My grandfather found 1 of these 400s in a field while in Italy during 1944. He was in Patton's 3rd armored half track division called the Phantoms. Anyhow, he was able to mail the gun back home. The problem was he didn't know the gun needed special ammo, not the 9mm Luger. Handed down during the yrs, my dad called it 'the ray gun' based on its shape. He sold it in 1968 to a local gun shop, as it seemed to be functional and was rust free.. Other than pictures, I have no detailed info on this gun. Glad to see some additional info about this gun!

I really like the idea of having you tell us Ballistols History. That is something really creative

Wasn’t expecting this to be the first WWII primer… but I’m not complaining in the least!

The Spanish factories in Eibar had very good metallurgy and apprentices, not all the weapons were of extreme quality, but ASTRA, STAR and LLAMA were sublime.I have an ASTRA 400 in its original caliber and with another barrel modified to 9mm Parabellum.

If the next episode is the model 600 I’m going to cry with joy. Finally I got a historical gun before C&Rsenal reviewed it

this gun is so prevalent in spanish shows and movies set from the 20s to the 30s that you could kinda call it the colt single action equivalent of spain

Othias: "9mm Largo which pushes the limit of blowback" Me: Laughs in 10mm Hi Point JXP

I have an Astra 300 that was a bringback of my Father's after WWII. He actually entered New York Harbor with the Astra and two P08 Lugers but traded off the Lugers before disembarking because he didn't like the "hair triggers". What he kept is a Waffenamt stamped Astra 300 with a trigger pull that checks in at 11 lbs. using my Lyman digital trigger gauge. BTW, on the 300 the slide and frame carry a file cut that lines up when the barrel can be rotated into lock. Look on the right side about 1 inch back from the end of the frame.

"We need a new service pistol. No expense." "Do you mean spare no expense, Sir?" "No."

Though I have used Balistol for decades, the second they sponsored C&R I bought a 16 oz can for each area, as well as the repro antique bottle and I love the booklet included with it!!! I also sent a note thanking them for the sponsorship.

first gun I ever shot was an Astra 600, I'll never forget. I remember trying to take it apart afterwards and being totally confounded. it quickly made me appreciate how easy modern pistols takedown.

I bought some ballistol because of this channel to protect all of the mechanical parts in my apartment

I have had many ‘tube’ Astras in the shop (principally to complete disassembly and clean) and own a 600/43. They are all beautifully made and are stylish too. The soft rust blue outside with the ‘in-the-white’ interior, and the L-shaped pins that hold everything are unique. The sights are odd as the rear is radiused like the slide and so do you match the front with the radius, or go flat across the top? I’ve put several thousand rounds of 9mm through my 600 in the past 20 years and while the slide and trigger are heavier than a modern gun, I don’t feel they are off-putting. I don’t need tools to depress the inner sleeve of the recoil spring lock (at least the first couple of times) and find takedown easy. Very cool and unique pistol - great to see you cover it!

A little TV trivia, this is the same model gun Dobson used to shoot Kaylee in the pilot episode of "Firefly."

After the Martini vids, the rate of fire from a semi auto pistol seems absolutely astounding.

I have a astra 400 that was very rusty and missing a few parts when I got it for $25. got barrel for it, did a good bit of work to it and a few other parts and it shoots fine now. it's also in the serial number range for being sold to the bad mustache man.

the victoria is one of my favourite guns ever and i'm feeling a moment of pride seeing it discussed, there she is, my baby

If we get a set of Spanish Civil War episodes, I hope our hosts are able to get their hands on a wz. 28 (the 7.92mm Mauser conversion of the BAR). Also, I'm still holding out hope for the Repercussion/WW1 crossover episode with the Trapdoor Springfield.

I love Spanish pistols. There is just something about their cheap but cheerful functionality

As a big Spanish Civil War fan, I enjoyed every second of this video

Lovely and simple pistols with clever design elements. Take care.

frightening to think that there are years beyond 1918…

I'll admit I was expecting more martini, but this was fun too. Always on board to learn about something I'd previously never heard of.

I freaking love you guys! This was my first milsurp pistol about a year ago now, and I have never heard of using the safety to help find where to rotate the barrel. I definitely won't be using the magazine on the front of the barrel though. I personally use a piece of Lego that fits perfectly around the barrel.

Ballistol saved my life, brought peace to Europe and prevents communism.

This pistol appears in simplified line art format on the cover of Peter Kemp's book about his time serving on the nationalist side during the Spanish Civil War "Mine Were of Trouble: A Nationalist Account of the Spanish Civil War". Great book on a not-often covered (in English language) experience of a volunteer foreign officer fighting on that side in the Spanish Civil War.

You guy's are one of the best, and most informative sights on KZfaq! I have been in the gun collecting business for over 40 year's. And you guy's are spot on! I plan to support your channel. So keep up the great work! J.C. 👍

An empty .50cal case makes a convenient take down tool to press in the inner "bushing" piece while field stripping the upper portion of these pistols

Me: looking to add a astra 400 to the collection Me: sees latest candrsenal video title Me: I'll never financially recover from this

I’ve been looking forward to getting more Astra history on the Channel. You just can’t get this kind of content anywhere else. Thank you!

Nice! My uncle has this deactivated (yes, it hurts) model in his closet along with some other Spanish firearms from the era. It's goofy looking in my opinion but not that awkward to hold.

These have to be one of the coolest looking handguns ever made.

Ballistol is amazing stuff. Great long term protection for your collection. Great for cleanup after corrosive ammo, too. Worth every penny.

I have one " 9mm Largo" & also the mod 4000 chambered for 9mm Kurz. Damn I love your collection & Knowledge! I bought my 400 because it is simply Stamped 9mm & the guy thought it jammed since he was loading it with 9×19mm It was in as new condition $300 dollar's was a steal! Also, "The Ruby" was manufactured under the name "Paramount" in Eibar ( I have one of those in 7.65 mm or .32 acp.)

In the late 1960s - early 1970s I attended a gun show back in my home state of Missouri. Somehow, I bought an Astra 400 for $ 30.00 but after trying to dis assemble it in order to clean it, I soon discovered the extreme intensity and strength of the recoil spring as I got the pistol apart. I was told that this pistol would handle some 5 different cartridges including the 9mm Luger, the 9mm Largo and a few others. After realizing the complexity of this pistol I sold the gun at a future gun show and have no regrets in dumping it.

I know this is like my third comment on the same day the video launched but one other point about the Astra series of pistols that also is interesting considering how contemporary pistols worked is the magazine construction. It’s a sturdy magazine but try taking it apart for cleaning or to replace a magazine spring. There are two pins that go horizontally through the base of the magazine that hold the very thick base and the magazine body together. You have to use a hammer and punch to drive the pins out. So you think to yourself “well that’s not too terrible” one problem. THEY BLENDED THE PINS AND THE MAGAZINE BODY TOGETHER SO YOU CANT SEE THE PINS. 😂 (Can you tell I recently tried replacing the magazine springs in my Astra recently 2 outta 3 were successfully replaced the third I couldn’t find the second pin to hammer out and I just about cried) The Luger, the 1911, the FN and Browning designs all had easily disassembled magazines that could be taken apart in the field incase the magazine got dirty for cleaning. Heck even the star browning clones have magazines that can be disassembled in the field without tools.

I've always wanted one of those. Probably the most powerful blowback operated pistol made.

Love long-slide autos, but once the 1911 became available in .38 Super (1929), that was probably a better choice if you wanted a fairly hot 9mm. Although not the most accurate (because of how they headspaced back then), and not nearly as fast as they claimed, they had nine-shot magazines and were about the same power as the Largo, in a much easier handling package. As Othais said, the Star that replaced the Astra went that route.

Another fine example of the truth in complicated but beautiful.

I inherited one of these not long ago. Thank you so much for the coverage of this. Man, just so much history here. Thanks a ton for covering it in such thoughtful and well-paced detail. You guys have your comedy, yes, but the fascination and passion for the subject is palpable through the screen and speakers. Such great work.

Man I'm always surprised to find out that there is another oversized blowback pistol. Also, an episode on Balistol or just generally cleaning stuff sounds like an idea if you get stuck in a lull between guns.

The Balistol history segment was the chefs kiss. 😂

Notes that Othias is wearing his FAVORITE t-shirt design from the t-shirt drive...

I don't have an Astra pistol. It's been forever since I've seen one in the wild. The only Astra I have is the 6" .44 Magnum copy of the S&W model 27. As far as a Star Super A, I'd love to find one. I have the Super B and the BM, both of which are 9mm parabelum.

Great video. Interesting pistol.

It would be neat to have a series on stuff like Ballistol and other gun related products/companies

The video I've been waiting for! Mine has the Spanish crown over the Astra logo.

I do not mean to be tongue in cheek here, or backhanding with my praise; the opening of this video includes some of the best product placement / sponsorship information I've ever seen on KZfaq or anywhere else. I hope very much that in the event your channel wins an award for its work that it might even be for marketing and advertising. I'm sure that'll impress The System very, very much... :P Well Done!

The Astra modelo 300 is the same model but scaled down in .380 9mm short or corto. These guns were commonly known as "puro" or cigar for the 400 and "purito" little cigar for the 300

Holy Shit!!! Mae's hair is down!!! It looks fantastic! Oh, and btw, great freaking episode. I'm going to spend the rest of the night learning what I can about the Spanish Civil War.

I love the 1910s-40s all steel old handguns. Something about how generic polymer framed wonder 9s and 380s are today, while utilitarian and reliable- lack the craftsmanship and feel of the old school ones have.

Now that you have introduced the 9mm largo we meed a Distroyer story

Thanks! Soooo happy to see this video, been waiting for this one.

I wanted more martini damnit!

I loved it! You can go on for many more episodes on Eibar handguns. PLEASE!

Babe, wake up! C&Rsenal just uploaded! Thanks guys

I have a 600/43 variant of this gun. It is certainly something. The trigger sucks, it's snappy, and a pain to cock. It's... certainly one of the guns of all time.

an excellent unbiased overview of the spanish civil war .a history lesson .

Very simple and reliable pistol. 9X19mm recoil is a bit snappy, but it recovers quickly and drops right back on target.

Loving the hair, Mae!!! Longer & dyed tastefully....

This looks like it should be a Star Wars blaster of some kind. Interesting handgun!

Oohh interwar period. Honestly feel the Spanish civil war is kinda like the Korean war, kinda forgotten and way more important that people realize

Gotta give the Spanish credit, they know elegant designs.

Excellent product placement - that was actually quite interesting!

wow that looked like a chilly shoot, and all that cold metal

Spanish politics never truly recovered from Napoleon.

Art Deco... Mauser Hsc ! and thanks for detailed take down of Astra 400, I have one and an Astra 600 (to be honest I have a lot of spanish as they WERE afordable ) As to not learning the lesson of WW I the spanish political situation did not really allow for a change once the Astra 400 was selected. Of the weapons to upgrade even if not in a series of coup / civlil war(s) the hand gun is and shouild be last for the most part. USSR used the M1895 Nagant as standard till 1931 (TT30 vs Astra 400 its close, M1895 vs Astra 400 not close) Italy used used the Glisenti 1910 (and others) until 1934 (Astra 400 more robust and better cartidges for service pistol) UK used vairants of the Webbly revolver (and coppies that the .gov did not want to pay royalites ) (as a combat arm the Astar 400 is probably better than the Enfiled .38) Sweden used the Browning 1907 as standard till 1935 continued its used in the 1980s ! ( about even as both are blow back, the 1907 is easier to carry and 400 has better cartridge) Japan used the Nambu variations from 1909 to 1929 to be replaced by the Type 95 in 1935 (would take a 400 over them for the most part) China.. oh well list is too long and muddled.. So yes the Astra 400 is not the best choice but not the worst either.

Love these handguns all quirky features aside like the disassembly for example... But all in all a cool looking and fascinating firearm. I own both a 400 and a 600. Have only shot the 600 so far and its a fun shooter. Thanks for the cool episode and looking forward to the next part!

woo hoo, and has a major part to play in Miller's Crossing (1990)

Mae's hair looks great.

in the darkness lurks the Campo Giro, formless, forever fluting its meandering tune

That really kicks the brass out!

"Like a colorful frog, this indicates danger lies ahead." I want a shirt with this on it. 52:54

Tanks for the episode.

Thanks for the video guys

Another great one!

fantastic as always. keep doing the good works

I love Mae's hair-do at the end of this segment! She's so cuuuute! :-)

i can't wait to get one!

Boy oh Boy that thing has a LOT of parts inside!

We've been waiting.

I picked one up awhile back, have not shot it yet but ammo has been fairly easy to find.

Great day!😊

May is the Mona Lisa of this channel 😊

Dang it, Othais, I just sold one of these and now you're making me want to buy another one. :)

Oh boy, more C&Rsenal! Yippee!

I love my 400 and 600. I'd like to get a 300 and a 4000 falcon.

when you find out you saw a navy model astra in person but didnt know it until years later.

Great stuff guys

An interesting point to me about the grip angle of the Astra is that it is the WORST grip for instinctive point shooting. If you try and just point at a target then look where your sights are you can’t even see the front sight unless you angle your wrist upwards. Another point in browning favor (and to a lesser extent the Star automatics) is how the grip angle makes for a very ergonomic point shooter.

Love Ballistol ♥️

There better be a Star A & B episode... There's some interesting details in those.

May, thank you for your insight. You are also looking particularly lovely.

Great review and history. The recoil of this pistol (because of the size of the cartridge in a blow back pistol) is so much in Mae's hand that you would think she was shooting something much more powerful such as a 10mm 1911. The 9mm Largo in a blow back pistol wasn't a great idea by Astra when a locked breach was available and by this time refined to a very reliable system.

I really would like a Ruby Redo

The trigger pull on my 400 is good .

I was annoyed that the Ballistol history was so short. I know they're a sponsor, but I would genuinely like to watch a full episode on Ballistol history. There are a dozen similar history vids on WD-40, why not Ballistol?

Wow, Deja Vu hmmmmmmm I've seen this before oh yeah Patreon 😉👍. Great video BTW. The disassembly on the Astra 400 is from outer space. I've always wondered how it was done but have never seen it visually explained anywhere. The original Mission Impossible TV series always used the Astra 400 every time the IMF team was in some 3rd world Latin/south American Franco-style dictatorship when gats were waved around it usually was an Astra 400. Again Great video

23:01 "you're trying to depress this inner ring" Ok can do... *"you're a 9mm firearm that has some of the most expensive 9mm ammo even though most 9mm is the cheapest ammo to buy, you have more safeties than than would ever be needed, you always have something replaced when bought, your magazines seem to interact the dog more than your mag well than you, you can't even be trusted to dry fire"* Did I depress it correctly?

I just bought a model 1921 yesterday. It has a 3 digit serial number starting 68X. The grips were replaced at some point as they don't match the age of the pistol. I thought it was broken when I got it home and tried to rack the slide. Turns out the hammer was down and I had to use every ounce of strength I had to get it to cycle. Now that I disassembled it, cleaned and re-lubed it, it operates a lot easier. As a side note, the magazine release sits in the correct position, so the pin is not worn on this one.