Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting .38 ACP and 9MM Largo

[Grumpytrkr]

OK, old timers, I need some help here. I have been given a Astra model 1921 9MM Largo pistol. I have also been given several boxes of . 38 ACP ammo, along with 9MM Largo ammo. From the research I've been able to do, it is safe to shoot . 38 ACP ammo in this weapon. Not . 38 Super, for it will blow the gun up. There is very little difference between the . 38 ACP and the 9MM Largo ammo. When I opened the case the Astra was in, it had 4 boxes of Super, along with several empty cases, and 4 boxes of Largo, and empty cases. So... ... . does anybody know this information for a fact?



Also in the crop of give me guns was a Nambu 8MM pistol (type 2), holster, and three magazines. One magazine matches the serial number of the weapon, however, so far, no luck in finding ammo. Research shows the weapon was made in 1943.



So, if anybody know where there is some 8MM Nambu ammo, please let me know.



Thanks,

 

[Newt]

They appear to be pricey little devils. http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail. aspx?Prod=158148

Newt

 

[Grumpytrkr]

They appear to be pricey little devils. http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail. aspx?Prod=158148



Newt

Yes, they do cost a bit, don't they. It would be worth it just to have rounds for the weapon. Thanks... . I'll get the charge card out and get some ordered.



Regards,

 

[HHhuntitall]

The 9mmx23 Largo, or 9mmLargo, is an old cartridge..... It was not designed for modern smokeless powders. The current production 9x23Winchester, externally almost identical, has a strengthened case allowing the 9x23mm Winchester to operate under higher pressure, 40,000 CUP, in comparison to the maximum pressure of around 30,000 CUP for the . 38 Super, which, while lower pressured, is still quite a bit higher than the the pressures used in the Largo... . Using the . 38 Super ammo in the Largo is like playing Russian Roullete... . only with an Autoloader..... Certainly don't use the later model ammunition for the Largo..... although I do know of one person that uses the . 38 Super brass for reloading for their Largo, as brass labeled for the Largo is almost non-existant..... If you're not sure, don't shoot it!!



Yep, 8x22mm Nambu. They're pretty hard to come by... . Most people I know that have them are collectors and rarely shoot them, usually using reloads of previous ammo purchased over the years..... Most ammo was used up and already in scarce quantities in 1945.

 

[Grumpytrkr]

HH,
Thanks for all the info. The only way I'm going to pull the trigger on the Largo is if I use the old ammo that I found. I know there 2 of the Largo carbines in the gun locker.

I did order some of 8mm Nambu ammo.

Again, thanks for the info

 

[goodguys75]

make sure the gun is safe to shoot before, pulling the trigger..... !!!!!bad ammo, bad gun = a bad day

 

[Grumpytrkr]

make sure the gun is safe to shoot before, pulling the trigger..... !!!!!bad ammo, bad gun = a bad day

What I normally do with older pistols like this is take them apart, clean, lube and inspect everything. Then, if I think it is OK to pull the trigger, I have a pair of leather gloves, and try to find a tree to stand behind. And, usually shoot it support hand. I like having all my fingers.