Astra Terminator

by Warhawk, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Thursday, October 22, 2015, 13:19 (3324 days ago)

The Astra Terminator is a unique gun, one of the first big bore snub noses available. Apparently the first versions were cut down by John Jovino in NYC. Because of an import law, short barrelled "Saturday Night Specials" could not be imported. So these were brough in with a longer barrel, then cut down by Jovino. At some point Astra started doing the work themselves.

The Astra Terminator was used in the movie "Dusk Til Dawn" and on the TV series "Hunter". And probably a few more.

I have been watching for one of these guns for years, and found one Monday at a small town Arkansas pawn shop. I believe this is an early gun, possibly one of the Jovino conversions.

Astra 44 Magnum, is not marked TERMINATOR anywhere. This one has a frame profile more like a S&W that some I've seen.

It does have Pachmayr compact grips, barrel length is just a hair over 2 3/4 inches.

Five screw type frame, there is a screw underneath in front of the triggerguard.

Pinned barrel, and front sight base

Recessed chambers

No bluing on the crown, this is what makes me think it could have been a cut down Jovino gun.

The rear sight is broken, I'm going to have to find a replacement, or more likely have this one welded up. Lockup is very tight, when the hammer is cocked this is no movement of the cylinder at all. I'm anxious to shoot it.