Pawn Shop Find

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Mr. Mosin

Mr. Mosin

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Found an original Charter Arms Undercover in my local pawn shop. Finish is iffy, but it locks up tight as any new production S&W I’ve handled. Needs to be cleaned. Rifling is good, as I can tell; no end shake, and a set of Pachmayr Compacs on it. Is it worth $200 ?
 
Mr. Mosin said:
Found an original Charter Arms Undercover in my local pawn shop. Finish is iffy, but it locks up tight as any new production S&W I’ve handled. Needs to be cleaned. Rifling is good, as I can tell; no end shake, and a set of Pachmayr Compacs on it. Is it worth $200 ?
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Yes. An old model Undercover was my first carry gun and that's a fair price, even with a so-so finish. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Meh, I can think of better uses for $200, but for a knockabout carry or glovebox gun, its not bad.
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Will this be one of those guns that I put 40 rounds through, then it’s no good but a paperweight, or will it last a decent while ?
 
RedlegRick said:
Yes. An old model Undercover was my first carry gun and that's a fair price, even with a so-so finish. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
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Guy was originally asking $250 for it. Had a used, abused SP101 (2.25 barrel, .357 Mag) with a $600 tag on it. Nada, I can buy a new one for that.
 
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Mr. Mosin said:
Will this be one of those guns that I put 40 rounds through, then it’s no good but a paperweight, or will it last a decent while ?
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No, they are solid, dependable revolvers. It depends what you want it for. As an inexpensive concealed carry gun which is going to get subjected to wear and tear and would be impounded into police custody if you ever had to use it, it makes more sense than spending big bucks on, say, a mint 1971 Colt Detective Special.

Is it going to appreciate in value, or get you any envious stares at the Gun Club like the Colt? No.

But as a working mans basic gun, its perfectly fine.
 
I also have a 70's Undercover. I like it a lot. It needs the Pachmayrs, though.
$200 is a decent price.
 
Just get it. The charter in the pocket beats the smith or Colt on layaway.


P.S. Lemme add for you to spend the money you saved on a good holster, speed strips/loaders, good belt (this IS a must), and ammo. I'd like for you to try and get some training from a reputable trainer in a snub nose revolver platform (hard to find) but hey you do you.
 
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@ all - my only hiccup with this is me spending money on an ancient lemon. Will CA fix it ? I know if I buy a new S&W, Ruger, etc; they will most likely fix a lemon. CA might well not be in business tomorrow. That, and I got the chance to handle a Ruger LCR today. Liked the weight, replaceable front sight, but didn’t like how the grips felt. Anyone make replacement/alternative grips for an LCR ? Not finding anything on Altamont. It’s a foregone conclusion if I buy a 442 to put a set of Pachmayr Compacs on em. Heck, anything that’ll fit a set of Pachmayr Compacs. They’re my new love affair.
 
I have owned and carried a Charter Arms Undercover 38spl. for many years. It has been with me on many trips cross country in my Jeep, and in my saddle bags on my Harley. A very solid dependable gun and I never worry about harming the finish or getting it dirty. The other is an older Bull Dog in 44 spl. Great back packing gun in bear country! I think you will like your Undercover. P1010805.JPG P1010806.JPG
 
Charter Arms is as solid as anyone ..
Better CS than anyone...
They well repair older revovlers for a very reasonable fee ...

I have a LCR357 , Great pistole

I have zero interest in any new production S&W revolvers ... Nonexistent QC

I have zero interest in any newer steel framed Ruger ... Nonexistent QC
My last SP101 cylinder /frame fit was awful .. Ruger said it was in spec ...
I laughed at the technician ...
QC is a joke
But I like the Security series and the LCRs

I like Charter Arms , not perfect .. But absolutely the best CS ...
 
Mr. Mosin said:
@ all - my only hiccup with this is me spending money on an ancient lemon. Will CA fix it ? I know if I buy a new S&W, Ruger, etc; they will most likely fix a lemon. CA might well not be in business tomorrow. That, and I got the chance to handle a Ruger LCR today. Liked the weight, replaceable front sight, but didn’t like how the grips felt. Anyone make replacement/alternative grips for an LCR ? Not finding anything on Altamont. It’s a foregone conclusion if I buy a 442 to put a set of Pachmayr Compacs on em. Heck, anything that’ll fit a set of Pachmayr Compacs. They’re my new love affair.
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Ok now I'm semi thinking your trolling us....

People are still shooting guns from the damn 1700s (maybe not alot but they still do it), the 1960s-70s is not ancient, if we consider that ancient then I know some ladies who have my @$$ if I called them that. CA has been in business for a lil bit now, even if they did go out of business that should not be your main factor in buying a gun if that was the case I wouldnt be looking night and day to buy a USFA SAA, theyre not in business anymore. Guns are made to shoot, end of story. The LCR is a fine gun as well.
 
Buckeye63 said:
Charter Arms is as solid as anyone ..
Better CS than anyone...
They well repair older revovlers for a very reasonable fee ...

I have a LCR357 , Great pistole

I have zero interest in any new production S&W revolvers ... Nonexistent QC

I have zero interest in any newer steel framed Ruger ... Nonexistent QC
My last SP101 cylinder /frame fit was awful .. Ruger said it was in spec ...
I laughed at the technician ...
QC is a joke
But I like the Security series and the LCRs

I like Charter Arms , not perfect .. But absolutely the best CS ...
Click to expand...

I’m fully intent on buying a SP101 in .357 w/ a 3 inch barrel. Every Ruger and S&W I’ve ever handled (old and new) have been immaculate. The Ruger’s have had coarse triggers; but both are top tier firearms makers, in my opinion.
 
Buckeye63 said:
Charter Arms is as solid as anyone ..
Better CS than anyone...
They well repair older revovlers for a very reasonable fee ...

I have a LCR357 , Great pistole

I have zero interest in any new production S&W revolvers ... Nonexistent QC

I have zero interest in any newer steel framed Ruger ... Nonexistent QC
My last SP101 cylinder /frame fit was awful .. Ruger said it was in spec ...
I laughed at the technician ...
QC is a joke
But I like the Security series and the LCRs

I like Charter Arms , not perfect .. But absolutely the best CS ...
Click to expand...
Ruger's reputation precedes them in CS better than most, Ive heard CS is good, but when you have a full line supporter of guns like Ruger (revolvers, autos, rifles, shotguns) have the sort of reputation they have its hard to negate them as one of if not THE best in CS. QC is almost non existent across the board right now, Sig comes to mind right now first and foremost, even Beretta was having issues with the M9A3 being made in Tennessee.
 
The Evangelist Cowboy said:
Ok now I'm semi thinking your trolling us....

People are still shooting guns from the damn 1700s (maybe not alot but they still do it), the 1960s-70s is not ancient, if we consider that ancient then I know some ladies who have my @$$ if I called them that. CA has been in business for a lil bit now, even if they did go out of business that should not be your main factor in buying a gun if that was the case I wouldnt be looking night and day to buy a USFA SAA, theyre not in business anymore. Guns are made to shoot, end of story. The LCR is a fine gun as well.
Click to expand...


Just debating all my options, mainly concerned with finding a ‘smith to work on a CA.
 
The Evangelist Cowboy said:
If the gun is mechanically sound then your fine then its a non issue, if something ever does occur send back to the manufacturer or just find a smith, FWIW the amount of cash you may give to a gunsmith to fix a charter maybe more than its worth.
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That’s my concern. If I ever have to fix it, is it really worth fixing ? S&W... sure. Ruger... sure. Not necessarily bringing quality into it, but a beat up, dingy Chief’s Spl is still a S&W. Almost guaranteed to be worth fixing. A Ruger, the same boat. A Charter Arms ? Not so much. They just don’t have the reputation of quality that S&W and others have (argue it if you want, S&W and Ruger are still the top names in the revolver industry. Have been for a while). Charter’s are like my great granny’s Iver Johnson... majority of em really ain’t worth the money you’d spend to fix it.


My buddy has an WW2 era M&P Victory .38 Spl. If it stopped working right now, tomorrow, he’s going to our local ‘smith and having it fixed. That raggedy Charter Arms laying next to it ? Chunk it in the drawer and go buy a S&W or Ruger.

I’m a firm believer in buying quality, especially where guns are concerned. I’m only even considering a CA due to budget constraints. If I had $1k right now, it’d be a Ruger or Smith on my belt in a decent leather holster. CA wouldn’t even be a consideration. Not saying they’re not decent guns, (but back to the “is it really worth fixing” thing) but finances are what’s driving me right now- not the name and emblem rollmarked on the barrel.
 
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Mr. Mosin said:
That’s my concern. If I ever have to fix it, is it really worth fixing ? S&W... sure. Ruger... sure. Not necessarily bringing quality into it, but a beat up, dingy Chief’s Spl is still a S&W. Almost guaranteed to be worth fixing. A Ruger, the same boat. A Charter Arms ? Not so much. They just don’t have the reputation of quality that S&W and others have (argue it if you want, S&W and Ruger are still the top names in the revolver industry. Have been for a while). Charter’s are like my great granny’s Iver Johnson... majority of em really ain’t worth the money you’d spend to fix it.
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A .38 that you have for a pittance is worth more than the others you don't have. Shoot it, enjoy it, if it dies and there's nothing that can be done (over a reasonable cost) get another
 
The Evangelist Cowboy said:
A .38 that you have for a pittance is worth more than the others you don't have. Shoot it, enjoy it, if it dies and there's nothing that can be done (over a reasonable cost) get another
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That’s just it. I buy this gun, it dies; I have to buy another. The money I’ve theoretically spent on this gun and a new one; could have bought a 442 or LCR, SP101 et al; and been done with the whole affair.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
That’s just it. I buy this gun, it dies; I have to buy another. The money I’ve theoretically spent on this gun and a new one; could have bought a 442 or LCR, SP101 et al; and been done with the whole affair.
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Dont worry over something theoretically to happen, that can happen to any weapon or thing not designed and crafted by the hand of God. If people are still shooting guns from long ago im sure a low pressure round like the .38 spl in a modern gun (which the charter arms is) will last your kids grandchildrens lifetime.
 
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