Astra Model 805 Side by Side 20 GA

Astra Model 805, 20 Gauge SxS

This is a rare offering from a Spanish maker known for their pistols, that went out of business in 1988.

Serial No 26XXX on barrels and receiver matchA1 on underside of barrels indicates 1955 date of manufacture.

Double trigger, boxlock, weighs 6.3 lbs (6 lbs, 5oz)

Stocks have been beautifully refinished with Birchwood Casey TruOil – many layers and hand rubbed to a high lustre with a depth that photos do not capture. Push button splinter fore end has two indentations in right side, as shown in pictures. Checkering is original, at least 20 lines per inch and in good shape.

Barrels are 27.75“, with original blued finish and some light marks, marked Made in Spain, “Nitro” Astra - Unceta & Cia S.A Guernica, Spain. Extractors. Chokes are marked 14.8/15.6 for the left barrel and 15.4 over 15.6 for the right barrel, indicating Improved Modified and Full. Engraved solid rib with single front bead.

Receiver is original coin finish with simple engraving. Action release lever is right of centre, with gold inlaid letters U and C in top engraving. Lock up is very positive and tight. Markings show 20 and 70, indicating 20 gauge and 2-3/4” chambering.

Sling studs installed on underside of barrels and Prince of Wales buttstock, just ahead of original, unengraved brass escutcheon. Original ASTRA logo buttplate shows normal usage wear, and is complete, no chips. Length of pull is 14.25” to front trigger.

Bores are gleaming, no corrosion, 2 of the screws show signs of former careless removal in their slots, one of which is the left hand lock screw which shows no engraving, sits slightly proud of the receiver and is either worn due to handling or a replacement at some point in the past.

This gun has been hunted and handled, with the usual marks, and is in Good to Very Good overall condition, especially for an almost 70 year old gun. The combination of splinter fore end, frame scaled to gauge and slender wrist make for a very sleek, light and fast handling upland gun you can carry all day, while the barrels are the perfect length so that it balances about 1” forward of the hinge, swinging quickly but smoothly, without becoming whippy. This is a grouse wand, great with spreader loads, or open up the chokes.

$1000 - First I’ll take it followed by EMT payment wins. Shipping is available at extra cost. Item is located just west of Toronto, local deals in southern Ontario possible.