Drakejake
Member
I actually have a small collection of these all-steel pistols and have just added one in .45 which I will probably fire tomorrow. Many people know that this is a clone of the Sig 228, just slightly shorter than the Sig 226. These Astras weigh about 35 oz empty, but are narrow for their size, and have a relatively narrow grip. They come in 9MM, .40, and .45. I believe that all of the frames are identical and can handle a slide, barrel, and recoil rod and spring from any calibre. I know this is true of 9 and .40, haven't checked .45 yet. The 9mm and .40 take high cap original mags made by Mec-Gar. 15 or 17 for 9MM, 13 for .40. The .45 mag holds nine rounds. These mags are usually readily available for around $35, which is cheap for a high quality 17 round mag.
These pistols have a very nice decocker but no manual safety. Takedown is extremely easy and fast. I have seen five finishes on these guns: matte blued (with some polished surfaces), polished blued, matte nickel, polished nickel, and polished stainless. The polished versions are very attractive.
I have found these pistols to be fun and accurate to shoot. The rear sight is adjustable left to right and I think some of the front sights are also adjustable.
There seems to be a large supply of these pistols available, often in near new condition. Some of the surplus guns from Spain are quite beaten up, however. In excellent condition I consider these pistols a good value at about $300. The drawback is that the pistol hasn't been made in a few years, parts may be hard to find, and the steel doesn't seem to be terribly hard and may wear faster than that used in some other modern pistols.
Drakejake
These pistols have a very nice decocker but no manual safety. Takedown is extremely easy and fast. I have seen five finishes on these guns: matte blued (with some polished surfaces), polished blued, matte nickel, polished nickel, and polished stainless. The polished versions are very attractive.
I have found these pistols to be fun and accurate to shoot. The rear sight is adjustable left to right and I think some of the front sights are also adjustable.
There seems to be a large supply of these pistols available, often in near new condition. Some of the surplus guns from Spain are quite beaten up, however. In excellent condition I consider these pistols a good value at about $300. The drawback is that the pistol hasn't been made in a few years, parts may be hard to find, and the steel doesn't seem to be terribly hard and may wear faster than that used in some other modern pistols.
Drakejake