Semi-automatic Astra model 200 (?), lady gun in pocket format, 7.65mm Browning #71-

The arms dealer WH e.K. offers:Semi-automatic  Astra Model 200 (?), lady gun in pocket size,  7.65mm BrowningWeapons are used in intelligence circles in various forms. These include close combat weapons, poison weapons, or firearms in sophisticated disguises. Some firearms were so small and handy that camouflage was not necessary at all – they could literally be hidden in a pocket. The Astra Model 200 also belonged to this category.Affordable pistol with high functionalityEssentially, the Astra Model 200, referred to as M 200, was a copy: The model was based on the FN Model 1905 (named after the patent year), which is usually referred to as the FN Model 1906 (named after the start of production). These weapons were produced by the French Fabrique Nationale de Herstal between 1906 and 1959 with great success. The Astra M 200 was manufactured by the Spanish company Astra Unceta Y Compañia S.A. from 1920 to 1967. It was a more affordable variant that still impressed with its high functionality.In total, this model sold over 230,000 times. In the USA, it was sold under the somewhat sensational name Astra Firecat. It was a semi-automatic pistol, also referred to as a self-loader. After each shot, the next cartridge automatically slid from the magazine into the chamber. In contrast to a fully automatic weapon, however, the trigger had to be manually operated for each shot.Handy and safe small weaponThe great advantage of the Astra M 200: It was only 11 cm long and weighed just 360 g – no wonder it belonged to the category of so-called pocket pistols. Despite its compactness, it had three safeties to prevent accidental discharge: a heel safety, which is a lever on the back of the grip that is pressed when grasping the grip, a magazine safety that blocks the firing function as soon as the magazine is fully or partially removed, and a safety in the form of a lever on the left side of the weapon that had to be manually operated.Such weapons were primarily developed for use at short distances. The optimal accuracy was at a distance of 5–10 m, and at greater distances from 15 m, it quickly decreased. Targeted assassination shots at longer distances were therefore hardly possible. However, the weapon was more useful for self-defense at close range. In fact, it was mostly marketed as a handy secondary weapon or pure self-defense weapon.Popular weapon for military, police, and intelligence servicesThe magazine of the Astra M 200 held six cartridges of the type 6.35 mm Browning. This cartridge type was introduced with the FN Model 1906. Pocket pistols of this caliber were primarily used by officers during World War I and II. Since pocket pistols could be easily concealed, they were often used by intelligence services.In the Soviet Union, for example, the Russian PSM pistol, which was structurally similar to the Astra 200, was issued to intelligence personnel as a self-defense weapon. The German police also used pocket pistols of the caliber 6.35 mm Browning until the late 1970s. Interestingly, this was the case with the female criminal police – the handy format of the weapon was particularly suitable for use with smaller hands. It is no coincidence that such pocket pistols were sometimes referred to by the descriptive nickname lady gun.Manufacturer: Astra, Unceta y Cía S.A., Eibar/SpainModel: M200early production (curved grip grooves on the slide)Type of weapon: unlocked mass closureCaliber: 7.65 mm BrowningLength: 110 millimetersWeight: 360 gramsas far as visible, matching numbersno proof marks visibleused condition, wornWooden grip panels (presumably homemade)no foreign stampswith leather holsterAccessories: noneThis item is an antique!* Take the opportunity to view in the store. Condition descriptions are always very objective! * All information without guarantee! Life-threatening due to gunshot injuryWhen handling the loaded weapon, an accidental discharge is possible.> Only use the weapon after you have read and understood this manufacturer's manual in its entirety.> Observe the manufacturer's safety instructions when handling the weapon.> Conduct a safety check before working on the weapon.Only our terms and conditions apply, which you can view at the following link: https://www.der-waffenhaendler.de/agb/ If you have any questions about the item, please feel free to contact us!Purchase only with the appropriate acquisition authorization!