original Charter Arms Undercover .38

[tbeb]

The older, and best in my opinion, Charter Arms Undercover was made from around 1964 to around 1991. How do I distinquish it from the ones made by later companies, Charco, and the most recent Charter 2000? (I want to say the original did not have an ejector rod shroud, and Charter 2000's and Charco's do, but not sure.)

I may purchase one, and I want the original. And I understand it's not as good as a Smith or Colt, because I had an Undercover 25 years ago...

 

[Mike Irwin]

Some of the late manufactured Charter Arms guns had the shroud, as well.

But, if you find one that has an ejector rod shroud, you're pretty much guaranteed that it's a new gun from one of the "successor" companies.

Also, the fit and finish is going to be a LOT better on the old guns in my experience.

 

[Melvin]

Had one of the Charco .38 a year or so back and it wasn't worth it's weight in scrap metal. Back to the factory 4 times,finally replaced with another of very maginally better quality. Just gave up. Very poor communications with their service people. I'll never buy an "off brand" again.
Melvin

 

[Nanook]

I have one of the originals, bought it in 1982 or so. It's easily the most concealable gun I own. It's perfect for the times when you feel the need to have a little something with you.
It'll fit inside a slip-on boot with it's holster, or so I'm told.

 

[bpisler]

It seems to me that most of the early charter arms were blued steel,unstrouded ejector rod and small wood grips.If there's a box for it stay away if it's made by charco,the charter 2000 may be decent but it's too early to tell for sure.

 

[vulcan]

While checking out guns in a shop, I found a Charco that was "out of timing" while NIB

 

[DAL]

I bought a CA Undercover in 1982. I'm glad other people have had good luck with their guns, but mine is so inaccurate it's nearly unusable, except as a belly gun. 4" to the right at 15 feet is inexcusable, and before you blame me, just know that my S&W 642 is highly accurate to twice that distance. Maybe a gunsmith could do something with it, such as tightening the barrel, but I really don't want to spend the time or money on it.
DAL

 

[WESHOOT2]

STONE AGE MONEY-WINNER

Had an Undercover in the 70's; took over 15 tries to get a good load for it (my personal introduction into the "loading for accuracy" portion of this hobby-gone-mad).
When I finally did, it was capable of hitting 410 hulls at 20 yds.

Won a lot of bets.

(Think it was Bullseye........and a 140g LSWC........)

 

[Ala Dan]

I had one of the older Charter Arms "Undercover Off Duty"
models that was a relatively nice firearm. It wasn't as finely
finished as a Smith, Colt, or Ruger; but it only cost a fraction
of those makes as well. If memory serves me correctly, I gave
$125.00 for it NIB around 1982-83. To be honest, I kind'a
wish I had the darn thing back.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member