Posted: 3/18/2008 7:37:24 PM EDT
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I would like to hear from anyone who owns or has experience with Charter Arms revolvers. Are they worth bringing home? Thanks! Clark. |
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There's been several threads on these. Reviews seem to be mixed, IIRC. Personally, *I* would opt for a used S&W for the same price & get a MUCH better gun. As the old saying goes, "How much is YOUR life worth?"  Charter has been in & out of business for many years in various names such as "Charco". Where will you get parts 3-4 years down the road if you need them is what I wonder. My .o2 
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I've owned two of the old style 3" .44 Spl Bulldogs, one in lightweight blue and my current in stainless. I have never had the slightest quality gripe with either of them. That said, I cannot speak for the newer models as I prefer the looks of the older models, without the barrel shroud. The stainless is my current summer carry piece. |
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I own a charter arms undercover, in 38 special. It's in no way comparable to my S&W's, but since I got it for a song, I am not complaining about it. The fit and finish aren't all that fantastic, and the lockwork feels flimsy compared to the lockup and positive clicks of my S&W's, and Colt. If you can get a used one for under 200 bucks, or even under 150, then I'd consider getting one, otherwise spend the 250-350 and find yourself a good used S&W. Now if you can't find anything in those ranges, keep looking... they do show up from time to time... 
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| I had a newer Off Duty. Decent gun, 3oz less than a S&W642, and cost for a new one is about $75 less. According to the website, it is okay to shoot +P out of it, but their literature say only limited use. The Undercover is about $125 less new, weighs 1oz more than the 642, and can handle a steady diet of +P. I guess it is a matter of deciding whether the cost/weight/name ratio fits the need. I would certainly buy another one if it came along at a good deal, but for a new one retail...might as well pay a little extra for the Smith. |
I've got one as well (an Undercover that I paid $75 for). While they may have been the "best" that Charter made, the DA trigger on mine is super-inconsistant compared to a S&W DA. For $75, I didn't go wrong. For anything over $150, I'd be looking for a used J-frame. |
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My little brother owned a Charter .38. We went practicing with it and I brought a batch of 158 grain LSWC landloads that were very accurate in my own revolver. It threw the bullets through the paper sideways - rectangular holes. He sold it. My sister-in-law had a .22LR Charter revolver. You couldn't see the sights with the hammer down. You had to correct your sights once you had the hammer back. It also had a horrible trigger pull and required some extensive stoning and some good grease on the trigger group before it was decent. I'd look at Taurus if I needed to save money. |