanted to trade that 600 right (hint, hint hint, hint:redface: )
 
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