Spanish Astra 600/43 9mm Parabellum Semi-Auto Pistol WWII
Astra 600
| Astra 600 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1943–1945 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Astra-Unceta y Cia SA |
| Produced | 1943–1950s |
| No. built | Approx. 60,000 |
| Variants | Model 400 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.08 kg (2.4 lb) |
| Length | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Barrel length | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
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| Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Blowback operated |
| Feed system | 8-round box magazine |
| Sights | Fixed iron sights |
The Astra 600 was a Spanish semi-automatic pistol used during World War II. It was a shortened version of the Astra 400 in 9×19mm Parabellum.
History[edit]
The gun was made in Spain for Germany during World War II, and about 60,000 pistols were made, although only the first 10,500 were delivered before the liberation of France cut off the supply lines between Spain and Germany. The remaining pistols were primarily sold after the war to West Germany for police use, with a smaller number being purchased by the Portuguese Navy. The gun was rugged and of high quality and accuracy, despite the blowback operation of the gun and heavy weight, it gave a snappy, distinct recoil. Because of its ruggedness and weight, it was in some countries nicknamed “the pipewrench”.
Users[edit]
Nazi Germany
West Germany: Police
PortugalNavy
Spain
General John T. Thompson, a graduate of West Point, began his research in 1915 for an automatic weapon to supply the American military. World War I was dragging on and casualties were mounting. Having served in the Army’s ordnance supplies and logistics, General Thompson understood that greater firepower was needed to end the war.
In 1919, Thompson directed Auto Ordnance to modify the gun for nonmilitary use. The gun, classified a “submachine gun” to denote a small, hand-held, fully automatic firearm chambered for pistol ammunition, was officially named the “Thompson submachine gun” to honor the man most responsible for its creation.
