Astra 600 etc.

Status
Not open for further replies.

Richard

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
490
Location
Southeastern Michigan
I went to Top Gun Indoor Range to shoot yesterday with my friend, Billy Kirkland, and his brother-in-law and nephew. All shooting was done at 10 yards. I was given the chance to shoot a pistol that was new to me and it was a 9mm Astra 600. This pistol style was used by Germany as a substitute sidearm in WWII.

e9e3b02f.jpg


This is a well made handgun with a small grip safety. I was able to shoot seven rounds through it and my impressions are the grip safety is too small, I didn’t know it had one until I couldn’t get it to fire. I was able to keep all shots in a 6x6“ square but it’s heavy trigger, small sights, and stout recoil make that a chore. This is a straight blow back style pistol and believe me it kicks!

The next handgun I fired was my FEG High-Power and it was flawless. I shot groups the size of a medium orange and they would be better if I removed the magazine safety, which I am going to do. I have owned this pistol for a number of years and it is a good solid performer. Its exterior is beautiful but there are machine marks inside. Heck, for $159 I do not take its slide off that often for critiques. Lastly, my pistol has sights that Browning/FN should have used on the early High-Powers, the sights are three dot and easy to pick up.

fa9daa19.jpg


I then shot Springfield Mil-Spec put together using Winchester 230gr FMJ White Box ammo and it remains a marvel. Yes, it is that accurate and reliable with magazines it likes. The Springer likes Wilson Combat 7 round, Chip McCormick, and Metalform magazines but it despises Wilson Combat 8 round magazines. The Springer balks every time on the first round out of the Wilson Combat 8 round magazines. I fired 50 rounds into a tennis ball sized group.

edded6ae.jpg


I continue to lust over the last pistol I shot. It is Billy’s Dan Wesson Patriot 45acp. I have never shot any handgun better than this one. Groups were ¼” at 10 yards. The sad part is I can do this effortlessly with Billy’s jewel. I want a Dan Wesson Patriot 45acp so bad I can taste it.

Regards,

Richard:D
 
I'd love to try one of the Astras, not the best firearm in the world but you've gotta give it points for personality. BTW I have an Astra revolver in 44 mag and its a delight to shoot, accurate too. Kinda sorry to see them go.
 
Grandpa's (now mine) Astra 600 9mm made in 1945 with W.German police proofs.Interessting gun.fairly accurate.fairly poor trigger.Recoil is very surprising for a 9mm as mentioned.kinda fun to shoot though (and cheap to feed).
Astra600.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top