Astra Model 600 Disassembly?

Grasshopper · 07-01-2008, 10:40 AM

I just picked up an Astra Model 600 yesterday. It came with a holster and two magazines, and it is in Very Nice condition.

Can anyone tell me how to disassemble it?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

Ron Smith · 07-01-2008, 11:11 AM

First , remove the magazine and insure that the gun is empty.

Hold the pistol muzzle up.

Use the tab on the bottom of the magazine to depress the bushing retainer ring ( the circular flat inside collar that incases the muzzle).

With it depressed, turn the knurled bushing lock counter clock wise, while keeping the retainer depressed. When it is in the correct position the bushing lock will release and come out. "CAUTION The spring is very stout".

Then remove the spring , line up the groove(mark) on the right side of the slide with the groove on the right side of the frame. Turn the barrel counter clock wise. It can now be removed.

The slide can now be pulled forward off of the frame.

Reassemble in reverse order.

Ron

Grasshopper · 07-01-2008, 11:55 AM

Thank you sir! I will give that a try this evening...

Edward Tinker · 07-01-2008, 01:06 PM

okay, so how the hell do I get a astra 400 back together...... seriosuly, it is sitting in a drawer because some idiot took it apart....

Ron Smith · 07-01-2008, 02:25 PM

"it is sitting in a drawer because some idiot took it apart...."

I just hate when idiots sneak into my safe and disassemble my guns...'specially when they can't figure out how to get 'um back ta gether.

Something else that the Supreme Court should address....

Ed,

The same way.

Sent you an e-mail.

Ron

Mumintrollet · 07-01-2008, 02:41 PM

You can find a illustraded parts breakdown here for the 400-600.
http://stevespages.com/ipb-astra-400.html

Edward Tinker · 07-01-2008, 04:58 PM

Thanks, I have the Astra book and it had pictures, but some idiot couldn't figure out the pictures.

Thanks Ron, will try tonight.

Ed

BogeyB · 07-01-2008, 08:16 PM

When I was in my eary 20's, I bought an Astra 600. It was in real nice shape, and shot well. I decided to take it down to clean and ( you REALLY need to heed Ron's cauction on the STOUT recoil spring!! ), I put a dent in my TV from across the room. I missed the tube by aout an inch!

Mike

Grasshopper · 07-02-2008, 09:26 AM

I did it last night...it was exceedingly easy! The pistol is not just in great condition, it's in 'wow' condition. I'm expecting that the owner before me had to have given the internals an exceptional cleaning. The pistol wasn't dirty, but there was a bit of sticky/hardened lube (like old cosmoline) in the slide grooves....I cleaned it out, then lightly oiled it. The bore is perfect...

It looks like a brand spanking new, unfired pistol on the inside, and the outside also gives the impression that it has seen almost no use. It looks like it's been 'handled', and maybe it's been in the holster a time or two, but not much more than that. The holster that I got with it is in very nice condition, and in fact, the holster has obviously NEVER been on a belt.....

I know where another one is in the area...although it's an Astra 400, I want to look at that one for comparison. The thing is, looking at the feed ramp on mine, I get the idea that perhaps mine has been polished, because it looks to me (profile wise) that it will probably feed ANYTHING.....

I'm going to try it with some standard ball, and then with some standard pressure hollow points to see what's what....

My overall impression is that the gun has seen very little, if any use. If someone DID in fact refurbish it, then they knew what they were doing!

Ron Smith · 07-02-2008, 10:50 AM

The Astra 600s were built for a WWII German contract. However only a portion (10,450 Nazi accetance proofed SNs 51-10500) were shipped, the rest were religated to post war, mainly West German police issue.

Some are found in exceedingly nice condition and probably fired very little. They will usually reliably feed any type of ammo. The one thing to keep in mind is that they are a straight blow-back design and are very accurate, but do tend to slam the web of your hand on recoil. Hotter ammo isn't comfortable to shoot in them, and will be hard on the pistol.

A bit of trivia. The 300, 400 (1921), 600 series of pistols were coined "The Plumbers Nightmare" for their pipe constructed appearance.

Ron

Grasshopper · 07-02-2008, 11:26 AM

I wouldn't want to put hotter ammo in an older gun like this...even one in such great condition...it just wouldn't serve any purpose.

I'm really looking forward to shooting it!

BogeyB · 07-02-2008, 08:22 PM

Ron,

Wasn't " the Plumbers Nightmare " the British STEN Gun?

Mike

the gunman · 07-02-2008, 09:37 PM

The Sten was just a plain "Nightmare" Shot one of these just about fell apart after about 3 magazines. Could barely hit an old car at 100 yards. Biggest piece of C^%& I have ever fired. I know there close in weapons maybe I fired the "Lemon" of stens . Think they cost about 8.00 to make. But I guess they did the job. The Brits worked wonders with them.

07-01-2008, 10:40 AM	#1
Grasshopper User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Astra Model 600 Disassembly? I just picked up an Astra Model 600 yesterday. It came with a holster and two magazines, and it is in Very Nice condition. Can anyone tell me how to disassemble it? Any information will be greatly appreciated. THANKS! __________________ "You ain't gonna git outta this life alive."

07-01-2008, 11:11 AM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	First , remove the magazine and insure that the gun is empty. Hold the pistol muzzle up. Use the tab on the bottom of the magazine to depress the bushing retainer ring ( the circular flat inside collar that incases the muzzle). With it depressed, turn the knurled bushing lock counter clock wise, while keeping the retainer depressed. When it is in the correct position the bushing lock will release and come out. "CAUTION The spring is very stout". Then remove the spring , line up the groove(mark) on the right side of the slide with the groove on the right side of the frame. Turn the barrel counter clock wise. It can now be removed. The slide can now be pulled forward off of the frame. Reassemble in reverse order. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

07-01-2008, 11:55 AM	#3
Grasshopper User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you sir! I will give that a try this evening... __________________ "You ain't gonna git outta this life alive."

07-01-2008, 01:06 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,922 Thanks: 2,002 Thanked 4,513 Times in 2,085 Posts	okay, so how the hell do I get a astra 400 back together...... seriosuly, it is sitting in a drawer because some idiot took it apart.... __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

07-01-2008, 02:25 PM	#5
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	"it is sitting in a drawer because some idiot took it apart...." I just hate when idiots sneak into my safe and disassemble my guns...'specially when they can't figure out how to get 'um back ta gether. Something else that the Supreme Court should address.... Ed, The same way. Sent you an e-mail. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

07-01-2008, 02:41 PM	#6
Mumintrollet User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 25 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You can find a illustraded parts breakdown here for the 400-600. http://stevespages.com/ipb-astra-400.html

07-01-2008, 04:58 PM	#7
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,922 Thanks: 2,002 Thanked 4,513 Times in 2,085 Posts	Thanks, I have the Astra book and it had pictures, but some idiot couldn't figure out the pictures. Thanks Ron, will try tonight. Ed

07-01-2008, 08:16 PM	#8
BogeyB Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mc Donough, GA. Posts: 419 Thanks: 0 Thanked 222 Times in 96 Posts	When I was in my eary 20's, I bought an Astra 600. It was in real nice shape, and shot well. I decided to take it down to clean and ( you REALLY need to heed Ron's cauction on the STOUT recoil spring!! ), I put a dent in my TV from across the room. I missed the tube by aout an inch! Mike __________________ MAGA Always!! NRA Benifactor, GCA

07-02-2008, 09:26 AM	#9
Grasshopper User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I did it last night...it was exceedingly easy! The pistol is not just in great condition, it's in 'wow' condition. I'm expecting that the owner before me had to have given the internals an exceptional cleaning. The pistol wasn't dirty, but there was a bit of sticky/hardened lube (like old cosmoline) in the slide grooves....I cleaned it out, then lightly oiled it. The bore is perfect... It looks like a brand spanking new, unfired pistol on the inside, and the outside also gives the impression that it has seen almost no use. It looks like it's been 'handled', and maybe it's been in the holster a time or two, but not much more than that. The holster that I got with it is in very nice condition, and in fact, the holster has obviously NEVER been on a belt..... I know where another one is in the area...although it's an Astra 400, I want to look at that one for comparison. The thing is, looking at the feed ramp on mine, I get the idea that perhaps mine has been polished, because it looks to me (profile wise) that it will probably feed ANYTHING..... I'm going to try it with some standard ball, and then with some standard pressure hollow points to see what's what.... My overall impression is that the gun has seen very little, if any use. If someone DID in fact refurbish it, then they knew what they were doing! __________________ "You ain't gonna git outta this life alive."

07-02-2008, 10:50 AM	#10
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	The Astra 600s were built for a WWII German contract. However only a portion (10,450 Nazi accetance proofed SNs 51-10500) were shipped, the rest were religated to post war, mainly West German police issue. Some are found in exceedingly nice condition and probably fired very little. They will usually reliably feed any type of ammo. The one thing to keep in mind is that they are a straight blow-back design and are very accurate, but do tend to slam the web of your hand on recoil. Hotter ammo isn't comfortable to shoot in them, and will be hard on the pistol. A bit of trivia. The 300, 400 (1921), 600 series of pistols were coined "The Plumbers Nightmare" for their pipe constructed appearance. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

07-02-2008, 11:26 AM	#11
Grasshopper User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wouldn't want to put hotter ammo in an older gun like this...even one in such great condition...it just wouldn't serve any purpose. I'm really looking forward to shooting it! __________________ "You ain't gonna git outta this life alive."

07-02-2008, 08:22 PM	#12
BogeyB Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mc Donough, GA. Posts: 419 Thanks: 0 Thanked 222 Times in 96 Posts	Ron, Wasn't " the Plumbers Nightmare " the British STEN Gun? Mike __________________ MAGA Always!! NRA Benifactor, GCA

07-02-2008, 09:37 PM	#13
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	The Sten was just a plain "Nightmare" Shot one of these just about fell apart after about 3 magazines. Could barely hit an old car at 100 yards. Biggest piece of C^%& I have ever fired. I know there close in weapons maybe I fired the "Lemon" of stens . Think they cost about 8.00 to make. But I guess they did the job. The Brits worked wonders with them.