I've mentioned my enounter with the Giant Pig, and the instant demotion of my 357 snub into the "measley" category...

On a visit to my LGS, as I ogled the various overpriced tupperware and derelict Cold War remnants available, I was strangely drawn to the orphan case at the end - home of High Standards, H&R break-opens, North American Arms mini-revolvers, and such.

There, replendant in its box, lay a 6" 629 looking like... well, like Dirty Harry chewing his hot dog amongst a gaggle of begging children. Prominently displayed was a tag stating that a mere $450 could purchase this silvery menace.

Huh? For a 629? That does not compute! Closer inspection revealed the "Astra" medallian on the huge square-butt grips. The voice of the Giant Pig faintly echoed in my head - "Sir. Sir! This could be the answer..."

You see, I had always been enamored of the big-bore snubs of the 1980's... guns like the Jovino Effector, made by chopping an S&W N frame barrel and grip down to a more carryable size. I even had some pictures of such saved, thinking that perhaps one day I might want to tackle a similar project.

I briefly retired to the near-abandoned reloading section and queried The Internet. The Astra 44's, I learned, were generally well liked and to my surprise, even Jovino had at one time done an Effector-like version called the Terminator. Just to add to the air of inevitability, a non-reloading friend had recently given me some 44 brass. My checkbook was in the car. My course was clear.

The first range trip showed me that a) the big 44 was a hoot to shoot. No quickie resale with box of ammo minus 6 for me! And b) strapping her onto my belt brought to mind dad's 1/2" Craftsman masonry drill. Hopefully a weight-reduction program would help.

A pretend hacksaw and a few favored files took the barrel back to just sub-3 inch. Crowning was quick and easy via a rented cutter. A spare C-note induced a local smith to reattach the original front sight in an undetectable manner. My much-loved horizontal belt sander (artist's brush from guitar-building days) was put to work rounding off the grip frame and the big square-butt grips into something handier.

And so it came to pass... the Kickin' Astra! Powerful, possible to carry, and even more fun to shoot.

And perhaps ready, finally ready, for the Giant Pig.

Attached Images

Astra44.jpg (96.5 KB, 180 views)

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I'm late to this game, and missed the Giant Pig story?? but I can imagine??? anyway, from needing a larger Pig Sticker, to finding the Astra, to visualizing a pathway to more usable horsepower??

Taking implements of destruction and attacking said Astra with judicial certainty,, well done.. the picture of said Astra, with target,, its hard to argue that you've "realized" a virtual dream..

Now, we can only hope to see an on camera encounter between you, the Astra, and the Giant Pig! and yes, we will expect an invitation to the Bar B Que,, in fact you may have engineered/executed a true "Bar B Que Gun"!

The Astras are excellent guns. My nightstand gun is a prized .44 Astra Terminator. Good luck with yours!!

I have a 629-10 PC with a 2 5/8" Barrel, Round Butt, and unfluted cylinder. It is a small beast in it's own right. I found the DeSantis Scabbard for 3" barrels to be a great holster. My LGS orders them in for about $20 less than MSRP. I liked it so much I got one in Black and one in Tan.

Looks like it just might work for yours. You will absolutely need a good belt! and maybe suspenders!

Ivan

I recently picked up a Llama Super Comanche, Llama’s version of a S&W 29. I like it well enough, but every time I pick it up I wish it were an Astra Terminator. I’ve always wanted one of those, never run across one.

Attached Images

	IMG_3378.jpg (67.3 KB, 35 views)
	IMG_3377.jpg (69.1 KB, 37 views)

That chopped Astra .44 just looks plain badass!! I want one.

Practical notes on the conversion:

1. The barrel text was such that cutting just above the shroud removed it all. Glad they weren’t any more wordy!

2. S/N is on the right side, not on the butt. Complete freedom to shape the grip frame!

3. I’ve since lowered the original front sight height significantly to keep the POA/POI together. As pictured, rear sight was cranked way up. Now more in middle of range.

4. Astra has a genius setup that lets you vary mainspring tension to your liking, with 4 different settings.

5. I have never felt another revolver with anything like the tight lockup this has when cocked. Very impressive.

6. I had originally planned a fixed-sight setup ala “Crowbar”, but decided to stay with the stock adjustables to start.

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BLASPHEMY I SAY, BLASPHEMY ON THE S&W FORUM!

Love my Astra.

Mk70ss, really like your grips - they look quite a bit smaller than mine.

I have a set of rubber K Pachs that I just need to mod a bit more to fit...

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