Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this outstanding semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Unceta y Compañia S.A. (Astra) Model 600/43!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Unceta y Compañia S.A. (Astra)
Model: 600/43
Serial: 58134
Date of Manufacture: 1945 (According to the “P” date code)
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5.3"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
When Germany gained a direct land border with Spain following the French capitulation in 1940, the Wehrmacht quickly seized the opportunity to procure Spanish firearms. Deliveries were routed across the French frontier to the border town of Hendaye, where a German inspection office was established to handle both Spanish arms and French-made Unique pistols. The first acquisitions included the Astra 300 and Astra 400 pistols. The compact Model 300, chambered in .32 ACP and .380 ACP, was suitable for secondary use but lacked the stopping power of a true service sidearm. The larger Astra 400 offered greater capability, yet its chambering in 9x23mm Largo was incompatible with German ammunition stocks. Recognizing the need for a more practical design, two German engineers visited the Astra factory in 1943 to discuss the development of a pistol better suited to Wehrmacht requirements.
Model: 600/43
Serial: 58134
Date of Manufacture: 1945 (According to the “P” date code)
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5.3"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with U-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
When Germany gained a direct land border with Spain following the French capitulation in 1940, the Wehrmacht quickly seized the opportunity to procure Spanish firearms. Deliveries were routed across the French frontier to the border town of Hendaye, where a German inspection office was established to handle both Spanish arms and French-made Unique pistols. The first acquisitions included the Astra 300 and Astra 400 pistols. The compact Model 300, chambered in .32 ACP and .380 ACP, was suitable for secondary use but lacked the stopping power of a true service sidearm. The larger Astra 400 offered greater capability, yet its chambering in 9x23mm Largo was incompatible with German ammunition stocks. Recognizing the need for a more practical design, two German engineers visited the Astra factory in 1943 to discuss the development of a pistol better suited to Wehrmacht requirements.
The outcome was the Astra 600/43, essentially a rechambered Model 400 designed for the standard 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The new model featured a more modern naval-style magazine release in place of the 400’s traditional heel release and embodied exactly what the German military had been looking for. Germany placed an order for 41,500 pistols, with production commencing soon thereafter. The first shipment arrived in Hendaye in May 1944, but only 10,500 pistols were delivered before Allied advances into France made further transfers impossible. These pistols were inspected at Hendaye, marked with WaAD20 proof stamps, and distributed to German forces. Despite the halted deliveries, Astra continued production through 1945, fulfilling the contract that Germany had already paid for.
By the end of the war, nearly 50,000 Astra 600/43 pistols had been manufactured. After the conflict, Astra sought buyers for its unsold stock. A portion was sold on the Spanish civilian market, with limited exports made to Portugal, Chile, Jordan, Turkey, and the Spanish government itself. However, the majority remained in storage until 1951, when the newly established West German Police adopted the Astra 600 and purchased roughly 45,350 pistols. These were later absorbed into the Bundeswehr’s inventory in 1956, remaining in service until they were gradually replaced by the Walther P1 beginning in 1961.
Contents:
This example will ship with two magazines!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
