Make: Astra

Model: 300

Serial#: 565200

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: 9mm Kurz/.380 ACP

Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 3/4"

Sights/ Optics: There is a blade integral to the front of the slide and a "U"-notch integral to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with smooth upper and lower borders. The grips have minor handling wear. There is a loss at the top-rear of the right panel at the mounting stud for the slide-stop spring. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. The slide, frame and barrel are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore with a little minor pitting just in front of the chamber. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: The gun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is on the sides of the frame. Other areas show evenly scattered wear with some strong finish in protected areas or around raised features. There are tool marks at the front of the barrel, on its bushing, and on the front of the slide. There are some other scattered more minor marks. There is infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: A single 6-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: The Astra 300 was a Spanish handgun which saw extensive service in the Wehrmacht during WWII. During the Spanish Civil War, Germany sent Legion Condor to support the clique of fascist officers who launched a coup against the Second Spanish Republic. The fascist coalition would ultimately prevail and General Francisco Franco, remembered as El Caudillo, assumed power in Spain. The German servicemen dispatched to Spain were impressed with the Astra 300, thus during WWII the Wehrmacht placed a sizable order for the stalwart Spanish handgun.

The Astra 300 was a solid compact handgun, it was provided to the Wehrmacht between October 1941-July 1944, its supply only ended following the Anglo-American invasion of France in 1944 which severed the connection between Spain and Germany. The guns that reached the Wehrmacht were marked with Waffenamts, codes placed on German arms which indicated where they originated. It has been reported that the Astra 300 was primarily used by the Luftwaffe, but there is no solid evidence to corroborate this or what Luftwaffe formations would have received the guns.

This particular example has a waffenamt which indicates it was transferred from Spain to the Wehrmacht successfully. It was made in 1943, a year before the Allied invasion of France when traffic between Spain and Germany was still possible. The gun has some wear but remains mechanically sound. This is a solid option for historical firearms collectors. Good luck on your bid!