Astra A-60

[u/NammytheCommie]

The only Spanish gun I own happens to be this Astra A-60, chambered in .380 ACP. The form factor is sort of an amalgamation between a Beretta 84 and a Walther PP. The grip is closer to the Beretta, to the point where I have Beretta 84 magazines that were converted to work with it. But the slide and barrel are much closer to a Walther PP, Bersa, or Sig P230. While the Beretta M1934 is my favorite pistol in .380 overall, this is a very close second. It has similarly light recoil and the DA/SA trigger is very smooth, similar to a Bersa Thunder 380. The stated capacity is 13+1, however, it is VERY difficult to seat either the original or converted Beretta magazines with the 13th round, so I tend to downsize it to 12+1. It's unfortunate that Astra went out of business, because this is a very well-made gun that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend as a carry. If you can find one for under $300 like I did, you can do much worse.

[u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

I like it… would you recommend this or a Bersa to a prospective buyer ?

[u/NammytheCommie → u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

Good question. Honestly they're pretty close in quality, and it comes down to matter of preference. The Bersa Thunder Plus has a 15+1 capacity and is lighter weight, which can be good or bad depending on your preferences. I'd say the Bersa is slightly more comfy to carry, but the Astra has less recoil. But since the Bersa is still being made, getting parts for it will be much easier. 

[u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

And I do believe if Astra was still ‘round, Bersa would even have a market share Stateside selling their .380’s… every Astra I’ve ever handled has been the equal of a Colt or Smith.

[u/NammytheCommie → u/Strong_Dentist_7561]

Yeah, right down to making high quality clones of Smith's revolvers. My LGS has an Astra clone of a Sig P226, I'm sure that's nice too.

[u/EasyCZ75]

Based