Astra 300 - A Pocket Pistol Bought Mostly By Germany

Published on May 29, 2018
Duration: 9:26

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the Astra 300 pistol, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough safety check before disassembly and covers the steps for removing the barrel, recoil spring, and hammer assembly. The video also highlights the pistol's simple blowback action and its historical significance, particularly its use by German forces during WWII.

Quick Summary

The Astra 300 is a Spanish pocket pistol, a smaller variant of the Astra 400, produced from 1923. It operates on a simple blowback system and was chambered in .380 ACP or .32 ACP. Notably, Germany was its largest purchaser during WWII, acquiring over 85,000 units, often bearing the Waffenamt WaA251 acceptance stamp.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Astra 300
  2. 00:47Calibers and Action
  3. 01:06Manufacturing History
  4. 02:18German WWII Contracts
  5. 02:52Features and Comparison
  6. 03:44Magazine and Markings
  7. 04:30Serial Numbers and Waffenamt Marks
  8. 05:58Disassembly and Internal Safety
  9. 07:20Production Totals and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Astra 300 and who primarily purchased it?

The Astra 300 is a Spanish pocket pistol introduced in 1923, a scaled-down version of the Astra 400. While produced in Spain, Germany became its largest customer during WWII, purchasing over 85,000 units, often marked with the Waffenamt WaA251 stamp.

What are the key features and calibers of the Astra 300?

The Astra 300 operates via simple blowback and was offered in .380 ACP (9mm Kurz) and .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning). It features a grip safety, manual thumb safety, and a push-button magazine release, holding 6 rounds of .380 or 7 rounds of .32 ACP.

What is the historical significance of the Astra 300's factory?

The Astra 300 was manufactured by Unceta y Compañía in Guernica, Spain. The factory notably survived the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, continuing production for various factions and later for German contracts.

How does the Astra 300 differ from the Astra 400?

The Astra 300 is a smaller, scaled-down version of the Astra 400. A key functional difference is the Astra 300's push-button magazine release, whereas the Astra 400 utilizes a heel-mounted release.

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