Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this semi-auto pistol today for a penny start auction; this is the Astra Model 600/43!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Astra
Model: 600/43
Serial: 28405
Date of Manufacture: 1944/1945
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front and Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Auto
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During World War II, the Germans placed an order for 12,000 Model 300 and Model 400 pistols from Astra, a Spanish firearms manufacturer. The majority of Astra's production during the three-year period was dedicated to fulfilling this German order. Although the Model 300 (which was available in both .380 ACP and .32 ACP) was successful in German service, it was not considered a suitable sidearm due to its small size. On the other hand, the Model 400 was large enough to be considered a proper sidearm, but it presented a significant issue. The pistol was chambered for 9 mm Largo, a cartridge that was not used in any other firearm by the Wehrmacht, causing logistical challenges for the supply officers. Despite this, the Model 400 was appreciated for its simple reliability.
The introduction of a new cartridge required a redesign of the magazine in the Model 400, but the capacity remained the same at eight rounds. The heel magazine release was replaced by a button on the left side of the grip, and an improved lanyard loop was added just behind it. The Model 600/43 had three safety features: thumb safety, grip safety, and magazine-disconnect safety, which made it both reliable and safe. Astra sent 50 examples of this model to Germany in early 1944 for testing and evaluation.
The Model 600/43 pistol was a well-made firearm that impressed the Wehrmacht. As a result, they quickly placed an order for 60,000 units. Astra received payment up front for the first 41,500 guns as part of a phased-production contract. Deliveries of the pistols began in May 1944, but the production only lasted for 90 days. This was because the Allied forces stormed ashore 500 miles to the north in Normandy, just as serial production of the Model 600/43 was getting underway in Guernica.
As of July 1944, the military campaign in northern France had substantially altered the tactical situation in southern France, leading to the end of German occupation by fall. It's worth noting that only 10,500 Model 600/43s had been delivered before that time. These guns can be easily identified by the “WaA/D20” acceptance mark, which is engraved on the right side of the frame. Despite this, Astra continued manufacturing the remaining guns that Germany had paid for and even assembled an additional 18,000.
After World War II, several countries, including the Philippines, Costa Rica, Egypt, Thailand, Portugal, Chile, Jordan, and Turkey, purchased small quantities of the Model 600/43 pistol. However, the most ironic part of this story is that the largest buyer of the pistol after the war was the same country that created it. West Germany's Federal Police adopted it in 1951, followed by the German army in 1956.
The Astra Model 600/43 may not be the most coveted German World War II pistol, but the first 10,500 units are considered highly collectible. Even the ones without National Socialism acceptance marks have historical significance, as they were produced during a time when Germany was aware that their reign would not last forever. Therefore, these pistols are a part of Germany's World War II history and would not exist if it weren't for that era.
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.
Model: 600/43
Serial: 28405
Date of Manufacture: 1944/1945
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front and Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Auto
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Following the fall of France in 1940, Germany took over not only the northern coast of the country but also the entire western coast, extending to the Spanish border. Astra, or Unceta y Compañia S.A, one of the most prominent gunmakers in Europe, was located in the Basque city of Guernica, which was only 60 miles away from the occupied region. Due to Germany's inability to produce an adequate number of pistols for its armed forces, the Wehrmacht had to buy foreign-made weapons, which included pistols manufactured by Astra in Guernica after the fall of France.
During World War II, the Germans placed an order for 12,000 Model 300 and Model 400 pistols from Astra, a Spanish firearms manufacturer. The majority of Astra's production during the three-year period was dedicated to fulfilling this German order. Although the Model 300 (which was available in both .380 ACP and .32 ACP) was successful in German service, it was not considered a suitable sidearm due to its small size. On the other hand, the Model 400 was large enough to be considered a proper sidearm, but it presented a significant issue. The pistol was chambered for 9 mm Largo, a cartridge that was not used in any other firearm by the Wehrmacht, causing logistical challenges for the supply officers. Despite this, the Model 400 was appreciated for its simple reliability.
Astra received feedback from Germans and in response, they redesigned the Model 400 to include 9 mm Luger. The new Astra is similar to the pistol from which it was derived, with a steel slide, a steel frame, a fixed barrel with a concentric recoil spring, an internal hammer, and a direct-blowback operating mechanism. A few minor modifications were made such as shortening the slide and barrel and reducing the width of the grip.
The introduction of a new cartridge required a redesign of the magazine in the Model 400, but the capacity remained the same at eight rounds. The heel magazine release was replaced by a button on the left side of the grip, and an improved lanyard loop was added just behind it. The Model 600/43 had three safety features: thumb safety, grip safety, and magazine-disconnect safety, which made it both reliable and safe. Astra sent 50 examples of this model to Germany in early 1944 for testing and evaluation.
The Model 600/43 pistol was a well-made firearm that impressed the Wehrmacht. As a result, they quickly placed an order for 60,000 units. Astra received payment up front for the first 41,500 guns as part of a phased-production contract. Deliveries of the pistols began in May 1944, but the production only lasted for 90 days. This was because the Allied forces stormed ashore 500 miles to the north in Normandy, just as serial production of the Model 600/43 was getting underway in Guernica.
As of July 1944, the military campaign in northern France had substantially altered the tactical situation in southern France, leading to the end of German occupation by fall. It's worth noting that only 10,500 Model 600/43s had been delivered before that time. These guns can be easily identified by the “WaA/D20” acceptance mark, which is engraved on the right side of the frame. Despite this, Astra continued manufacturing the remaining guns that Germany had paid for and even assembled an additional 18,000.
After World War II, several countries, including the Philippines, Costa Rica, Egypt, Thailand, Portugal, Chile, Jordan, and Turkey, purchased small quantities of the Model 600/43 pistol. However, the most ironic part of this story is that the largest buyer of the pistol after the war was the same country that created it. West Germany's Federal Police adopted it in 1951, followed by the German army in 1956.
The Astra Model 600/43 may not be the most coveted German World War II pistol, but the first 10,500 units are considered highly collectible. Even the ones without National Socialism acceptance marks have historical significance, as they were produced during a time when Germany was aware that their reign would not last forever. Therefore, these pistols are a part of Germany's World War II history and would not exist if it weren't for that era.
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
