Charter Arms revolvers any good?

I

idek

New member
I have a S&W model 66 with a 4" barrel. I enjoy shooting the gun and realize it can be a carry weapon, but I would like a smaller/lighter option sometimes, and I'm wondering about the Charter Arms .38 special snubs. Any experiences and opinions?
 
The .44 Bulldog is worthwhile because there's nothing else like it.

The .38? Not worth the savings over a better gun.
 
I had a couple of older (mid late 60's) Charter Arms 38's. I thought they were just fine. Not as nicely finished as a Smith & Wesson J frame, but at half the price, maybe less, a worthwhile alternative. The only thing wrong with them was the stock grip will beat my hands bloody. A grip change cured that problem.

The new ones I can't speak for. l
 
I've seen the Smith & Wesson Models 637 & 642 Airweights in .38 special go for as little as $349, new. If my life is going to depend on it, I would go with the Smith & Wesson. The Charter .44 Bulldog is unique, but Smith&Wesson, Ruger and Taurus make similarly sized (but heavier and more expensive) .44 magnums. You could fire the very hottest .44 special loads through the S&W, Ruger and Taurus.
 
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I have a CA .357 and I hate it. the timing makes the gun barely shootable and it will lock up from time to time. It is not accurate at all. Spend the extra money on a S&W or Ruger.
 
Thanks for the replies. Based on what I'm seeing, I think I'd be happier just spending a little more for a S&W j-frame or a Ruger LCR.
 
The best I can say about them is that they are O.K. Not great, just o.k.

I can't see not spending an extra $25 or so to get a new J frame.

If there was a substantial difference in price, then maybe, but new J frames are under $400 these days. The Charters are only a few bucks less.

If a CA could be had for $225 new, then I could see putting up with its shortcomings (kind of rough all around) , but not at the price they want for them.
 
I disagree, mine is well made. Not intended for huge amount of range time, but a couple hundred rounds a year. I like a 22 ounce .44 Special big bore.
 
The action feels like it's full of sand. BUT it goes bang EVERY time and it costs one hell of a lot LESS than the more expensive guns.
IN short they are perfectly adequate for people who can't afford a fancier gun.
Nowadays I'm a Colt guy but in my younger days when I had to pinch every penny I enjoyed shooting an old charter a lot. Wish I had that old bulldog back.
 
I just never felt particularly well armed with a .38 J-frame. I always felt more comfortable with a bigger bore. I have a new production Bulldog 44 Special. I shoot appropriate loads in it. It does the job making large caliber holes in things. There may be prettier guns out there, but it goes 'bang' every time you pull the trigger. I'm pleased with it. I bought it through Davidson's and have a life time guarantee. I wasn't particularly interested in a .38 revolver, and have no experience with Charter's version.
 
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