Grips for Astra Constable .380

[Old Gunner]

I have an Astra Constable in .380 it is a reliable and accurate pistol
(I have seen it described as a knockoff of the Walther PPK which seems
about right). I am looking for better grips than the plastic panels it
came with. The current grips make it downright unpleasant to hold and
fire. The issue is that it is uncomfortable to shoot because all of
the recoil seems to be felt only in the web of the hand between the
thumb and index finger; it is not distributed into the palm or along
the thumb at all. I like the size and reliability of the pistol but
hate shooting it due to the recoil characteristics.

I am looking for grips that might be slightly larger that would
distribute the recoil more evenly in the hand. I shoot my Colt 1911
all day long with no discomfort but after 15 rounds with this Astra, I
am done.

Does anyone know of an after-market grip for this pistol?

Thanks... Bob

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[Rex B]

Old Gunner wrote:
# I have an Astra Constable in .380 it is a reliable and accurate pistol
# (I have seen it described as a knockoff of the Walther PPK which seems
# about right). I am looking for better grips than the plastic panels it
# came with. The current grips make it downright unpleasant to hold and
# fire. The issue is that it is uncomfortable to shoot because all of
# the recoil seems to be felt only in the web of the hand between the
# thumb and index finger; it is not distributed into the palm or along
# the thumb at all. I like the size and reliability of the pistol but
# hate shooting it due to the recoil characteristics.
#
# I am looking for grips that might be slightly larger that would
# distribute the recoil more evenly in the hand. I shoot my Colt 1911
# all day long with no discomfort but after 15 rounds with this Astra, I
# am done.
#
# Does anyone know of an after-market grip for this pistol?

Google "grips astra constable" and you will get 1900 hits.

As an alternative, I have several of the older Llama 380s made 1954
back. It's a truly miniature 1911A1, locked breech and all. The locked
breech tames the recoil considerably. Shooting these Llamas is quite
pleasant.
If interested, look for the models with no slide rib, and with wood
grips. Most have grip safety too.