Astra model 4003 - Falcon engraved

Country of origin

Spain

Part type

Semi-automatic pistol

Maker

Astra, Unceta y Compañía

Place of fabrication

Gernika-Lumo, Bizkaia

Model

Astra Mod. 4003 – Falcon, burilada.

Serial number

812112

Caliber

7’65 mm – 32 ACP. (Central percussion).

Shooting system

Semiautomatic.

Simple action.

Working system

Fixed barrel and closure by mass inertia.

Loading system

8-shot single-row magazine.

Type of safety system

Flipper safety, which locks the trigger.

Intermediate position safety of the percussive hammer. Magazine safety that blocks the trigger.

Cartridge in chamber indicator.

Length of canon

98,5 mm

Total length

164 mm

Weight, unloaded

646 g

Type of scales

Nacarina, fastened by two screws.

Accesories

No plugins.

Comment

The Astra Mod.4000 Falcon semi-automatic pistol is considered the first pistol manufactured by this company with an external firing hammer.

The first prototype dates from 1955 and its production began in 1956 and ended in 1987.

They were made in three different calibers 22 Long Rifle, 7.65 mm and 9 mm Short.

It was used by the Corps of Prison Officials, during the Franco dictatorship.

It was widely exported to many countries in the Far East.

Although the pistol on this sheet is an Astra Mod.4000 Falcon, this type of pistol, made to order and with special finishes, was given a different name by the factory to distinguish it from the basic production models.

The type 4000 pistols that included this kind of engraving, very elaborate, had mother-of-pearl handles, in addition to being presented in a special leather-lined case.

The factory called them “Mod. 4003”.

The presented model was manufactured in 1958 (D1).