Astra 700 Special

Esperanza y Unceta · Pistol · Discontinued · 1925

Also known as: Astra 700

Overview

The Astra 700 Special is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP, produced by Esperanza y Unceta (Astra) from 1925 to 1927. An economy model derived from the company's Ruby-pattern Model 100, it was restyled to resemble the popular FN Model 1910 while retaining the older Eibar-type internal mechanism. Offered without a grip safety and with an increased magazine capacity over earlier models, it was a short-lived commercial venture, with only about 4,000 pistols produced.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	765 g (27.0 oz)
Overall Length	160 mm (6.30")
Action Type	Blowback
Firing Mechanism	Striker Fired
Trigger Type	Single Action
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	300 m/s (984 fps)
Muzzle Energy	200 J (148 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	25 m (27 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Slide Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Finish	Blued

Calibers

.32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
Features: Fixed Sights, Fn 1910 Styling

Production

Estimated total produced: 4,000 · Production years: 1925-1927

Short production run; commercial failure

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Discontinued: 1927

Notes

The 700 Special aimed to piggyback on the market success of the FN Model 1910 by mimicking its external appearance, but its Ruby-based internals and the post-WWI glut of small automatic pistols made it a commercial failure. Astra soon found far greater success with the Mauser C96-styled Model 900 series.

Background

Astra tried to cash in on the fame of the FN Model 1910 by dressing up its cheap Ruby-derived pistol to look like Browning's classic, but shooters saw through the disguise and only about 4,000 sold before the company pivoted to the far more successful C96-lookalike Model 900.