Astra 300 - A Pocket Pistol Bought Mostly By Germany

Published on May 29, 2018
Duration: 9:26

The Astra 300 is a Spanish pocket pistol, a scaled-down version of the Astra 400, produced from 1923. It was offered in .380 ACP and .32 ACP, featuring a simple blowback action and safeties including a grip safety and manual thumb safety. Notably, Germany was a major customer during WWII, purchasing over 85,000 units marked with the Waffenamt WaA251.

Quick Summary

The Astra 300 is a Spanish pocket pistol produced from 1923, available in .380 ACP and .32 ACP. It features a simple blowback action, grip safety, manual safety, and magazine safety. Germany was a significant buyer, with many examples bearing the Waffenamt WaA251 acceptance stamp.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Astra 300
  2. 00:47Calibers and Action Explained
  3. 01:06Manufacturing History & Guernica
  4. 02:18German WWII Contracts & Waffenamt
  5. 02:52Astra 300 vs Astra 400 Comparison
  6. 03:44Magazine Capacity and Markings
  7. 04:30Serial Numbers & WaA251 Stamp
  8. 05:58Field Stripping and Internal Safeties
  9. 07:20Production Totals and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers was the Astra 300 pistol chambered in?

The Astra 300 was offered in two primary calibers: .380 ACP, also known as 9mm Kurz, and .32 ACP, also known as 7.65mm Browning. This provided options for different user preferences and legal restrictions.

What is the significance of the Waffenamt WaA251 marking on the Astra 300?

The Waffenamt WaA251 marking indicates that the Astra 300 pistol was inspected and accepted by German authorities during World War II. Germany was a major purchaser of these pistols for its military forces.

How does the Astra 300 differ from the Astra 400?

The Astra 300 is a scaled-down, more compact version of the Astra 400, making it a pocket pistol. Key differences include its smaller size and a push-button magazine release, whereas the Astra 400 has a heel release.

What safety features does the Astra 300 pistol have?

The Astra 300 is equipped with multiple safety features, including a grip safety that must be depressed to fire, a manual thumb safety lever, and a magazine safety that prevents the pistol from firing if the magazine is removed.

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