Wanted: Any info on Astra A-80 in .45

[m39fan]

Well now I've gone and done it, I bought a gun I know nothing about! It's an Astra A-80 in .45 Auto. $175 out the door was too hard to resist! Add to that that I'd been wanting a SIG 220 forever but never could afford one.

Now for the questions. I did a web search and found very little info on the A-80. I read in the few hits I got that the A-80, -90 and -100 share the basic design and the A-80 will work with the later mags.

What about grips? The ones on the gun are worn and UGLY. I put a new slip-on grip on it and it's better but I'd like a whole new set of grips. Anyone know of any sources? Is this close enough of a clone that SIG grips would work?

Another issue mentioned in my web search was that the slide releases tend to break after a high round count. Does any one know of a source for replacements? (Numrich is out)

Holsters? I'm assuming SIG holsters would work? Any recommendations for a tuckable IWB?

Fourth and final question. The finish is very worn and I'd like to spruce it up. What home finishing products have you folks had good luck with?

Thanks,
Mike

Added: I would like any info on takedown and cleaning. (I've never handled a SIG style handgun)

 

[hnm201]

Very interesting topic. Let me be the first to say:

 

[m39fan]

I'd be glad to oblige if some low-life hadn't stolen my card reader! No reader, NO PICS!

Thanks for the help

 

[armoredman]

My first auto was an Astra A-80 in 9mm. Loooongest trigger pull of any firearm, bar none. It worked just fine, shot well, and was generally a good pistol. Once I got used to the trigger, all was good, and the price you got was great.

 

[Preacherman]

My first full-size handgun was an Astra A80 in 9mm. Gave good service.

Gun Parts Corp. has some parts for the A80, and gets others from time to time. However, since Astra went out of business some years ago, finding new parts is a chancy proposition. See here for GPC's current inventory.

 

[m39fan]

Thanks guys. It sounds like I didn't get a completely unworkable gun then. Can one of you that had an A-80 run me through the takedown procedures? At least tell me how to get the stinkin' slide off. I'm SO embarrased to have to ask, but it's winning!

Preacherman, thanks for the link but it's the same one I had (Gun Parts Corp/Numerich are the same company). If they don't have the parts it's not likely anyone else will. We'll just have to pray nothing breaks!!!!

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[pilroler]

Astra A-80

The Astra A-80 IIRC was imported by European American Arms (or Armoury) When I needed parts recently their web-site had a list of what they still had available. Currently they do not. I would suggest a phone call to check availability. Maybe they will tell you who bought them if they no longer have them. I was able to get one part that I needed from them. Ended up making a spring from a guitar string to get the gun working properly. A word to the wise. If you dissasemble it very far, be very careful of the firing pin drop safety. It can be reasembled in such a manner that every thing works as intended except when you use the de-cocker the gun fires!!! Fortunately this was during the initial check out of a new-to-me gun and it was pointed down range. The gun shop guys first question was "any body hurt?' followed by "the previous owner likes to take them apart"

Once again IIRC the lever on the right side of the frame above the trigger must be pivoted down to release the slide. Can't remeber if it is removed or not. Incidently a lot of little, hard to put back together springs etc. Don't recommend taking apart any more than you have to to clean

 

[m39fan]

Thanks guys. I finally managed to get it apart!!! It looks like it was carried MUCH more than fired and the takedown lever was STIFF! Got everything cleaned up and everything seems much happier. Managed to pick up a 2nd mag but just saw a friend's Warthog and I'm thinking I need a sub-compact .45 instead! That's what's fun about this hobby..... it's never ending!

Also, I recieved an early Christmas present in the form of a card reader. So, for Dominic (and others), I've attached a couple of photos.

Merry Christmas,
Mike

 

[mistercindy]

I know I'm a bit late to this thread, but my first non-.22 auto-loader was an Astra A-80 .45. I bought it when I lived in South Africa back in 1984. Sadly, I couldn't bring it back to the U.S.A. But its so close to a SIG that when I returned to the U.S.A. I bought a P220 .45. The Astra and the SIG break down exactly the same. In my experience I couldn't honestly say which pistol is better. I shot that Astra A-80 well and I never experienced jamming of any kind. Same is true for the P220.

Good purchase for what seems to be a helluva price.

 

[Bartman1]

Mistercindy,
What ammo do you run through your A-80? I recently inherited an A-80 .45 and have had problems with jamming. I've heard from other people that it is a bit finicky when it comes to Ammo; any info you could share on brand, grain, and type of slug (roundball, wadcutter, etc.) runs best would be helpful & appreciated!

-Bartman1

 

[Grump]

Gotta few parts laying around for that. I bought one in 9mm, and a friend turned up with a bag of parts from a .45 unit (that had a better finish, BTW!).

I had the slide stop break, the takedown lever break, and the 9mm slide break (portion in front of the dust cover cracked AND broke loose from the silver solder )

Finally sold it after the ejector BENT while shooting it in .45.

But I have grips in pretty good shape!! I'll box the stuff up this weekend and ship it out next week. Please PM w/ desired goto address. It's mostly pins and springs and a locking block and small stuff.

 

[IslandDean]

I've had my A-80 for a very long time now and enjoy shooting it, but alas, the grips have finally given up the ghost. if anyone out there can help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Dean

 

[schmeky]

I shot an Astra A-80 in .45acp, for several years and although is was not a top shelf auto, it was reliable and durable for me.

I just purchased a LNIB in A-80 in 9mm and have no regrets.