Astra pistols in service of Germany during World War II,When one thinks of German pistols during Wor

Astra pistols in service of Germany during World War II,When one thinks of German pistols during World War II the most common firearms that come to mind are Lugers and Walthers, the stereotypical pistol seen on any World War II movie or mini series.  However the German military used a wide variety of foreign pistols from Belgium, France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and many other countries.  Many were captured or looted from conquered countries, others were produced forcefully for the German military by countries who suffered under German occupation.  Yet others were actually produced, exported, and sold to Germany by neutral countries and Axis friendly nations.One such Axis friendly nation was Spain.  Although officially a neutral country, the fascist regime of Francisco Franco was very partial to the Nazi’s, providing weapons for Germany during the war, volunteer soldiers, and facilitating the escape of Nazi’s after the war.  Tens of thousands of Spanish pistols were exported to Germany in the 1930’s and 40’s, with brands such as Llama and Star producing models for German use.  However, the most popular company to supply the German military with sidearms was Astra, which made a long barreled blowback single action pistol that became the standard side arm of the Spanish Army.The Astra 300 (Top pic)Astra’s pocket pistol, the Astra 300 was mainly used by the German Luftwaffe (air force).  Because of its small size, it was easy for aircraft crews, pilots, and ground crews to carry with their gear.  Chambered for either .32 acp or .380 acp, both common calibers in Germany.  85,390 delivered from 1941 to 1944.Astra 400 (2nd from top)Unlike the Astra 300, the Astra 400 was a full sized pistol that fired a caliber more practical for combat.  Unfortunately the Astra 400 was chambered for a cartridge called the 9x23 Largo, which was common in Spain but scarce around the rest of the world.  However the common 9mm Luger cartridge used by Germany could be fired and ejected by the pistol.  In rare instances doing so could cause the pistol to explode, but such instances were rare.  6,000 were purchased by Germany in 1941, most being issued to the German Heer (army).Astra 600 (3rd from top)Due to the shortage of 9x23 Largo in Germany, Astra developed a full sized pistol chambered for 9mm Luger specifically for export to Germany during World War II.  Around 10,450 were delivered to Germany between 1941 and 1944.  By August of 1944 the Allies had cut off the supply of Astra pistols through occupied France.  In September of 1944 a shipment of 28,000 Astra 600 pistols was intercepted and captured by the Allies.Astra 900 (Bottom)A Spanish copy of the famous German Broomhandle pistol, it was chambered in 7.63x25 Mauser.  While a handgun it could also be used as a carbine or machine pistol, with a detachable buttstock included.  It also featured a select fire switch between semi auto and full auto, although in full auto mode it tended to quickly drain the ten round box magazine.  1,053 were sold the Germany in March of 1943. -- source link

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