RE - Republica Espanola Model 400: Astra clone

[mawkie]

-Another item that lived for quite a while on my bucket list. I've plodded along searching for either a F. Ascaso or Republica Espanola (RE) Model 400. They were Republican produced clones of the Spanish military standard sidearm, the Astra Model 400. About 8,000 F. Ascaso 400s were built and nearly twice that the RE were built during the SCW. Not easy to find, even when all the Astras were imported. Prices have soared over the last five years and I gave up trying to find one.
-Then a rough condition RE built example came to auction and I figured it's now or never. Didn't pay that much for it with the 60-70 point condition. But as it turns out, it doesn't have an import mark. So I have to assume either it's a bring back, or an import that missed getting stamped. SN dates it to mid production and it sports the star acceptance mark, applied after a few rounds were successfully run through it. There is also a "V16R" stamp but it's very faint, too much so to photograph. Sports the original hard rubber RE marked grips. Early examples had wooden grips with brass RE logo inserts. Very hard to find.
-Find it interesting that the caliber mark is very different from Astra: 9 M/M LARGO. This one doesn't have the original RE marked magazine, sports an Astra produced copy. Would be interesting to know how it came to the US but that will have to stay a mystery.

 

[Art3]

What a weird pistol...especially to copy. Maybe the simple blow back action made it easier? It's still a lot of machining.

My grandfather had an Astra. I don't know if it is still in the family. I thought it was a 400, but it was definitely 9mm Luger, not Largo. In addition to its "unique" appearance, I remember the ergonomics being awful (for those of us with big hands used to JMB's sensibilities) which made it unpleasant to shoot. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt to say that is why we found it wildly inaccurate If I remember correctly, the safety was either really stiff or otherwise awkward to use, so it might as well have been carried with an empty chamber. I dunno...I just think that if that is what was issued to me, I'd look for something else...like even a revolver

Don't get me wrong, "weird" is cool in its own way...and that one sure is weird.

Thank you for sharing the story of your weird copy of a weird gun

 

[somd_mustangs]

Your grandpa's Astra was either a 600 or 800 if it was 9x19. Someone was making 9x19 barrels for the 400 at one point a while back though.
Model 600:

Model 800 "Condor", note the external hammer.

 

[mawkie]

A fair number of West German Police Model 600s chambered for 9x19mm were imported. Grandpa could also have been very fortunate and had a WW2 German issue Model 600. Very collectible. SN range is 500 to 10,500 with a waffenamt stamped near the SN, obviously no "SPAIN" import stamp.

 

[joppaj]

That is a very unique looking handgun... Glad you found what you were looking for.

 

[mawkie]

The Spanish have a gift for unique when it comes to early auto pistols. Get somd_mustangs to show off his Jo-Lo-Ar and Campo Giro. They make the Astra 400 design look a bit pedestrian in comparison.