Anyone own any Charter Arms?

[USAF385]

A good friend of mine has a Charter Arms Pitbull .40 he'd like to sell. He's looking to purchase a more suitable carry option and wants to get some cash.

I have zero experience with the company. Does anyone here own any Charter Arms? Or any experience in general?

This gun, for me, would serve no purpose that isn't already taken care of. So I would be getting it mainly out of interest in a smallish .40 cal revolver.

The gun, he says, functions fine and I have no reason to doubt him.

Oh, and the price: $200.

 

[murphydog]

It's a very good price; even if you don't like it you can easily resell it for more than $200. The company has gone through several different eras of production but the current ones seem well made and functional. I have an old .44 Bulldog that works fine; recoil is brisk even with factory 246 gr RNL. Hope this is helpful.

 

[David R]

I have a bulldog. Sweet gun. Its not a smith or Ruger, but its a nice 2.5" carry 44 special. In fact, its the only 2.5" 44 I could find. Weighs 20 ounces. Liking it.

New they probably go for 349 or more.

David

 

[Mule Packer]

I personally don't own one, but my brother owned a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special for quite awhile years ago. It was a great, reliable little gun. When he told me he sold it, I was ready to "chew nails and spit rust" because he never even gave me a chance to make an offer.

 

[MOONDAWG]

I've owned Charter Arms revolvers since the early 1970's and have had great service from all of them from .22's to 38's to .44 spls.

They are basic bread and butter tools that won't win many beauty contest, but WILL get the job done in good order. They are rugged and reliable, and come with great customer service. Chances are, if you ever call the company Nick Ecker, the owner, will answer the phone.

The recently released Pit Bull series of Charter Arms Rimless Revolvers first came out in .40 S&W and later 9 mm Parabellum of which I own.

Like the now defunct S&W M-457 these guns have a patented extractor star that allows them to fire "rimless" semiauto cartridges without the use of moon clips.

$200 is a steal for this gun MSRP is around $490.

Here's mine...I bought it for those days I just DON'T feel like bending over picking up brass...or...just want to carry a wheel gun.

I can also hand load light plinking loads that would otherwise NOT work in a semiauto.

 

[flundertaker]

Stay away from the charco 2000 junk and you should be alright.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[gordon21]

Charter has indeed gone through several ownership changes. I have an AR-7 rifle from 30 years ago, which was well built considering the price and utilitarian. But that was several owners ago.

Your only concern should be long term availability of parts and service.

But, at $200 you're not taking a big gamble.

 

[weblance]

I have a 2", 22 Long Rifle Pathfinder. Its stainless with a matte finish. That is my only complaint. It has no bling. Its a well made, accurate little plinker. I like it so much, I ordered a 4" 22WMR Pathfinder. It should arrive in a few days.

My experience has been positive. My Pathfinder is much better than the Taurus 94 I made a mistake buying. Plus it cost less, and is made in the USA.

 

[ironhead7544]

I bought a Bulldog when they first came out and have owned many Charters since. A gunshop nearby had a problem with a new Charter recently. It was sent back and was returned in a week, in perfect shape.

The only minor problem I had was the cylinder release screw comes loose. Keep on eye on that. The ones without the shroud could be opened by pulling in the rod.

The 40 S&W makes good sense. Bullets and brass are readily available for reloading. One in 10mm would be nice.

 

[David R]

Scroll down in this forum, I blew up my New Bulldog. Sent it in and got another one back in a week. No charges of any kind.
Lifetime warranty.

The bulldog fits in most of my J frame holsters. I can shoot it and hit things since I changed to a compac rubber grip.
David

 

[pawncop]

Owned several over the years. Nothing fancy, solid revolvers. Have not had experience with the newer versions. At $200.00 I would go for it.

The joy is in the quest.

 

[Hot Toddy]

[
The recently released Pit Like the now defunct S&W M-457 these guns have a patented extractor star that allows them to fire "rimless" semiauto cartridges without the use of moon clips.

My friend are you sure you have the model number right?? My 457 is a 3rd gen 45ACP semi auto? No biggie!

 

[regalsc]

Fed x is picking my pitbull9mm up today to go back. Obviously I got a lemon because when you load the cylinder the rounds slip in to the extraction system the cylinder is too hard to close & then has to be hit by my hand to open it. Not the 1st gun to go back.

 

[USAF385]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like while they may be unrefined, they're pretty reliable.

For $200, I'll give it a go. In fact I'm picking it up tomorrow.

 

[Duster340]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like while they may be unrefined, they're pretty reliable.

For $200, I'll give it a go. In fact I'm picking it up tomorrow.

Outstanding. Congrats on the score. I think you'll really enjoy it.

Be well

 

[jppezz23]

charter arms

I had one that was a piece of junk.Finally sold it and am I ever glad.Would never buy amother.

 

[USAF385]

I took the pitbull out thrice and am pleased so far.

It's definitely not as polished and refined as a S&W, but it does the job well.

The DA trigger is ok, definitely something I can live with. A little gritty, but that's due to the lack of polishing on the cylinder and should smooth out in time. The SA is quite lovely. I'm flipping the 3" bullseye on my 10" bullseye steel target at 25 yards no problem.

The ejector feature for the cartridge is interesting. Not something I see myself soon speed reloads with, but that's ok.

For the price, I'm happy. I might even consider a .44 special bulldog should I see one.....