The Spanish Astra 400 Pistol, the Gun That Eats Everything.
Today we're looking at two different versions of the Spanish Model 1921 pistol, better known as the Astra 400. These pistols were made from about 1921 until the early 1950's, before being sold off to the American commercial market in the late 1950's-60's. They are a blowback pistol firing the heavy 9x23mm Largo round. Since they're a straight blowback design, they use an extremely heavy spring and slide, making cocking and disassembly somewhat daunting tasks. They're also unique in that they will feed and fire several different versions of 9mm ammunition, but not necessarily safely. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Stick to 9mm Largo ammo!
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Sir, thank you for this well done video on the Astra 1921 Pistol. Old World Gun Craftsmanship on display with these Spanish made service pistols. Racking that 1st round into the Model 400's chamber is a real "booger-bear" to do, but once there, very smooth sailing. In my working years as a cop, I carried my Astra 400 Pistol as back-up insurance in my war-bag for a while. In the 70's, cops were carrying revolvers, not semi-auto pistols that todays cop pack. Besides the pump 12-gauge shotgun that was locked down in the patrol vehicle, I had my war-bag (tough canvas zip-up heavy duty carrier) with an assortment of cop tools, and my Astra 400 Pistol with a 8-round mag and numerous loose 9X23 Largo rounds inside a padded and compact zip-up gun rug. The war-bag "always" rode in the front seat or trunk of my patrol vehicle. Carried this for a while until I purchased a Charter Arms Undercoverette .32 snub nose as my new backup gun, and retired my Astra to plinking occasionally. Thanks again for this Astra 1921 Pistol video. I still have mine after 50+years of ownership. A real man's pistol, engineered and made by some of the best gun craftsmen ever.
Thanks for the comprehensive info. Mine is s/n 84420, no import marks. Flakes look to be bakelite. Good clear logo on slide, vintage blueing has holster burn/wear looks to be earned, not abused.Will respect ammo recommendation - no need to fire non spec. Will look into possibly handloading if at all.
Love this video. I have one with a crown stamp before the astra logo on the barrel. I guess it is spanish military. Great video.. Thumbed up!!!
The first time or two can be difficult to take them apart but after that no big deal. Although you didn’t recommend using other than 9mm Largo I personally would say do not use any other ammunition than what the Astra was designed for.
Hey thanks for the video
The "not too safe" thing, in relation to shooting 9mm parabellum cartridges with this pistol, 9 mm "long" caliber, that is, 9x23, 9mm Bergmann-Bayard, etc.... is a very personal opinion, this Ammunition loads more powder than the parabellum, so it is understood that there should not be any problem. In theory all 9x23 weapons can fire the 9 parabellum (9x19) but not the other way around, obviously.
Muy buen arma y extremadamente fiable.
Shot one a lot many moons ago. Broke two firing pins using 38 ACP. Large was hard to find (pre-internet). Interesting pistol.....for a collector.
My grandfather came back from Europe with one after WWII. I need to figure out exactly what I have. I'm almost positive its a 95,000.
😊😊 VERYGOOD man sudyord ⚡⚡
If 9mm largo are difficult to buy what are the alternatives?
ASTRA 400 WHAT ABOUT ..9MM X20 BROWNING LONG . OR 9MM X21 ITALY . TRY A VIDEO NO ONE HAS MADE ONE.