Opinions--yeah! I've got an Astra A-80. I'll bet the model you were looking at was an A-100, about 99% the same pistol. I read about the A-80 (.45 ACP) in a gun rag when they were first imported. They are basically an all-steel version of the SIG P-20, which is light weight alloy framed. I was able to procure and shoot an early P-20, but the Browning-branded version which when it first came out was highly sought after. After a few months I traded it off to a Deputy Sheriff who desired it. The dealer that sold it to me was amazed that I'd let go of it and asked why. I found the pistol too light, but at the same time too bulky, although it was a great, accurate shooter. As already stated, then I read about the Astra A-80 and really wanted one because I thought that it being all steel and of the same design it would be the perfect pistol.
Nobody had them in stock, but I did see one at a gun show in Aurora, CO, in 1982. Naturally, being at a gun show the price was way too high, so I passed on it. But later, in 1986, after I'd gotten an FFL, I had a USAF SPO client who had an A-80 and wanted to trade it for an S&W Mod. 19 NIB. We did the deal, and I took the A-80 to the range. I probably shot 200 rounds through it, and my assessment was that it was reliable, but only semi-accurate. I could keep all rounds in the central kill zone of a silhouette target, but could not get a nice group. As said, they were all in the kill zone, but here and there and not particularly centered. I have since, over the past 35 years, heard many similar reports and never heard one that touted superior accuracy. But, because it is a neat gun, and because it's a .45, and because I'm a collector of Spanish pistols, and because the Astra Co. is no more, I've kept it.
Moving on now to the .40 S&W cartridge, it's an o.k. cartridge, but probably fading fast. It will never completely go away, because for awhile it was the go-to police caliber, and just because so many were and are still being made. Many departments still use it, but the trend is back to the 9mm Parabellum which has been upgraded in bullet and load design so as to become the 40's equal. As 9mm pistols can be designed to hold a couple-few more rounds they find favor with the shoot and pray society, be they good or bad people. I think the .40 S&W is good, but the .45 is perhaps just a smidgen better at what they do, and the new 9mms are as good. My nightstand pistol is a Llama Max-1 in .40 S&W, so I do have faith in the .40.
So, in summary, a pistol with a reputation for reliability, but only combat accuracy, in a cartridge that has perhaps seen its day, but still works as well as when designed.
My opinions.
DG
Click to enlarge.