Nothing wrong with the better Spanish marques. Astra and Star both made pistols and parts for Colt at various times. I like the M-43 Firestar so much , I bought a second one when I found it LNIB for $225 OTD,

Had the two-toned one for over 20yrs.


One of the distributors was blowing out their Star guns and I bought this M30 (top) for $200 brand new. This thing is built like a freakin' tank and can take the hottest loads. One gun magazine did a 5000rd torture test on one. It passed with flying colors and actually showed better accuracy afterwards. Was a very nice blue , but I wanted something different. I did it in grey-parkerizing with teflon coat and the small parts in black.



The WWII Astra 600 (bottom) was my first Spanish pistol and (and speaking as a toolmaker myself) ,is a very impressive piece of machine work , if somewhat wonky external design.

There were a combination of reasons for the demise of Spanish arms companies and sales.

Ironically , only Llama is still making guns.



Llama's rate right up there with Taurus, AFAIC.