The Astra 500 is a rare variant of the Model 5000 (Constable). It was made from 1973 to 1977, and less than 450 were produced in .22 LR, 7.65 mm (32 ACP) and 9mm Short (380 ACP).
Leonardo Antaris gives the following serial numbers:
| 1 086 001 - 1 086 100 | 1973 | |
| 1 089 851 - 1 089 950 | 1974 | |
| 1 142 951 - 1 143 050 | 1976 | |
| 1 148 651 - 1 148 750 | 1976 | |
| 1 174 901 - 1 174 940 | 1977 |
He also notes that the last serial number block also included the first A-50s -- so 450 is an upper bound on the number produced.
Astra Model 500 serial number 1143018 (stamped U°1) -- 1976
I rescued this new-in-box Astra 500 (in 9mm Short) from someone who did not want to be bothered with the relicencing fiasco.
There's little difference between the Model 500 and the Constable I. As a matter of fact, the only difference is that the trigger is single-action only.
The Model 500 was followed by the A-50, although the Constable (now Constable II, because of mechanical changes) continued to be produced as well.
Astra also made a Model 500 flare pistol, just to confuse things a little.