This is one of several posts have written on the Charter 2000. I picked a regular blued one up about six months ago or better. I have fired it on three or four occasions. I am not a handgun expert though I have fired them for over 35 years and owned them for about thirty. I don't know much about velocities, penetration or expansion -- I kinda trust the intangibles and that good enough is usually good enough! I have relatively small hands for someone 6'1" and 208. The weapon hurts my hand somewhat when I shoot something other than Triton Hi-Vels. I took my 12 year old son out to shoot it and after five rounds he did not want to shoot it again. My favorite handgun is an old S&W 459 but I really like the Charter for ccw. It is small and concealable and I feel that the Tritons or Corbons that I carry in it will do the trick if need be. I have a couple of speed loaders but those usually stay in the car not on me. I ain't no pistolero and I don't like trouble and at 51, soon to be 52, I'm still a pretty good runner and that would be my preference. Finally, for those still awake, I have confidence in the gun with the caveat that my number one weapon is the combination of my experience, wits and judgment. Really, really finally: this isn't a Corvette of a gun but it's a darned sight better than a Yugo.