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Is this gun OK or not?

beantole
I'm looking for a revolver to hike with, not target shoot. There is one for $250. on a web sight. It is a stainless steel 44 magnum made by Astra. "Feels, looks, and fires like a Smith 629. It has a 6 inch barrel and Pachmayr gripper rubber grips which does help tame the recoil some."
He says it has some slight pitting. Does anyone know if this is a decent revolver or not? Is Astra a reputable company? Thanks for any opinions.

Bruce
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    ASTRA has been around a lot of years and has a Good Track Record...The Price is Right and the Caliber is sufficent for anything You might run into on the American Continent...I'd recommend that you Purchase it and not look back!............

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • ern98
    I believe that Astra is the primary arms source for the Spanish military. I personally have owned two of thier small frame 380 autos for many (10+) years and have never had a complaint about either. I do not know about the 44 mag that you are interested in, but I would point out that as a carry piece the 6" barrel might be considered a bit long and for hunting I would perfer an 8". Also if it is stainless where and what has it been into to cause any form of pitting? Is the cylinder still tight to the barrel when cocked? Maybe someone could tell you more if you gave the model number.
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  • 2xbyu
    A revolver to hike with, S&W model 329PD 4" barrel, 44mag, single/double action, scandium frame, titanium cylinder, HIVIZ front sight, only 26 oz. I wouldn't want to target shoot with it, but if you need a 44 for walking with, this is it.
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  • allechalley
    Astra I think is probably OK, but it wouldn't hurt to look around a little before you make the plunge. I bought a model 29 S&W for around $275 a few years ago. Not stainless but like ern98, I wonder what the Astra has been near. Low grade stainless can corrode under the right conditions. "shoots like a 629" says a lot, since the Smith is still the standard to measure by.

    I'm wondering if you wouldn't be better served by a 3 or 4 inch .357.
    A six inch .44 in stainless is a lot of iron to pack around. As a lot of law enforcement will tell you, they just get heavier as the day wears on.
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  • punchie
    I don't know about their 44s but I had one of the blued 357s that held up to hot loads as good or better than a S&W mod 19. Personal opinion is that the Astra and Star pistols are way under-rated.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • beantole
    Well, I read all your replys with careful attention. The downside of that revolver is the size and weight. The upside is the price and the
    caliber if I am ever so unfortunate to meet a large vicious animal while hiking. I've decided I'm going to buy it for $250. ........"and not look back." Thanks for all your opinions.

    Bruce
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  • bobski
    odds are 99.9% sure, the most common raging wild animal you will encounter on a hike is a thief wanting to rob you. in the environment you plan to be, a revolver is the simplest and best choice. go with a hammerless 357 undercover style gun so it doesnt catch on your pouches or pockets. 44 is overkill....unless you are hiking in known big bear country. (match the caliber to your environment.)

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.
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  • beantole
    bobski: yeah, 44 magnum is probably overkill. We have blackbears and now cougars are very slowly moving in. But the price and the caliber (if I ever needed it) can't be beat for what I want it for. I'll just find a holster to carry it in that will make it like seem so light around my hips that it may feel like I'm not even carrying it. Well, I hope so anyway.

    Bruce
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  • rsnyder55
    I think the only down side would be the 6" barrel length. I hike in mountain lion country and carry a 629 with a 3" barrel. I found the 6" 629 a little awkward when wearing a coat, sitting, etc. Have you checked into the SA 44 mags? A 4 5/8" might fit you a little better.

    Just MHO.

    Good luck.
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  • beantole
    rsnyder55: Yeah, the 6 inch may be a little awkward, but if I get a decent holster it may not be much of a problem. OBTW, I have a S$W
    357 magnum with a 4 inch barrel but I really don't want to take it hiking. I want a "beater " gun I can drop or not worry about it getting scratched or nicked.

    Bruce
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  • p3skyking
    Yes, and this is the 11th post!

    ...honor is important only when dealng with honorable men.
    You asked if I have reverence? I have reverence for truth, but I do not know what truth is. I suspect there are many truths, and therefore, I suspect all who claim to have THE truth. L'Amour
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