Astra 300 Question

[Confederate]

I have an Astra 300 autopistol (.32/7.65mm) in fine shape. My father says he only shot it once and that there were no misfires.

I don't know if this was one of the ones sold to the Nazis as the war began to wind down. It has the flaming bomb proof mark, which indicates that the pistol passed test firing with a round that was 30% more powerful then normal. As in most guns of this age, the wear is more obvious on the wood grips.

Anyway, I wonder if anyone knew the value of the gun or whether it had any collector value? There is no box, holster or extra magazine. Also, does anyone know where to obtain extra magazines?

Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

There is a mild collector interest in those Astras; the Blue Book gives a top price of over $800, but I think it would be hard to get that price for an unengraved one. (Engraved models can go over $2000.) An average good price might be $300, maybe $400.

Aside from value, they are well made, accurate and reliable pistols, though a bit bulkier than most .32's today. The 300 was introduced in 1923 and was quite popular with Spanish officials, but I don't recall that the Germans bought any of that model. If it was owned by the WWII-era German government it should have German acceptance stamps. Most in this country were imported after WWII.

I doubt you can find original magazines; there may be repros around, though the "usual suspects" don't list them.

Jim

 

[Confederate]

I love looking at the gun. Clearly, back then a lot of work went into making these pistols. The rails were thick and black and inside one can see where those fitting the guns made small marks to help them ensure that the fit was right on.

One website notes: "During World War 2, Nazi Germany purchased 85,390 Astra Model 300 pistols. They ordered 63,000 pistols chambered for the 9mm Kurz and 22,390 pistols chambered in 7.65mm. Only the 9mm version will have a German military acceptance stamp...."

If the gun was just a little more powerful, it would be perfect; however, as is, it's an astounding little gun, and the magazine is extraordinary durable. On most guns, I'd like an extra mag or two, but in this case I'm impressed with the gun's magazine. As long as you don't lose it, it should keep the gun working for years.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Original extra mags won't be cheap:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Se...eframe=0&Keywords=astra+300&Cat=4014&Items=50

Looks like Triple K MAY have made replacement mags in .32 as well, might be worth looking for one of these?

I've never seen a 300 model on Gunbroker or Collectors Firearms for less than $500, with German markings add $200 or so.

Condition is everything, so if you are looking for a 'real' value, we need pics.

 

[Confederate]

Yeah, I've already decided mags aren't going to be feasible. But the magazine with the gun seems to be as rugged as the gun, so....

Here are some photos I took this morning:













According to another website, "Since approximately 1927, Spanish law has required that every firearm manufactured in Spain be submitted to the Eibar Proof House for testing prior to being released for sale. The testing includes a detailed visual inspection as well as the firing of one or more overpressure or 'proof' cartridges, followed by further visual inspection. If the firearm passed both the visual inspection and displayed no ill effects from the proof firing, it was stamped with a variety of proofmarks. In addition to the proofmark, it was stamped with a letter code indicating the year that the arm passed proof."

Accordingly, my gun was made in 1945 and the bomb marking with a "P" in it indicates that it was tested 30% over normal pressure.

My gun is in excellent shape, so I have no idea what it's worth. Serial numbers also match.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mojo357]

Your gun looks like new. I'd bet you'd get top dollar for it. It's a very desirable model. Rarer than the 400 and 600, but shoots readily available ammo. Made in 1945, it probably was one of the batch that the Nazis ordered but never received because the war ended. I have a 600 and it's a great shooter. Astra and Star were both great companies that made some very cool firearms.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

That is a fine looking Astra! You take some really great gun pics...impressive.

 

[jmace57]

An absolute beauty!