Current Charter Arms compared to S&W and Ruger

[beag_nut]

I had one several years ago. I'll never have another one.

Same here. Mine is/was a MagPug and it was initially OK, but then the mainspring weakened to the point of disfunction. Sitting in the safe waiting for one of those "buy-back" or "turn-in" programs so I can get a little cash from it. CA could not/would not do the right thing. Replaced it with an SP. Such a piece of awfulness that I won't even try to get a new spring from an outside source (if that was an option).

 

[FL-NC]

No thanks, Ruger for me.

 

[Dr. A]

I have my share of Ruger and Smith and Wessons, and Colts, but decided to finally give Charter a try. I opted for the Pitbull 6 inch in 9mm. Its easy shooting and very accurate. Of course we will see if it stands up OK. Both my son and I have a new favorite plinker. My son even likes shooting it at 50 to 70 yards one handed. It has very positive ejection for a non clipped 9mm case. We love this gun. Hope it lasts forever. Finish is OK and fit is actually pretty good. We put 400 rounds through it in only one outing.

 

[silicosys4]

I've had a .44 bulldog apart before for a cold blue. I wasn't impressed with the design. Compared to a s&w or ruger, the parts were flimsy and gave me the impression too many compromises were made to keep the gun as small and light as possible.

 

[Tallball]

Do they do any if their rimless revolvers in 3, 4.2 or 6? Specifically the 40S&W?

The rimless "Pit Bulls" have 2.2"-2.5" barrels, except for the 6" 9mm model.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

I carried a stainless .44 Spl. Bulldog for a few years back in the 80's. I generally fed it factory lead loads but did experiment with handloads with lighter-than-regulation bullets. In other words, I loaded "down" rather than "up," for target/plinking use. That gun never did see a hot load, but it fell apart anyway. The pin that held in the trigger group bent under the (still) relatively heavy recoil of the factory loads. But by that time, Charter had gone under and wouldn't be resurrected for some years. I found an OEM pin, fixed the gun and sold it. It was on consignment for a couple of years b/c of the lack, then, of factory support. Will the new company will support the original Charter products? I don't know.

 

[Bristol Mt.Man]

I own two Charter Arms revolvers, both 70's vintage. Like them both.

 

[Kaybee]

I think it's really cool they make some .32's but it's disappointing that they are 5 shots instead of 6.

 

[Tilos]

I have my share of Ruger and Smith and Wessons, and Colts, but decided to finally give Charter a try. I opted for the Pitbull 6 inch in 9mm. Its easy shooting and very accurate. Of course we will see if it stands up OK. Both my son and I have a new favorite plinker. My son even likes shooting it at 50 to 70 yards one handed. It has very positive ejection for a non clipped 9mm case. We love this gun. Hope it lasts forever. Finish is OK and fit is actually pretty good. We put 400 rounds through it in only one outing.
View attachment 814024

Thanks for posting this review
I've been looking for this gun to handle and look over.
Were you able to check it out before buying it?
I'm afraid to just order one, sight unseen, because of the reported sketchy/hit or miss quality of Charter Arms I've read recently.

 

[Fiv3r]

This thread isn't doing much to keep me from scratching an itch. I'm on a revolver kick, and I see the LGS has a high polish .38 undercover with trim wood grips for $375. I might walk out of there with a Bulldog in .44 despite it being expensive to feed and not being set up to reload for it yet.

I feel the need for a snubbie. I'd like a lighter weight one that isn't a 642 or lcr. I've shied away from CA, but I kinda think I might give them a try.

At the very, I'm probably going to pick up another NAA .22 magnum. Can't have too many of those

 

[Dr. A]

I didn't get to handle it as I bought this from Bud's guns. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I did take a chance, and rarely will buy a gun without ever handling one before. I did inspect it before I took possession as recommended by Bud's. The gun is not for plus P loads and does have a robust ejection. Steel cases are not recommended. I had no problem using them. ( have had problems in other revolvers). I am in an area where we have few new revolvers ever available and much of the time have to order them. Inspect them before the transfer. You have a right of refusal. Shooting this gun reminds me of shooting my old Smith target gun. (certainly not in looks).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Probably has something to do with Canada. There's some rule or law about a barrel needing to be 4.2".

Canadian laws changed banning "short barrel" handguns and more. They banned handguns with a barrel length of 105 mm (4.14 inches) or less and handguns that fire .25 or .32 calibre ammunition for general use.

I'm guessing the lawmakers decided on 105mm instead of the rounded number of 100mm because 100mm would put the barrels at just under 4" allowing the then current production to be purchased without restrictions. Of course the American gun makers merely lengthened the barrels slightly to comply and not lose the market share from North of the border.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I've got three...no problems with them. The 44 Bulldog I bought new two years ago. I hand-load for it and shoot it often. It has become my favorite concealed carry gun. The S&W and Colt revolvers don't get carried much these days.

 

[peacebutready]

I might walk out of there with a Bulldog in .44 despite it being expensive to feed and not being set up to reload for it yet.

I surmise the .44 would be more popular if they weren't so expensive to feed, though its much cheaper if one reloads.

 

[Fiv3r]

I surmise the .44 would be more popular if they weren't so expensive to feed, though its much cheaper if one reloads.

Its a shame, really. I think so many people like the duality of the .44 mag even if they don't have a real NEED for such a powerful critter. I do think I would invest in a set of .44 dies and a hand press. I dont see myself needing to load up 500 rounds at a time. Just keeping 50 around would be more than enough for a 5 shooter I would take to the range every couple months.

 

[peacebutready]

Canadian laws changed banning "short barrel" handguns and more. They banned handguns with a barrel length of 105 mm (4.14 inches) or less and handguns that fire .25 or .32 calibre ammunition for general use.

Enthusiasts get to buy Norinco (Chinese) stuff in Canada. I wish we could.

I've got three...no problems with them. The 44 Bulldog I bought new two years ago. I hand-load for it and shoot it often. It has become my favorite concealed carry gun. The S&W and Colt revolvers don't get carried much these days.

Without looking it up, about how much does cost per round to reload, not including cases? How many reloads can a .44 special go through assuming standard pressure? Anyone?

 

[Tilos]

I didn't get to handle it as I bought this from Bud's guns. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I did take a chance, and rarely will buy a gun without ever handling one before. I did inspect it before I took possession as recommended by Bud's. The gun is not for plus P loads and does have a robust ejection. Steel cases are not recommended. I had no problem using them. ( have had problems in other revolvers). I am in an area where we have few new revolvers ever available and much of the time have to order them. Inspect them before the transfer. You have a right of refusal. Shooting this gun reminds me of shooting my old Smith target gun. (certainly not in looks).

I've talked the guy that will receive this gun if I buy it, he said he has sent several guns back after inspecting them, without any problems and sometime the seller has paid the shipping on the return!
I've checked several online sellers for this gun and so far only Bud's has any, actually 10 in stock, so I have to believe they are from the same shipment/factory run as yours.
Both reviews at Bud's are 5 stars and dated as recent purchases, so I am much more comfortable about buying site unseen now.
I'll be pulling the trigger on this one soon, and thanks again for posting all the info Dr. A

 

[TTv2]

My problem is Charter Arms is they only make snubbies. I have and carry a snub nose revolver but they are not something I really desire. I would get far more use out of a full size revolver. I would love to have a Pit-Bull in 40S&W with a 3 to 4 inch barrel. Most of their stuff is 2.5 inches or shorter. They only offer two or three models with a longer that 2.5-inch barrels but not in cartridges that interest me.

Charter makes .22 LR and Mag in 4.2 inch barrels, as they do .357 and .44 Special. A 6 inch 9mm Pitbull is in the works, for what reason I do not know. A 6 inch 9mm revolver would make for a decent plinker given 9mm ammo prices.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Funny how hard it is to shop for their guns. All the silly model names with very little posting of the cartridge types. I would so much rather the guns listed by cartridge and barrel length and then the model names just used to distinguish the particulars details. So for example all the .357s listed together with the specific barrel lengths and then further divided by other features. Too sensible I guess.

 

[peacebutready]

Funny how hard it is to shop for their guns. All the silly model names with very little posting of the cartridge types.

Marketing, I suppose.

 

[TTv2]

It's tough to recommend a modern Charter over a vintage one; the Charter's from the 60's through the 80's were fine revolvers. The LCR is a better choice over a modern Charter, but if you can't stand the recoil, the extra weight of a Charter is understandable.

Modern Charters are something I want to like, but can't. I've looked at their .22's and they look like cheap crap. I look at the muzzle and see that the "crown" is a countersink (that's usually off center) and nothing else. For the .44's, I understand there not being much room to do more than a countersink, but when I look at my Gen 1 .357 made 30 years ago, the muzzle has more machining done to it and it makes it look better.

The front sight is integral to the barrel shroud. That's fine for the snubs, but the 4 inch barrels deserve a removable front sight because fiber optics or tritium night sights are nice options.

The matte finish is a terrible look, it makes the revolvers look unfinished. Unfinished isn't a look a manufacturer should accept.

I don't like that the .22's are 6 shots. I can understand that for the .22 Mag, but the .22 LR revolvers should hold 8 rounds and because .22 is as popular as it is, there should be more barrel length options. Back in the day Charter use to make .22's and .357's with 6 inch barrels and I want the 6 inch barrel back.

I'm not a .44 guy, I like .45 Colt more, but the Bulldog Classic is something I wouldn't mind having. What I want tho is an 8 shot, 6 inch, .22 LR with replaceable front sight. If Charter makes that, I'll buy it. Otherwise, I'll just go and get a Heritage 9 shot convertible with adjustable sights.

A 6 inch .357 wouldn't be unappreciated either. People talk about "kit guns" and a 3 or 4 inch isn't a bad choice for .38, but with .357 a small, light 5 shot with a 6 inch barrel to up the velocity would make for an even better kit gun.

 

[jar]

Funny how hard it is to shop for their guns. All the silly model names with very little posting of the cartridge types. I would so much rather the guns listed by cartridge and barrel length and then the model names just used to distinguish the particulars details. So for example all the .357s listed together with the specific barrel lengths and then further divided by other features. Too sensible I guess.

They are in the process of revamping the website right now. And they are always open to suggestions from their customers. Drop them an email with a wish list of things you think would make the website better.

 

[farm23]

I only have 44 and up, so a CA at a reasonable price and made here is about the only option. I have the 3” classic and after almost 1000 rounds no problems. It is not a S&W or a Ruger but it works.

 

[Tilos]

They are in the process of revamping the website right now. And they are always open to suggestions from their customers. Drop them an email with a wish list of things you think would make the website better.

And I've read that if you call CA with a concern about quality or question about a gun you are connected to speak to the president (of CA).
I emailed CA via their website about that 6" 9mm being available as it's not on their website.
The response I got was from the CA president.

 

[Tallball]

I have had a Bulldog 44 special with a shrouded hammer and an Undercoverette (32 H&R magnum) for about five years apiece. The Bulldog had a pin protrude just a tiny bit once, but clear nail polish fixed that. That is the only problem I've had with either one. I carry the Bulldog as a coat pocket revolver in cold weather.

I bought a... I think it's called a "Pit Bull", in 45acp recently. It was used. I think someone was dishonest with my friend at the LGS and knew it had a problem when they sold it to him, because the cylinder stuck shut after 15 rounds. Even though I wasn't the original purchaser, CA fixed it for free and had it back to me within ten days or so. It works fine now.

They have light frames, are held together with pins instead of screws, and the triggers are decent enough, but have an odd toylike feel to them. All of that together makes them feel kind of cheap to me, but they are in calibers I like that are not that easy to find affordable revolvers for. As long as they keep going bang every time, I will keep owning and shooting them. The 32 is perfect for my wife, who has damaged wrists.

Here is the 45acp. It has clever little leaf spring thingies that hold the shells in the cylinders properly. It's a fun little shooter. I like it.

Charter Arms Pit Bull 45acp

• Tallball
• Nov 19, 2018