Astra 400

The Astra modelo 400 was a Spanish service pistol produced by weapons manufacturer Astra-Unceta y Cia SA^[2] as a replacement for the Campo-Giro 1913/1916, which had also been chambered in 9mm Largo.^[3] It was the standard issue sidearm in the Spanish Army during the Spanish Civil War and also saw service in Germany during World War II.

The pistol was mass-produced and many examples still exist today. The Spanish Navy, along with the German Luftwaffe and the Chilean Navy primarily used the smaller variant Astra 300 and the Wehrmacht later altered the Astra 400 into the Astra 600 to better handle the 9mm Luger. The 400 was considered heavy as in order to handle the power of the 9mm Largo round in a blowback action the 400 had a reinforced slide and tough spring.

It gained fame among Spanish African and Civil War veterans as a strong and reliable pistol. This was especially so under mud and sand conditions, due to the nature of the internal hammer, protected from external elements and debris.

Although an underrated firearm in the past by some American gun experts, the pistol has become a unique collector piece. It is also an accurate service pistol for target shooting, due to its lower axis over the hand.

A powerful pistol, original 9mm Largo Spanish military loads were comparable with .38 Super factory loads.