Make: Astra (Unceta y Compania), imported by IAC
Model: 400 (M-1921)
Serial Number: 83969
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1921-1927
Caliber: 9mm Largo - 9mmx23 (also marked for .38 ACP, NOT SUPER)
Action Type: Single Action Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch integral to the top-rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have moderate handling wear with scattered nicks and scuffs and scratches. There are some small losses around the edges. The checkering ranges from well defined to worn, but visible. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches, some under the finish. There are a couple of spots of erosion on the top-left of the slide with more notable erosion and pitting under the grip panels. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes in a two-piece cardboard Interarms box with serial-matching label, manual, warning pamphlet, cleaning rod, and a single 8-round magazine. There is pitting on the exterior of the magazine body.
Our Assessment: The Astra Modelo 400 (1921), made by Unceta y Compania, was selected in 1921 to be the standard issue sidearm of the Spanish Armed Forces. It remained the standard issue sidearm until 1946 when it was replaced by the Star Model A. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-April 1, 1939) both sides utilized the Astra 400. The Unceta y Cia factory was taken over by the Nationalists and the Republicans formed two factories to make the Astra 400 on their own. This one was made before the war, based on the lack of date code and/or military acceptance markings. The 400 is chambered for 9x23mm or 9mm Largo and will also accept .38 ACP (standard velocity). This pistol is certainly large enough to absorb any recoil from its blowback-operated action, and ought to be a lot of fun to shoot as well as a neat addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
