Astra Model 600/43 9MM

[marsh monkey]

My dad has the opportunity to pick up an ASTRA Model 600/43 9MM Parabelum from his sister-in-law due to a death in her family.

It is in fairly decent shape for an old pistol. I would say about 85% condition.  Does anyone know what a fair market value would be for this old gun?

In doing some quick research I know it was made in spain.  It appears to have some different proof marks stamped on it.  From what I found they had a contract to supply the German army and police.

Anyway, any information on this piece would be much appreciated.  We are trying to determine a fair price.

Many thanks

[Mikey]

It is probably worth a couple of hundred dollars but not much more.  It is a wartime production model.  While solid and reliable they were nothing to really brag about.  I had a Model 400 in 9mm largo as well as a 600 in 9mm Parabellum.  They were accurate enough for my purposes back then but nothing to rave about. 

I think they were made by Astra y Unceta.  I know the German Luftwaffe pilots favorered the Model 400 in 9mm Largo over their Lugers or Walthers in 9mm Parabellum but I'm not sure about a contract.

I think there was a write-up on those pistols in the Shotgun News recently.  HTH.

[Lee N. Fielder]

Now see, Mikey doesn't particularly care for them and I think they are really neat pistols so you'll get both sides of the argument here.  Also, the write-up in the Shotgun News Mikey was referring to was on the Astra 400's, not the 600's.

There were at least 4 variants of the Astra 600.  The first 500 were trials units, used by the Germans to determine whether or not to place an order for them with the Spanish.  I have never seen one of these 500 trial units nor have I ever heard of anyone owning one.

The Germans liked the Astra 600 well enough to place an initial order for 10,000 pistols.  These were in the serial number range of 501-10,500, delivered to the Germans and stamped with German waffenamts.  Due to their scarcity and Nazi history, these guns will go for anywhere from $700-$1,000, depending on condition.  I bought one last year for $650 and was proud to get it for that price.

A second pre-paid order for over 40,000 pistols followed and Astra manufactured them, but the Allies invaded Europe and the Spanish were unable to actually deliver the guns to the Germans.  These so-called "Second Contract" pistols were never stamped with any Nazi markings or waffenamts.  After the war the Spanish government sold the unused 600's to the newly formed West German Police (so the Germans paid for them twice).  All the WW2 guns were manufactured in 1943, hence the 600/43 designation.

In the 1950's and 1960's all of the leftover inventory of Astra 600 parts were assembled into working guns and sold to various countries and agencies around the world.

Used to be the Second Contract and post-war builds could be had for $200 all day long as Mikey suggested but I see them going these for more in the $300-$400 range these days depending on condition.  $250 might be a fair price for a family deal.  They are slowly gaining popularity as an unusual pistol, I think. 

The 600's are blowback operated, and some say this makes them recoil harder, but I really can't tell much difference.  In any event, they are a well-made quality weapon.  Your Dad could do a lot worse than an Astra 600.  They are compact, reasonably accurate, reliable, and unique.  What's not to like?

-Lee

[marsh monkey]

Guys I really appreciate all the feedback.  Great information and great site!

Thanks!!!!

[mcwoodduck]

I had one for a while.  Great gun, fun to shoot and take apart.
The safety was a little strange.  they did have contracts with germany and many have swastika's on them.  A lot were issued to the Luftwaffa (air Force).  I never noticed it recoil heavy compared to my Sig, luger, P1 (post war P-38) or other 9mm I have/ had.
But it was reliable with most of what i tried to feed it and it never had a misfire.  Only complaint i had with it were the sights.  like most from that era they were a little small.

[Hank08]

The 600 was an excellent 9mm.  Wish i still had mine.  In the late 60s the going price for a 600 with the original holster and extra magazine was $35.  I remember at the Vallejo gun show there was a consecutive numbered pair of Lufwaffe 600s with the Lufwaffe crest on top of the slides just in front of the ejection port, like new, for $90 for the pair. Course 1911s
and Lugers were only going for about $75 then.
H08

[jhbrooks]

I am a new user. My father has an Astra 600/43 that has sn:5640 stamped into th upper, lower and barrel. This is a Nazi 1st contract piece and am looking for good home and a fair value.

[rockbilly]

Hindsight beeing 20-20, I sure wish I had bought a truck load of them back when the could be had for $20-$30.  I had one in 9mm Luger, it was a fairly good old gun, I traded it for a Beagle, the dog never would hunt, just laid on the porch and barked.

[mcwoodduck]

I am a new user. My father has an Astra 600/43 that has sn:5640 stamped into th upper, lower and barrel. This is a Nazi 1st contract piece and am looking for good home and a fair value.

The Astra 600  as priced in the 35th edition (2010) of the Blue book of gun values.
                      100   95     90    80    70
Plain model       500  325    250   200  175
Nazi Marking   1,000  650   500   400   350