Been toying with the idea of getting a small 38 to mess around with.  Noticed a fair number of Charter Arms Undercovers availible at the shows.  Look like decent guns and the price is right 150 or so.  Anybody have any experience with them?  Yeah, I know they won't be as nice as Smith, Colt, Ruger, etal. But they're about half the price as well.  Just looking for a shooter, maybe run back up match at IDPA sometime.  

Thanks

I can’t comment on the quality of the more recent production of Charter, but during the ‘80s I had a number of them, both stainless and blued.
IMHO they have a service life about 75% that of a steel S&W J- frame (and more than an alloy frame).
From my experience, the weak points in the design are:
1. The crane is held to the frame by a screw that tends to back-out if it’s not secured with lok-tite.
2. The muzzle end of the ejector rod also unscrews if you don’t use lok-tite.
3. The trigger action is not as smooth as a S&W.
4. When the crane is open the cylinder wobbles and can shift for and aft, slowing a speed reload.
5. Two of the six I had for any period of time had the firing pin return spring break.
All in all though, I like them for what they are – an inexpensive, safe, small revolver of moderate quality.

I had an Undercover. it was a great gun and VERY accurate!They are mostly hideout/undercover/backup guns.Like Maddock said, I dont think they would hold up well as a sporting gun. If you are going to shoot a lot I would say get a used smith J frame or a colt. As far as shooting a box for proficiency and then stashing under the bed for SHTF I would certainly recommend them.