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From Service Sidearm to Match Gun: the Astra 400 Target Model
🕑 Added 2022-08-26 12:00:06 +0000 UTCA very small batch of special target model pistols was made at the very end of Astra 400 production in 1945. They were fitted with Patridge front sights and adjustable revolver-style square-notch rear sights, much improved over the stock Astra 400 sights. In addition, they were fitted with a special single-set trigger system in which the sear engagement was dramatically lightened to give a very short and light press. However, the sear engagement was so light as to risk doubling under recoil, so a hammer catch was added. Before each shot, a button on the back of the frame had to be pressed to release the hammer onto the sear.
A handful of ex-service Astra 400s were also retrofitted to this pattern in the late 1950s; these can be identified by their salt blue finish instead of the regular rust bluing.
For more information on these and other Astra pistols, I highly recommend Leonardo Antaris' book "Astra Pistols and Selected Competitors":
Comments
Paul Beck
Wow!! I'm rather surprised Looking at the prices of these books, I have several myself but I had no idea their value has actually reached that of a house payment!!! 😳
Guido Schriewer
there are kind of interesting models in the 80s but the 400...
ViejoLobo
Was standard pressure 9x19 used, or some reduced target load? Wonder how robust the added parts are as the round count increases, and whether a high pressure load would result in the hammer failing to pick up the stud during recoil.
Mrgunsngear
Very cool system, thanks.
David K. Jernigan
It would be real fun if when you were to press the set trigger plunger the hammer slipped off the sear.
Pat Patterson
I'm awarding a (strictly imaginary) medal to the engineering team that designed and implemented this. It's impressive, even if it's not the sort of thing that would transform the industry.
