I acquired this in a trade at the last local gun show. I picked it up on a whim, but it has really grown on me. Evidently, these aren't very common -- and it appears there is somewhat of a "cult" following for these Astra Terminators.
I've selected the Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel" 44 Magnum load as a carry load. It is hotter than the Blazer 44 Special load with the same bullet -- but not what I would call "full power" 44 Magnum either. The reported ballistics are 1075 fps / 513 ftlbs -- certainly adequate for self defense work.
As you can see from the pictures, it is an adaptation of earlier S&W designs - a 5-screw model with pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers. The fit and finish rivals any S&W I've owned or currently own. The trigger pull can be adjusted to 4 different settings by rotating a "retainer ring" that holds the hammer strut and hammer spring into the frame. I have this one set on the lightest setting -- and it is one of the smoothest & lightest DA triggers that I have felt on a production revolver. The SA trigger is superb as well.
The revolver is primarily an "N-frame" size (identical to S&W), but the grip portion of the frame is that of a "K/L-frame" size. I've left the Uncle Mike's boot grips attached that were on it when I traded, but the originally equipped Pachmyer grips are in the box with the papers. The lower profile of the Uncle Mike's is better for concealed carry -- but the Pachmyer's are certainly more comfortable to shoot. I may try some of the Hogue grips to see how they work.
If you want to see one of these "in action" - George Clooney uses a blue one in the movie
From Dusk Til Dawn. I also read where the lead character in the
Hunter TV series carried one in seasons 3 & 4...
If you run across one of these -- I recommend buying it on the spot!
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