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Spanish Astra Modelo 400 (1921) - Handgun

B

BobM

Hellcat
A brief interesting history of the Spanish Astra Modelo 400 handgun.
Article has clickable links to view various parts of the firearm.

This one has an amazing magazine:

Pin on Unusual Guns


LINK:
 
I wonder if you load it like a traditional mag or if the base and spring can be removed and then reinstalled. I noticed that the base looks more like a cap that can be removed. To say it would be an effort to load that mag from the top down would be an understatement! If the bottom of the mag doesn't attach to the front of the gun I'd say it doesn't meet ATF's definition of a forward grip; however, I'd get their opinion in writing to be safe from prosecution. But, I bet if one did try using it as a grip you'd end up bending the mag to the point it wouldn't feed reliably. That's a problem that happens with stick mags on machine pistols. That mag is kind of in the same neighborhood as John Dillinger's custom made full-auto 1911. Probably not as handy as it looks.
 
Recusant said:
I wonder if you load it like a traditional mag or if the base and spring can be removed and then reinstalled. I noticed that the base looks more like a cap that can be removed. To say it would be an effort to load that mag from the top down would be an understatement! If the bottom of the mag doesn't attach to the front of the gun I'd say it doesn't meet ATF's definition of a forward grip; however, I'd get their opinion in writing to be safe from prosecution. But, I bet if one did try using it as a grip you'd end up bending the mag to the point it wouldn't feed reliably. That's a problem that happens with stick mags on machine pistols. That mag is kind of in the same neighborhood as John Dillinger's custom made full-auto 1911. Probably not as handy as it looks.
Click to expand...
I remember reading about that 1911, some guy in Texas, Liberman maybe, made them. Dillinger and baby face Nelson had them.
 
Recusant said:
I wonder if you load it like a traditional mag or if the base and spring can be removed and then reinstalled. I noticed that the base looks more like a cap that can be removed. To say it would be an effort to load that mag from the top down would be an understatement! If the bottom of the mag doesn't attach to the front of the gun I'd say it doesn't meet ATF's definition of a forward grip; however, I'd get their opinion in writing to be safe from prosecution. But, I bet if one did try using it as a grip you'd end up bending the mag to the point it wouldn't feed reliably. That's a problem that happens with stick mags on machine pistols. That mag is kind of in the same neighborhood as John Dillinger's custom made full-auto 1911. Probably not as handy as it looks.
Click to expand...

I'd say traditional loading. Mag's end cap appears to be held on by flathead screws. Can't imagine unscrewing them for reloads, but?

The possible length of U bend may be an stability issue, likely depends on rigidity of steel and seam strength. The mag doesn't appear to be too lightweight gauge or weight by itself judging by the thickness of endcap, assuming mag is same thickness. Mag appears to be the same thickness as cap looking at mags round count perforations too. Am thinking it weighed quite a bit by itself. HG could likely be a pita to holster too?

Like KF basically stated, mag could likely double as a horseshoe? :)
Most of these pistols would likely use traditional mags.
 
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