Astra .44 mag grips

[test drive]

Went to the gun show last week and while standing in line waiting for it to open i noticed the older gentleman behind me was carrying a pistol case. When I ask him what he had and if it was for sale he shows me a VERY nice blued snub nose Astra .44 mag. This was a later production gun that came from the factory with the snub barrel as a pose to the early guns that came in with a 6 inch barrel and then cut down and stamped Terminator. It has the pinned barrel, recessed chambers and adjustable sights. Lock up is like the proverbial "vault " don't think the gun has seen very many rounds. He says he bought it new in the 80s. After some discussion he kept the case, holster and cleaning kit (all not factory ) and I bought it for $ 270. I would like to replace the rubber grip with wood. Does anyone know what frame size will fit ? It appears to be a round but. Thanks.

 

[silicosys4]

The grip frame is close to a K/L frame S&W grip frame.
However, once you take the grips off, you'll notice a circular drum that can be used to change hammer spring strength, thereby also adjusting trigger pull in DA.
While a neat feature, this drum also happens to be placed at the same location that most S&W grip screws are, and inhibits the use of most standard S&W K/L frame grips.
I have gotten Hogue bantam grips to fit on my gun, but took them off again because they fit only very loosely and slid around on the gun, exhibiting large gaps between the frame and grips, particularly behind the trigger guard.
You'll have to find K/L frame grips that have an unusually high position for the grip screw, and I haven't found any yet for mine.
You might have luck drilling a new location for the grip screw in some S&W grips, and filling in the original screw holes

I bought some pachmayr compact rb grips meant for a k frame, identical to the factory astra grips, but they didn't fit either

Long story short, good luck, post if you find some, after 3 years I'm still looking.

 

[larryh1108]

Holy cow! Do you know that is a $600 gun? Nice find!

 

[larryh1108]

Tulskii may have an interest in making wood grips. He loves the Spanish pistols and does great work.
http://4sgrips.com/index.html

 

[test drive]

Yes I know about the adjustment wheel as I have a .38 960. But wow I didn't know the .44s had gone up that much. Guess I need to do the happy dance !! Did any of the .44s come with wood grips from the factory?

 

[larryh1108]

I am not aware of factory wood grips but I admit I don't know for sure. I have been looking for the .44 snub for quite a few years. They are rare and pricey. Good find! If you ever wish to sell it let me know.

 

[test drive]

Will do. I see your in NC and I'm in SC just a state line away. If I run across something I can't live without I'll let you know.

 

[Walkalong]

You did very well, congrats on a fine revolver. Wish I could help with the grips.

 

[larryh1108]

If I run across something I can't live without I'll let you know.

Works for me!

 

[Jim K]

I have made grips for several of those revolvers, but when it comes to checkering, I have three thumbs. If you can interest someone who does checkering (or whatever other kind of carving you want), making grips for that gun our of blocks of walnut is not that hard.

Jim

 

[Bert W.]

I have a stainless Astra .44 magnum. It had a six inch barrel. I bought one of the short barrels off of Ebay of all places and changed out the barrel. I bought a set of used S&W N frame round buttgrips and used them as a template and changed the frame to fit the round but. I now have a homemade Terminator. It now wears a set of Pachmyr N frame round button grips with a slight gap in the back strap. I can take some pics if that would help you out.

 

[NickZ53]

The grip frame is close to a K/L frame S&W grip frame.
However, once you take the grips off, you'll notice a circular drum that can be used to change hammer spring strength, thereby also adjusting trigger pull in DA.
While a neat feature, this drum also happens to be placed at the same location that most S&W grip screws are, and inhibits the use of most standard S&W K/L frame grips.
I have gotten Hogue bantam grips to fit on my gun, but took them off again because they fit only very loosely and slid around on the gun, exhibiting large gaps between the frame and grips, particularly behind the trigger guard.
You'll have to find K/L frame grips that have an unusually high position for the grip screw, and I haven't found any yet for mine.
You might have luck drilling a new location for the grip screw in some S&W grips, and filling in the original screw holes

I bought some pachmayr compact rb grips meant for a k frame, identical to the factory astra grips, but they didn't fit either

Long story short, good luck, post if you find some, after 3 years I'm still looking.

I just replaced mine because the grip was splitting and pinching between the thumb and forefinger. I used Pachmayr part # 03270. S&W "K" - Round Frame Revolver SK/C. It is a bit different from the older grip. Not a perfect fit but not loose. It comes with a single screw and nut. The last one had the nut built into the grip.