|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 members (Double Lab, Carcano, 1 invisible),
863
guests, and
6
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics40,332
Posts574,110
Members14,696
| |
Most Online32,084
Jun 14th, 2026
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3 |
Anybody know if the manufacturer of the "Astra" automatic pistols (Unceta y Cia) made a double boxlock marked "Astra Imperial"? I was asked by somebody who saw the gun at an estate sale and wanted to know more about it. Did Astra make it or just market it? He has, and loves, an Astra Constable .22 auto.
12 guage, solid rib, extractors, 27+" barrels choked tighter than a gnat's, semi-pistol grip and small beavertail ("American style") forend. Sounded like a plain field grade gun from his description.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,491 Likes: 63
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,491 Likes: 63 |
I have read that Astra (Unceta) made both boxlocks and some pretty nice sidelocks. I own an Astra boxlock .410 that is decently finished on the outside (about like a Philly Sterlingworth), but rough on the inside. No markings that I can find to indicate model or grade, but it has a coin finish with moderate coverage engraving, DT, extractor, PG, BT. This one has a cheek piece but no sling swivels. Date code puts it mid-60's, pre-DIARM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3 |
Thanks Replacement! I found an exploded view of the "Imperial" in one of my books, too. A middling gun, I think, with potential parts replacement issues.
(But of course that CAN be part of the appeal, if you're a "hunter"....the "prey" just doesn't have feathers. And it rusts.).
I also like the Astra autos, and will keep my eyes open for an Astra double. You never know.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,620 Likes: 8
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,620 Likes: 8 |
I have seen a couple of Astra Imperial Doubles, they looked a little sketchy, to me anyway.
Mine's a tale that can't be told, my freedom I hold dear.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,307
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,307 |
I have one, I keep it on hand as a "loaner" gun, and most folk who use it really like it. It is indeed only a "middling" gun by the standard of an AyA M53E and a pair of the highest grade Ugartechea O/U guns that were built, clones of the fine Merkel 303, that I have in my collection, but it is well above "sketchy." It is in great shape, has a high percentage of original finish, and doesn't miss a beat. I personally don't care for the beavertail F/E, but some do. Astra aapparently did not make a great many shotguns, being noted more for their pistol lines. I could probably be pursuaded to sell it, if someone were interested.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3
Sidelock
|
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,228 Likes: 3 |
I could probably be persuaded to buy it IF I had any money. I'll PM you sometime in early 2011 if my gunsmith hasn't broken my legs and my account by then....
|
|
|
|
|
