I’m picking one of these up in a couple weeks. Normally, anything Charter Arms wouldn’t appeal to me, their current and newer offerings don’t really inspire much confidence, tbh. However, the one I’m picking up is of the older Stratford produced Charter Arms Undercovers, I think circa 1981 or 82 based on serial number. The action is smooth, the lock-up is tight, and the finish is still pretty nice. To me it feels every bit as good as a Model 36 or Colt Cobra of the same period.

That all said, I don’t know much about the older Stratford Charter Arms models aside from what I’ve read online. It seems to be the best time period of their manufacture between 1974 and 1991 before the company went under and was bought out. What confuses me a little is the info listed in the wiki page about the company which suggests that prior to resurrection in the early 2000s, all of their revolvers featured two piece sleeved barrels, which I have seen in the 44 special bulldog, but I didn’t think was true of the Undercover model. Is this something to be concerned about? Also, what is and isn’t good to put through this revolver? Is the occasional hot load going to hurt it?

Thanks!


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The two piece barrels I believe were only on the later target models with 4" barrels. The .38 snubs and the original .44 Bulldog were solid barrels, AFAIK. I like the older Charter stuff. I have an original Bulldog .44, a stainless Patfinder .22, and an early stainless Undercover .38 of which my sweet daughter-in-law has custody.
A few years ago the front sight on my Pathfinder parted company with the barrel. I sent it to Charter for repair, and while at it sent my old Bulldog .44 in for an internal makeover. They did both, and the fee was nominal and the turnaround time impressive. This was probably 10 years ago.
I wouldn't feed an Undercover a steady diet of +P stuff but would not be afraid to shoot a few through it occasionally and carry +P in it for serious work. I load wadcutters for my DiL to practice with and gave her a box of Federal 125 grain +P for carry.

I have one of the Stafford ones S/N: 5324xx, looks almost new.. but no box.

I've had quite a few of them over the years, I can't speak for any past the Stafford ones but they are great little pistols.

CA was founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965.

1st Gen - ~0 to ~19,000 have no barrel address and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame.

Bridgeport CONN address - ~19000 to ~315,000 1967 - 1973

Stratford CONN address - ~316000 to ~1,090,000 1974 - ~1991

2nd Gen - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn adress - 1,090,000 to ??? ~1991 - 1999

3rd Gen - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today.

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I have an early (probably 1973) Bridgeport .44 Bulldog which definitely has a solid barrel, not the sleeved shroud. It's nearly impossible to accurately date the early CAs by SN. Apparently no production or shipment records which would allow that currently exist. I once tried to discover what the most likely SN range of the very first .44 Bulldog produced was, thinking mine could be the first, but without success. About all I could establish was it had to be no higher than around 226000 which was somewhat lower, by around 50000, than my .44 Bulldog's SN. Another complication was that all CA revolvers were numbered consecutively in the same range, and not by model nor caliber. I have owned several early Bridgeport .38 Undercovers, but they are long gone. Which I regret. I liked mine.

The older Charter revolvers were solid little guns. As with other firearms, the older the better as far as I am concerned. Built when quality control actually meant something and pride in the manufacturing process was firmly in place.

I have 4 of the Stratford guns. Three Pathfinders (two in .22 LR and a .22 Magnum), one Bulldog Police .38 Special. All have been great little guns with zero issues.

You'll be good to go with a Stratford.

I'm currently pocket-carrying a later Charter 2000 (Shelton CT) Undercover 38 Special, stainless / hammerless, that I bought from a local pawnshop. While not a S&W or Colt, it fits the bill, so to speak. Fit and finish are okay for what it is. The stainless is a nice feature because of the hot humid weather we often have in Alabama, which results in sweating.

I also have a mid 1970's Stratford Charter Arms Undercover in .38 Special. Great little gun.

There is more information on Charter Arms compiled by Mr. Ed Buffaloe here:

About this Site - Unblinking Eye


Charter Arms Revolvers--The Early Guns, 1964-1990, by Ed Buffaloe

Charter Arms Revolvers

I have one. Like it very much. A fine little snub.

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I have a newer one, .357, I think it's called a Professional, a little 3" barrel. I don't like the long hammer cock for single action, but it works a lot easier in double action. I haven't messed with it enough to have a good idea how well it works, but after only 60-70 rounds of .38 & .357, it's been fine. Very easy to carry. I would trust it, & have carried it a few times. Can't complain. I don't remember what I paid for it, but I like it.
Oh, I see this is for older ones. Sorry.

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Thanks all, sounds like I picked a good one! I can’t wait to pick up and get it to the range now.


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I have four, a Pathfinder, a Bulldog, and two UCs, one two and one three inch. I've always liked the older Charters. In some ways I like them better than J frames. Better sights for sure. Triggers seem about a wash. Price is definitely better.