[rcmoore]

I have an Astra 400 which I believe to be the Navy model;
but I keep getting conflicting information concerning marks and the serial number. It has the mag release on the side of the butt and the serial # is 12500. I have attached a pic with the marks. I would greatly appreciate if some one with expertise in this would clue me in about when it was made, approximate value, and where would I find a buyer.

[deadin]

Looks like the standard set of Spanish proofs and property marks that have been on every 400 I've owned.
What makes you believe that it may be Navy?

Dean

[rcmoore]

Deadin,
Look at the mag release. It is on the side. Everything I have seen about these say that ONLY the navy models have the release there. Is that right? I have owned several of the standard army models many years ago. All of these had the release on the bottom rear.
Bob

[deadin]

:o I missed that until you pointed it out.
Next question. Are you sure it's a 400 and not a 600?
If so, I would have to say that it is either a transitional model between the 400 and 600 or what you have heard is correct. (I haven't heard this, but then again, I not deep into Spanish handguns). If I were you (and you haven't already done so) I would spend some time with Google trying to find a forum that has a board specializing in Spanish Military arms and see what they have to say.
Sorry I can't be of any further help.


Dean

[Ron James]

Yes, on the Navy contract Astra 400's the magazine latch was relocated to the side. This became standard on the Astra 300 and 600. However, I believe the serial number range of the Navy Astras was from 28901 to 29,000.

[Ron James]

Yes, on the Navy contract Astra 400's the magazine latch was relocated to the side. This became standard on the Astra 300 and 600. However, I believe the serial number range of the Navy Astras was from 28901 to 29,800.

[deadin]

Well, you are obviously way more advanced about Astra's than I. Have you tried here:
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=70

[rcmoore]

Ron,
I wish I had researched a little further before I posted this. I have never owned an Astra model 600 before; so when I acquired this pistol I automatically thought model 400. But; you are correct: it is a model 600. I feel quite sheepish. Sorry for the bother; but at least I now know what I have. Thanks to those who helped.
Bob Moore

[Jim K]

Beat me to it. I was going to say that the gun looked to me like a regular Model 600, 9mm Parabellum. The Model 400 Navy contract guns also have the Navy crossed anchors on the top of the slide ahead of the UC trademark.

Jim