[shadowpdf]

I just picked up an Astra revolver in .357. I'm trying to find information on the gun, but cannot locate anything on the web. Specifically, I'm trying to find out if anyone has put together a list of serial numbers/dates of manufacture for this gun. It's got old world construction (5 screw, forged steel), but it also has a transfer bar hammer/firing pin. Hard to place the time period in which this gun was made.

Does anyone have info that would help me??????

Thanks

[Shear_stress]

I had one of these with a 4" barrel. It was a well-made gun that shot accurately. Mine was an older Garcia Corporation import.

According to my blue book, the Astra .357 was made (or, at least imported) between 1972 and 1988. The following link provides some Spanish proof codes that may be of use:

http://www.9mmlargo.com/year_codes.htm

[slick6]

1)Where are these proof codes located on the gun?

2)I have the same revolver as the Astra .357-EXCEPT, that it is chambered in the .38 special caliber, It is the model 960. I was also impressed with the quality and workmanship that went into building these guns! The trigger pull is as smooth as glass-not gritty at all! And, I like that easily adjustable hammer strut spring ring inside under the grip panels! Neat design!

[shadowpdf]

I looked on the page the link took me to, and then on another page that had symbols generally used in proofing.

So I looked at the handle of my revolver beneath the grip and found three symbols. There was another one at the head of the underlug.

The first is a crest with an X in the middle of it and some flashing crown. It looks like the one used for "Late Eibar House Proof. Mark of admission to proof. Used after July 9, 1931-present."

The second one is a circle with a P in the center and a flower on the top. It sort of look like the one labeled: "Late Spanish Army Acceptance Proof. Found on M400 (1921) pistols accepted by Franco's Nationalist forces. Generally applied on the left upper trigger guard web."

The last mark is an S followed by a degree symbol followed by a 1.

The serial number follows and below that is a G.

I don't think the X and P are right because according to the Year Table, X=1952 and P=1945. I don't think the gun is that old. Like I said, it's been converted (maybe aftermarket, I suppose). Yet it's a 5 screw, pinned model.

So, you see, I'm confused!

[Shear_stress]

The last mark is an S followed by a degree symbol followed by a 1.

If that's the "S1" mark mentioned in the above link, then that would put the date at 1974, which is about right for that gun. Is there an import mark on the gun-- Garcia Corporation, Interarms, etc.?

[shadowpdf]

There is an import mark for Garcia Corporation of Washington DC. The gun is at home so I cannot quote exactly. If the S (degree sign) 1 is indeed for the year 1974, then what is the degree sign mean? Just a divider?

Also, would this gun have come with the tranfer bar? Or do you think this would be an after market item? I'm thinking of having it switched back to a standard firing pin, but don't want to if 1) it's too freakin' hard to get parts, 2) it's too freakin' hard to find a gunsmith who knows Astras, or 3) it's not right for the gun.

I wish there was a serial listing number for this gun, like Colt or S&W. My number is (I think) 165XXX.

I appreciate all your help. I'm sure Slick6 does too, since we seem to have pretty much the same gun.

[shadowpdf]

After more snooping in other forums and discovering a new site (new to me), I'm feeling that I'm beginning to understand better what has been said here. But instead of the 1974 date mentioned in this forum, I'm finding that P*1 could mean 1971. I went to the following site and found that date there:

http://star-firearms.com/firearms/proof.shtml

Of course, this may be the wrong site. I don't know.

But even if the Astra I have was manufactured in 1971, it is possible that it could have an original tranfer bar. Though I'm a little more doubtful.

[Shear_stress]

Hi Shadowpdf. The transfer bar is part of the original design, much as it is in many Colts, Rugers and now S&Ws. I wouldn't let it bother you.

But instead of the 1974 date mentioned in this forum, I'm finding that P*1 could mean 1971.

You said S*1 above, so I'm not sure where the P*1 came from.

[slick6]

It's just my guess-but, maybthe degree symbol is not mean't to be refering to degrees-but, instead to mean an zero? Or, "S01" ="S1":confused::uhoh:?

[shadowpdf]

You're right Shear Stress! I goofed. I'm at work and don't have the gun in front of me. It is S*1. The P came to mind because it was inside one of the other symbols.

Glad to hear that the transfer bar technology was part of the original design. It only bothered me in that I wanted the gun to be in its original configuration. Since the transfer system is part of the original configuration, I'll leave it alone. (Even though I prefer old firing pin config). I've got a Python, a Lawman, a Ruger, and a couple of S&Ws with the transfer system. That five screw construction confused me.

I really appreciate your help on this. By the way, I hear lots of folks talk about a blue book for guns, which you also mention. Is that an older book? And is it just called Blue Book?

And SLICK6 ... Did you take off the grips? What marks does your Astra have? Can you tell what year it is? Being a 38, it may be older.

[slick6]

shadowpdf:

1)No, I havent taken off my grips yet to check for codes. I'll dig it out and do this asap and, I'll post back here with whatever information I might find?

2)It's hard to guess the year of an Astra Model 960 .38-because these guns were chambered in .the .38 special caliber for the police and the military requirements! Most of these Astras had to be imported into this country. However, mine evidently was brought in by someone who had moved to the U.S.A. to live? My Astra was not imported and does not have any import markings on it anywhere!

[shadowpdf]

While there may be no import marks, you should still have proof marks, which apparently all guns got after going through a testing phase. It is in those marks which you will find the year the gun was made.

You may well find four marks instead of three. According to the information I've seen (on a couple of sites), military arms had an extra mark.

It'll be interesting to see what you find.

[slick6]

If possible, I'll try to take some pictures of any markings I might find on my Astra 960 and will post them here? BTW, what condition was your Astra .357 in? Did you get the original gun box with it(I didn't)?:confused: Thanks!

[0007]

Nice find there if you didn't pay too much for it. They have always been kind of sleepers on the market as far as I could see. They were close copies of the S&W model 27/28 series; available in .38 and .357; well built and excellent value for the money. I have two of the .357's, a snubbie (2") that I bought for my wife, and a 6" that I bought for myself. She loves hers and I like mine. Haven't had any trouble with either in thirty years we've owned them.

Almost forgot - if you take the grips off you can adjust the the tension for the hammer fall. With a little fiddling you can put S&W target grips on them, heh.

[shadowpdf]

Trippple-0: What would you consider too much for the .357 in 4" at about 95%+? Considering I had to pay a transfer fee and mailing costs, my final price was probably a bit high.

I had a tense moment when I fooled around with the hammer adjustment. That spring is pretty strong! But I wrestled it back into place.

It sure feels like a good solid gun. I'll have the chance to try it out this weekend. No combat grips, though. I just don't like 'em.

I'll try to post a photo up this weekend, too.

[slick6]

shadowpdf:

1)The proof code under the grip frame of my Astra Model 960 .38, is Y-1, which corresponds to year 1979! I didn't need to take a picture of this code as it was clearly stamped on the left side of my grip frame.

2)Following are some pictures that I just took this morning of my Astra Model 960 .38. Other than just a little holster wear and some wear on the backstrap this astra 960 is in great shape overall! I have not yet fired this gun-but, I hope to try it out soon?:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/P1010695.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/P1010692.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/P1010694.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/P1010698.jpg

[shadowpdf]

Slick6 - Thanks for the pix. Hope to post mine soon, too. And shoot soon!

Is yours a five-screw, like the old S&Ws? It kind of looks that way.

[slick6]

shadowpdf:

1)You are welcome!

2)Yes, mine has the five screws the same as your Astra .357!:what:

3)I'll be looking forward to seeing the pictures of your Astra-and, to learn how yours shoots?

[slick6]

shadowpdf:

When are you going to post those pictures of your Astra .357 that you promised? I would sure like to see them?

[homeuser]

Just a question to clear up something I might be misunderstanding...

The Astra 960 doesn't actually have a transfer bar, does it?

S&W type rebound slide safety and hammer block, right?

[shadowpdf]

Been slow on posting pix. Hope to this weekend. I'll make it my second priority. (First priority is taking my 9-year-old son to baseball camp put on by our town's AAA ball club.)

But I did take the gun out last weekend and shot it. Shot a bit low, and I didn't have a small screwdriver to adjust the rear site. Might get a chance to go again this weekend for an hour and try out the adjustment.

Fired well, though. Not a lot of kick. I know that some people like to have oversized or rubber grips as opposed to the small stock grips. I had no trouble holding onto the gun with the standard grips. Trigger felt good, too. Not too stiff, and after the second click it fired with little pressure. Pretty light SA trigger, too.

Overall, a pleasant experience, made all the better by the reasonable price I paid for it. For anyone thinking about getting a Security Six (or a Police Six or a Speed Six) best to get them now - when they're available - because the speculators and dealers will catch on soon enough and start raising the prices.

[shadowpdf]

Man! Am I confused.

I just bought a Security Six and have been on a thread about that gun, too.

So, the gun at hand ....

My Astra shot beautifully. Smooth trigger. Point of Aim accuracy. I'm not marksman, but I get in the ballpark, especially if the gun shoots fairly true. This one did. It's a very solid gun, and one I'll be able to pass a lot of ammo through.

One question: Homeuser mentioned the model number 960. Is that in fact the Astra 357?

Pictures to go up this weekend!

[warwagon]

The Astra 960 is the .38 special model of the weapon. These were ostensibly not to be imported to the US, but apparently a few "slipped" in.

I don't have this as fact, but based on what I have read on the forums.

They really are nice weapons, great finish, smooth actions, even pinned, and recessed!

I have possession of a friends' 960 for awhile, and it is reminiscent of old school S&W revolvers,(I've carried a few of those back in the day too).

[shadowpdf]

In the "Better Late Than Never Category" .... Here are three views of my Astra, of which I'm mighty proud (but also often confused).

Fires real nice, as previous discussed. And I really like the stock grips.