Charter Arms - worth it?

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

willmartin

member
Joined
Dec 6, 2008
Messages
81
The wife is really looking at the Charter Arms Pink Lady, .38 +P. Is it worth it? Does this incarnation Charter Arms have a higher quality level that makes it worth the current $400 NIB price tag? Should we go a little higher and get a Ruger/S&W? How is Taurus? She really has her sights set on the pink thing.
 
While I dont own one, I have heard good things about the current charter products.
Has she handled the pistol yet?
If at all possible make sure she handles any pistol she is considering purchasing.


Jim
 
For $400 you should be able to get a NIB SP101 or J-frame if you shop around.

The good news is that you can also get a better deal on a Charter if you shop around.

I haven't tried one yet, but I'm itching to try one of the .44 Special Bulldog Pugs.
 
Like Jim said, I think it comes down to handling, and...if at ALL possible...shooting the gun. Maybe go get some snap caps in the caliber she's eying, then ask permission to dry fire each gun.

Ruger sp101 is another good option...I've heard the J-frame isn't the best option for a new shooter from some members here.
 
Years ago I had a Charter Arms .38 Revolver. I kept trying to come up with reasons not to like it but I never could. It was cheap,dependable as hell and now I wish I had never sold it.
 
Certainly the Airweight and Airlite J-frames wouldn't be good for a new shooter. The all steel guns are about the same size as a CA Undercover and actually weigh more, so they might be easier to shoot.

In the 5-shot revolver category, the SP101 is the easiest to shoot well IMO. Of course the SP isn't offered in pink, and if a pink gun it what it takes to get her shooting/carrying, then that is the best choice.
 
For $400 you should be able to get a NIB SP101 or J-frame if you shop around.

The good news is that you can also get a better deal on a Charter if you shop around.
Click to expand...

$400 is pretty steep for a CA. Especially considering that S&W K Frame snubs like my new-to-me Model 15-2 2" can be had for less than that.

If the Pink Lady is definitely what she wants, I'd keep shopping. I've seen them for $319 in my area.
 
Charter Arms makes inexpensive, reliable revolvers (in the USA.) I've owned a couple of Pug 44 spl's, and, like ScotZ, I wish I never sold them. They are excellent guns for their intended purpose: concealed carry or home protection. They are not workhorses to consume tens of thousands of rounds in a lifetime. $400 is too much to pay.
If the pink color is what she likes most, check out
http://www.jimsgunsupply.com/index2.html
They can finish any gun in just about whatever color you want.
 
Last edited:
All new hand guns are going up in price. NIB-CA pinks, reds and golds going for $375 in my parts. Take a look at one. They are really well made.
 
I do not own one but I am married. Let her pick what she wants.

I went to buy 2" .38 Charter several weeks ago and did not buy it. I'm left handed and I wanted a left handed pistol. NOT PINK! Charter is the only left handed pistol maker. #1. My middle finger knuckle rubbed against the back of the trigger guard. After dry firing and feeling the trigger action, I was developed a small blister. #2. The trigger action felt grain'ie or as if there was dirt in it. I bought a Ruger SP101 instead. It's like a car. You need to get the feel of them to see if your body is comfortable with it .
 
Last edited:
I bought a CA Southpaw for my collection from a left hander who just couldn't get used to the gun. Kinda neat revolver in my opinion.
 
People reminisce about the old CHarter Arms guns. That was then, this is now.
The new Charter2000s are imo junk. I sent one back because everything about it was lousy, timing poor, lock up bad etc. I am totally unimpressed.
I would buy a Rossi long before a Charter.
Cobra is coming out with a clone of the 642 that is said to be pretty nice.
And you are not getting a NIB j-frame for $400. Not unless it's hot. Smith raised prices on them 1 January.
 
let the wife decide especially if she's funding the purchase, but at very least handle the gun first.
 
$400 is VERY steep for a Charter Arms revolver of almost any description.

Not to knock Charter Arms, it's just that they are a discount gunmaker, and you can pick up a VERY nice used Smith & Wesson for that kind of money. Heck, I just traded for a vintage Colt Officer's Model .38 which was listed for less than that.
 
I have a charter undercover that I carry in my truck at all times I think they are good revolvers
 
I agree with some others in this thread, let her handle it and if she wants it, buy it. It is her gun.

I had a Charter Arms Undercover a while ago. It served it's purpose but $400 seems a little steep. But, it is the same with a Lady Smith. Give it a special name, paint it pink, put it is a sexy box, charge an extra twenty percent.
 
I am considering a Charter Arms revolver also, the 4" Patriot in .327 Federal Magnum to be precise. I handled one at the Shot Show, and it feels really good in my hand, and the trigger was smoother than I expected for that price.

Most opinions I've read lately have been in favor of the recent Charter offerings.
 
I would own a charter arms but I would not carry it for self defense. If you are going to carry it for self defense check all the screws each and everyday and after each use. Hell, just carry a screwdriver with you and check them each time you get a chance.
 
I carry a Charter Arms 44 Bulldog. Trust it with my life but 400 sounds a little steep. Never had a screww come loose. Ammo is expensive
 
My wife decided that she liked the 442/642 airweights and firing one with full power loads didn't phase her at all so I bought her one of the "Women of the NRA" editions that S&W had or has out. It cost $513. from Bud's, is beautifully blued and deep black anodized all glossy, engraved pretty nicely, came with a glass covered deluxe wooden display case with satin inside and she loves it.

She won't carry anything else but ALWAYS will have that snubbie riding in her right front jeans pocket and can draw even from under a coat quicker than I do from my IWB. When she gets home that pistol goes into it's glass case and is on display in our entry hallway.

It was and is the perfect gun for her, and I've got to admit that now with nice rosewood checkered grips it's a darned classy little gun.

So, the point of all this?

sometimes you do what you gotta' do. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the cost.

Buy her the pink gun and don't look back. If there's trouble with it later they'll fix it and it'll never be your fault.
 
I'd look at a S&W J frame instead. I had a CA Bulldog Pug and it was rough. Rough finish, gritty, heavy trigger. It shot straight though. I paid $300 new about a year ago. Sold it. There are these "cute" pink grips S&W sells for J frames that may make a good J frame appeal to her more. J frames are smaller than the Bulldog Pug is too but I believe CA has one size smaller for 38's.

Heres a link to the grips:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...ze=10&searchTermCaseSensitive=no&resultType=2

They only show them as options so you might have to order a gun but they SHOULD sell them alone.
 
Had an undercover once...

It was without a doubt the worst gun ever.
You couldn't do a quick double or the cylinder would lock up and after dry firing a while the tip of their precious copper beryllium firing pin broke off.
I put the thing in a vise and crushed it, I couldn't bear to palm it off on someone else who might need a gun for defense.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

H
  • Locked
Question: Charter Pathfinder .22 Mag
Replies
3
Views
456
H. Faversham
H
W
  • Locked
Holster for a Charter Arms undercover
Replies
1
Views
574
byf43
B
P
  • Locked
Current Charter Arms compared to S&W and Ruger
2
Replies
49
Views
11K
Tallball
Tallball
T
  • Locked
Charter Arms revolvers and +p ammo
Replies
2
Views
417
Lou22
L
F
  • Locked
S&W Vs. Charter Arms
Replies
7
Views
970
MountainBear
M
Back
Top