Astra Cadix
Astra-Unceta y Cia · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1958
Also known as: Astra Cadix Modelo 250, Cadix Target
Overview
The Astra Cadix is a series of solid-frame, swing-out cylinder double-action revolvers manufactured by Astra-Unceta y Cia of Guernica, Spain, beginning in 1958. Originally offered in three calibers - .22 Long Rifle (9-shot cylinder), .32 S&W Long (6-shot), and .38 Special (5-shot) - the line was later joined by a .357 Magnum chambering. Marketed as Spain's answer to the Smith & Wesson K-frame revolvers, the Cadix offered three barrel lengths (2, 4 and 6 inches), adjustable sights on target variants, and a unique adjustable mainspring seat that let owners tune the trigger pull weight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 235 mm (9.25") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 260 m/s (853 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 346 J (255 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
- .22 Long Rifle — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
- .32 S&W Long — also known as .32 S&W Long, 7.65mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar Safety, Hammer Block Safety
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Double Action Single Action, Adjustable Sights, Adjustable Mainspring, Checkered Wood Grips
Variants
- Astra Cadix .22 LR (9-shot) — Caliber
- Astra Cadix .32 S&W Long (6-shot) — Caliber
- Astra Cadix .38 Special (5-shot) — Caliber
- Astra Cadix .357 Magnum (5-shot) — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Spanish civilian market · adopted 1958
- European law enforcement
Production
Production years: 1958-1968
Produced for civilian and European LE markets; replaced by the Astra 250/680 series
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
Cylinder capacity varies by caliber: .22 LR holds 9 rounds, .32 S&W Long holds 6, .38 Special and .357 Magnum hold 5. Barrel lengths offered were 2, 4, and 6 inches.
Background
Often called the poor man's K-frame, the Cadix was Astra's deliberate attempt to crack the post-war American revolver market with a Smith & Wesson lookalike at a friendlier price. Its unique adjustable mainspring tension screw - borrowed from European target shooting traditions - let competition shooters dial in their own trigger pull, a feature S&W never offered.