Here is the Astra 680 .38Spl snub...

[Pond James Pond]

(courtesy of wikimedia commons)

... and I would like to know which S&W or Taurus most approximates it in size, shape and weight, please!

(Can't window shop for holsters if Astras aren't listed)

 

[Jim Watson]

It looks rather small for a 6 shot .38.
It might be close to a S&W C frame, but they never put that one into series production, so there are none out there to make holsters for.

Look at what is being made for the Charter Arms Pit Bull 9mm.
http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pitbull_79920.asp

Or maybe a Colt Detective Special, if anybody is still bothering with them.

I don't know a Taurus of similar size.

 

[Pond James Pond]

I think a 5 shot will be narrower in the cylinder, but other than that is there a reason a 6 shot would be expected to be bigger?

 

[lee n. field]

... and I would like to know which S&W or Taurus most approximates it in size, shape and weight, please!

Taurus 85.

Weight? Was is the weight of the Astra?

---edit to add---

OK, scratch that. It is a 6 round. Taurus 856. http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=614&category=Revolver. Out of production. .22 oz

 

[Pond James Pond]

I suppose the weight is not so important but it is about 0.65kg (1.5lb/24oz?).

What about a Colt Detective 2"? I know it is not S&W or Taurus but really I just want commonly bought revolvers as a guide for any online holster specialists.

If I say Astra 680 they'll most likely not know the specs.

 

[Carmady]

Since it's a 6-shooter I'd look for something that fits a Colt Det Sp.

Just guessing.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Colt DS or Taurus 905.

 

[natman]

I think a 5 shot will be narrower in the cylinder, but other than that is there a reason a 6 shot would be expected to be bigger?

The cylinder obviously has to be larger in diameter to fit 6 shots. If you make the cylinder larger, the frame has to be larger to fit.

As noted, I'd look for a holster for a Colt Detective special or possibly a K frame S&W snub.

What's the diameter of the cylinder?

While we're on the subject of Astra 38s, here's a pic of my 5 shot Cadix:

 

[James K]

It is a 6-shot and I think the correct holster would be one for an S&W M&P (Model 10, K-frame) 2-inch barrel. A J frame holster would be too small.

Jim

 

[Pond James Pond]

You might be right there, James.

Even the google pics of the internals look identical to my Astra's!

 

[Dan-O]

I'd guess a Rossi 461/462 would fit. 6 shot 2".

 

[CajunBass]

It wasn't a snubbie, but I recently looked at an Astra, 357, six shots, with a 4" barrel. It looked about like the one James posted the picture of, except for the longer barrel. The finish was shot all to hades, but I was impressed with that gun. All the mechanical stuff checked out just fine. I almost wish I'd bought it since it was pretty cheap. I'm sort of a sucker for orphans like that. It was gone the next time I was in.

This one was about the size of a Model 19 if that helps.

 

[samsmix]

It has been said, but I'll say it too. Look for a holster for a 2" k-frame/M-15/M-19.

 

[Pond James Pond]

Which tell-tale measurements should I take if I do contact a holster making where exact measurements are needed?

I had hoped that there'd be a clear twin (especially amongst S&W as I recall reading that the Astras were S&W clones to a point), but it seems to be harder than anticipated!

 

[JERRYS.]

two mentions already made. since it is a 6 shooter it is probably S&W K frame size or Colt D frame size. those two are a little different in size so you should do a little googling.