Make: Astra

Model: 900

Serial Number: 27910

Year of Manufacture: 1933 (* / F date code)

Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser)

Action Type: Internal Magazine Fed Short-Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic Pistol

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notched arm with a slider, having graduated markings from 50 to 1000 meters pinned to a base integral to the barrel extension.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The interior of each panel is marked "910". The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks and some discoloration at the bottom of the right panel. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Some Part Fire-Blued or Bright

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some stubborn copper fouling on the lands and infrequent minor erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8-9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks, most notable is a spot of scratching on the rear of the frame to the right of the hammer. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The factory markings are clear, some proofs are poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: From a distance, it would be easy to mistake this for a Broomhandle Mauser. As one looks closer, the pins visible on the side of the frame and the lack of a detachable lock-frame on the rear certainly make it clear that you're looking at something different. Once you take the sideplate off, you'll realize that the Astra 900 is a whole different design which shares the form-factor of the earlier Mauser pistol. The physical appearance was already iconic due to use in the Great War, the Russian Revolution, and in the various conflicts which wracked China in the early 20th Century. In order to get in on the sales, there were a couple of Spanish companies, including Unceta y Cia. or "Astra" who put their own designs inside a frame which has a strong external resemblance to the Mauser pistol.

This example is in outstanding shape, easily the best we have seen. These pistols typically are a little rough, not only as such an old gun, but especially as a model which typically saw extensive use in unhealthy environments. The pistol has certainly had a gentle life, possibly coming straight to America as it does not have an import marking. The serialized metal parts are matching, the bore and mechanics are strong. This pistol would fit into a lot of collections, whether you're interested in Spanish handguns, Mauser Broomhandle variants, or just interesting early autoloaders. Please see our pictures and good luck!