Astra Constable .380 paperweight

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John Schnagl

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I recently bought an Astra Constable .380 with a proof stamp of 1970. It showed very little use and seemed to be in excellent condition. After less than 200 rounds a part broke and it has been a paper weight ever since. I have checked over a dozen parts dealers and they don't have the part and they can't suggest anyone who might. I have looked at fabricators and they tell me if it can be fabricated, it would cost more than buying another gun.

The broken part is identified on the exploded parts diagram as the ejector slide stop. On the functional diagram it is identified as the slide release.
A photo of the part is attached.

I like the gun and enjoy shooting it and would like to try to get it repaired.
Does anyone have a collection of Astra Constable parts or know anyone else with a paperweight they are willing to sell for parts?

I am also a bit concerned about future reliability of this gun. The gun was well lubricated and until this part broke and the gun jammed, I was having no problems feeding and ejecting Winchester target loads. I know parts brake, but based on my experience, this was a real surprise. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Thanks for your help and comments.
JAS
 

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If all else fails, I THINK the ejector/stop from a Walther PP can be made to fit. It will take some work with a Dremel tool (too hard for a file or stone), and you won't have the slide stop external button, but the ejector should work and let you use the pistol.

Of course if you can't get the Walther part to work, you will probably have ruined it so you risk that loss of money.

Jim
 
Thanks everyone.
I have tried all of the above parts suppliers. Not available.
I am in the process of getting registered on Gunboards and will post when I can. Thanks
I appreciate Jim K's fabrication suggestion. It is a great starting point if part is unavailable.
JAS
 
I just came by a broken Astra 380 in a junk box I bought. The safety is broken so I need to sell you my slide stop or buy your safety.
 
The above sounds like an excellent remedy. Hope it works out fellows.
Barring that, could you try to see if it could be mini-spot welded?
I have no expertise in this area.
Jim K's suggestion sounded good.:)
 
KP321

Thanks for the post. If you have an Astra .380 Constable, I think you will find that locating a safety is still possible. I hate for you to start cannibalizing a gun you may want to eventually restore.

If you are not interested in restoration, however, would you consider selling it off for parts?
Do you know the year of manufacture or the proof stamp mark? What condition is it in? How much for the individual part or for the pistol for parts?
Perhaps someone can chime in on sale requirements on individual parts OR a non-functional pistol to be used for parts.
Thanks,
JAS
 
There are no laws governing the sale of gun parts within the U.S., except for the frame, which is legally considered the gun and is subject to the same laws and regulations as the complete gun. The laws concerning sales and transfers of firearms apply whether the gun is functional or not, and that would include a broken or unrepairable frame.

Jim
 
Jim K said:
There are no laws governing the sale of gun parts within the U.S., except for the frame, which is legally considered the gun and is subject to the same laws and regulations as the complete gun. The laws concerning sales and transfers of firearms apply whether the gun is functional or not, and that would include a broken or unrepairable frame.

Jim
Click to expand...

In this context I agree but to add a disclaimer...

There are some state laws that do prohibit selling certain gun parts (and even magazine parts).

Full auto sears is an obvious one but things like threaded barrels or high cap mag parts are less obvious.
 
If either of you decides to part-out your gun, I'm in need of a rear sight blade for a Constable and would love to buy one off of you. If needs be, I guess I could file one down from sheet stock, but I'm gettin' mighty lazy in my retirement! Contact me at [email protected] (removing the "NOSPAM," of course).

Steve
 
I have an Astra Constable with the same problem. Did you find the ejector/slide stop? If so where? All information would be very appreciated.
 
Kp321 said:
I just came by a broken Astra 380 in a junk box I bought. The safety is broken so I need to sell you my slide stop or buy your safety.
Click to expand...
I am still looking for that ejector slide stop for my Astra Constable. If you still have one to sell, please let me know.
Thanks
JAS
 
dshel said:
I have an Astra Constable with the same problem. Did you find the ejector/slide stop? If so where? All information would be very appreciated.
Click to expand...
I have not been able to locate an ejector/slide stop. After months of trying to locate a used one I had the original micro-welded. I was concerned that the weld would not hold up. To that I can't say because the gun jams after a round or two. The welded part appears to be the same size and dimensions yet it does not work the same. This gun, when jammed, is not easy to clear and I have had it misfire on me once while attempting to clear it. Fortunately, I was still at the range -- not back at the house.
Good luck on your search. I hope you have better luck than I have had.
JAS
 
Had a bud that had one back in the late 1970's. His problem was that the barrel would eat up the retaining pin and come loose. 'smith replaced it with a roll pin and it ate that as well. Eventually used something like super glue and a roll pin together and it shot for a couple of years just fine. He loaned it to a friend for use by friend's wife during a bad local event ......there was a parting of the ways and she left town with it. "It never hurts to help."

He was a huge fan of Super Vel ammo and reloaded to their specs as well as shooting 100 grain bullets rather hot in his .380 so that may have had something to do with the barrel retaining pin issue.

I rather liked the gun and it was a whole lot cheaper than other buddy's PPk. He carried IWB in a modeified eyeglasses case....hey it WAS the late 1970's.

-kBob
 
John Schnagl said:
I have not been able to locate an ejector/slide stop. After months of trying to locate a used one I had the original micro-welded. I was concerned that the weld would not hold up. To that I can't say because the gun jams after a round or two. The welded part appears to be the same size and dimensions yet it does not work the same. This gun, when jammed, is not easy to clear and I have had it misfire on me once while attempting to clear it. Fortunately, I was still at the range -- not back at the house.
Good luck on your search. I hope you have better luck than I have had.
JAS
Click to expand...
 
Was your ejector /slide stop one piece and was there a ejector spring on it too?
 
I'm amazed that anyone enjoys shooting the Constable! My sister has one and it's pretty snappy and the narrow back strap stings my hand. Still I hope you get it running and secure a supply of parts.
 
I bought this Astra from an online auction . It is in excellent condition . I noticed it hasn't been oiled in a while but I didn't think shooting 5 or 6 rounds through it would hurt anything just to make sure it operates correctly . But was I wrong . After first two rounds close to center I thought I got a deal but after third and fourth it was a disaster . Now all I have is like John said a paper weight . I'm not giving up . I hope someone around has one with my name on it . Any info is very much appreciated .
 
There is a forum member that was able to help me with some llama parts. I believe the astra was Spanish made as well. His fourm handle is larryh give it try
 
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