Posted: 1/9/2014 7:42:01 AM EDT
| A co-worker wants to sell a Charter .38spl snubby in fair condition. What would be an approximate value. Thanks, Jim. |
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The current models (blue) have a plastic lower frame and trigger guard. Makes them lighter.
The newer SS ones are still steel, but, I've heard there were "silvered" frames made out of aluminum *YUCK. Not a big fan of the 357 pugs, as they have been known for a shorter lifespan. The 38s from the Undercover line are pretty good. They will handle all 38spl marked ammo, but, not a constant-steady diet of +P. (but then, neither will an older S&W model 36). The 44 bulldogs with standard pressure ammo are nice as well. |
| You can buy a brand new one around here for about $350 (Blued or whatever their other finish is that looks like beadblasted stainless) Haven't fired one for years, but handled one a few weeks ago at a show, seemed kinda cheap................................... For the same $$ look at the EEA Windicator, nicely made and shoots well. |
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Quoted:
Depends on which edition. Charter has gone through four owners in the last thirty years. The original Charters were decent pistols. The Charter 2000 and Charco versions were hit or miss. Current models seem ok. As always condition will factor in as well. This. The OP hasn't come back so we do not know what the seller has. My oppinion is that even the new charter has hit and miss quality. I got a 44 bulldog that looks parkerized(?) it seems to weigh the same as my 642 airweight smith. Kicks like hell, but very accurate and reliable. On the other hand I've handled a "new" 357 at a gun shop, I could tell the cylinder wasn't locking up right, I mentioned it to the employ and he said he'd noticed the same thing. All of their other shit, like "the lavender lady", "gold finger" ect, all look cheap as hell! 
The only reason I bought one was because it was a 44, i WOULD NOT BUY A 38. I notice that they are asking right around $400 for them at gun shows. I can find perfect used smiths in that range, or a NEW 642 at cabelas. |