Charter Arms 32 H&R

[Mr_Flintstone]

A local gun store has one of the Undercoverettes on sale for $275 NIB. I've never owned a Charter or a .32 H&R, but the price is attractive. The only thing really holding me back is whether or not it can be used for self defense. I don't really need a snubbie just for target practice.

Can anyone give me any info on either the gun or the round to help me make up my mind?

 

[Vulcannut]

I can't offer much on the model or round but I have a mag pug and love it. I live in CT and have visited Charter Arms. Once by invite and while their was given a tour of the facuility by the owner and also got to fire the bull dog, pink lady (wife was there so..), and mag pug. The owner is a down to earth guy who takes care of his employees. He also very much cares about the products they make. Everyone one I met were super friendly and all smiled and then thanked us for visiting them. Really good people.

After that like 15 minutes after leaving I went and purchased my mag pug. I went back prior to firing the mag pug as I had a question on if I could use lead away cloth and brass brushes on the finish. I sent an email and they invited me back to ask the gunsmith directly. Well next thing I know my gun went in the warehouse, my wife an I got to hang out with the owners dogs (including Boomer), and my gun came back rebuilt and polished. Gunsmith said his OCD got the best of him and felt like doing it like it was one of his. Gun looks perfect, tight, and accurate. I have run both 38 special in both 125 and 158 grain and 125 grain .357 mag through it with zero issues. Again really good people.

Needless to say I am a Charter Arms fan.

 

[jack the toad]

Most experience I have with CA is an old .44 Bulldog. As for the .32 mag, I think it's ok for SD when loaded properly but after trying the .327 mag, I'm kinda hooked on it.
For $275, it might be worth a try. Keep us posted.
ETA:
I will also say that I've heard good reports regarding the current CA.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Can't go wrong for $275.

 

[washerman]

got an off-duty 38 and a 6-shot police special 38 charter arms revolver. Can't go wrong with any revolver from Charter Arms. great guns. great company

 

[Cal44]

32 H&R Magnum is a good defense round. A little higher energy that 38 special standard pressure. With the hotter Buffalo Bore load it's up there with 38 special +P.

One big advantage of S&W revolvers in 32 caliber is the J frames hold six rounds rather than 5.

To me, having 20% more shots is significant, so I often carry a 431PD in 32 HR Magnum.

BUT, the 6 round advantage doesn't apply to the Undercoverette as it's a 5 shot.

Still, the 32 H&R Magnum Undercoverette with a good SD load like the BB, or Critical Defense is a good carry gun, IMO.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Thanks guys. I think I'll run by and pick it up tomorrow. If it's still there.

 

[jack the toad]

I think I'll run by and pick it up tomorrow.

pics and range report if you do.

 

[DWalt]

You won't be sorry.

 

[message_board_expert]

Last time I looked the Undercoverette was a six shot revolver.

 

[OLDSTER]

I'm a fan of Charter Arms. I've owned this old Bridgeport Undercover for many years. Shoot it better than either my 36 or 442. Affordable, reliable, tough as nails.

 

[randyp]

I bought one of their Professional models a few months ago in .32H&R, first Charter Arms I have ever owned. No issues, good accuracy. It is a seven shot and I handload for it so ammo was not an issue, but there is very little factory ammo available due to covid except maybe the Buffalo Bore.

 

[robertrwalsh]

My main beef with Charter Arms is that if you shoot them A LOT they won't hold up. They would never pass the NYPD lifetime use test so they were never approved for the NYPD. Also since all of them I am familiar with have an aluminum grip frame pinned to the main receiver you will get a little bit of flex in the gun as the springs compress. This will interfere with getting a really first rate trigger pull on them. If your finger is sensitive enough to notice. I had one. I eventually got rid of it.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Thanks guys. I think I'll run by and pick it up tomorrow. If it's still there.

Make sure to check for ammo availability. I'm lucky that I have lots of loading components to keep my Ruger Super Single Six in .32 H&R fed. I hope you're able to get ammunition for it.

 

[sigp220.45]

Well, it was five years ago so……….