New Carry Piece ??

[Hazcat]

Hi all. 

I am going to buy a new carry piece.  It is going to be a snubby and I have to stay inexpensive.

I have been looking hard at the Charter Arms offerings but am having trouble making a final decision.

1st.  Charter because of price and (I have heard) reliability.

2nd.  I am planning to carry this via Barami grips.

So here is where I am.

38sp Undercover, 5 shot 16 oz.

38sp Police Undercover, 6 shot, 20 oz

44sp Bulldog, 5 shot, 22 oz.

They have a VERY light 38sp Undercover Lite that is only 12 oz but is is aluminum (any thoughts on this?).

I think the 22 oz is starting to push the weight BUT it is a 44.

So, any and all experiences and opinions welcome.

THANKS!!

[gunman42782]

I have never owned a Charter, so I personally can't comment on them.  I have heard both good and bad about them.  Jeff Quinn over at gunblast.com has given them good reviews, as has John Taffin in Guns magazine.  Have you considered buying a used Ruger SP101?  I have seen them sell used for about what a new Charter Arms would cost you.  I just bought a used one a couple of months ago for $340, and it looks like a new gun. 

[charliefarmerboy33]

I am in the same position on the Charter Arms, I only know what I have read. I have shot the Ruger SP101. Rock solid and reliable if a bit on the heavy side. Being in the same position of forced economy, I would check out what Taurus has to offer. The model 85  in .38 special with which I am familiar has served well with over 6000 rounds through it, most hot loads, and no problems. My Model 65 in .357mag is the same as are two others now traded away. They have a lifetime warranty but I have never needed to make use of it.

[Hazcat]

Hi Cfarmer,

Welcome.  What I am about to say may sound blasphemous but I am not a Taurus fan.  Friend has had two that broke.  Yes they fixed them but just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Gunman,

I am a Ruger fan but I want something lighter (that's why I am hesitant on the 44sp).

THANKS for the input.  Keep it coming.

[Majer]

Howdy, Many years ago I had a Charter Arms Pathfinder in .22 rim fire. It was a very good pistol for the money, It shot well with most ammo and never broke. I sold it for what I paid for if about 5 years after I bought it. The only reason I sold it was because my Wife wanted a pistol that held more rounds and I found a S&W 422 for the same price I sold the Charter for. Yes I still have the S&W. and No, My Wife never shot it because she doesn't like autos
 The newer versions of the Charter Arms look like they are well made and should be a decent firearm, But I guess only time will tell.

[Sponsor]

[1911-45]

Hi Cfarmer,

Welcome.  What I am about to say may sound blasphemous but I am not a Taurus fan.  Friend has had two that broke.  Yes they fixed them but just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Gunman,

I am a Ruger fan but I want something lighter (that's why I am hesitant on the 44sp).

THANKS for the input.  Keep it coming.


Ruger SP 101 2 1/4" .357 mag! VERY ACCURATE It is a little heavy (26oz.) because it is well made! 

[Rock44]

I have heard from various people that those Barami grips are not all that good.I would do some research on them before I would shell out the bucks.IMHO

[DonWorsham]

I have heard from various people that those Barami grips are not all that good.I would do some research on them before I would shell out the bucks.IMHO

I've used them on two different revolvers. I recommend them if you choose to carry without a holster. I do pocket carry now but still have the grips. I need to get another revolver for them.

[Rock44]

I have never used one myself,but you are willing to buy another revolver for them so you must like them,or at least thats what your telling the wife

[Michael Bane]

I've got a Bulldog .44 and a SP-101, among other snubs...

Like Jeff Quinn and John Taffin, I'm a fan of the Bulldog (and the new AMERICAN RIFLEMAN review). Hey, it's not an S&W (or even a Taurus) in terms of finish, but I have put 1000 rounds of .44 Specials through mine, including 250-grain heavy bullet loads that the manufacturer doesn't recommend, and it works fines. It is what it is...if you want to shoot 25-yard groups, get and S&W...or a Taurus...I believe Walt Rauch told me he got some ot the best snubby groups in his career from a 9mm little bitty Taurus.

I just like the heck out of that big fat bullet!!! I use Winchester 200-grain SilverTips, one of the baseline great self-defense loads.

While it's a wonderful gun, I've always blown hot and cold and the SP-101. If it was in .44 Special, I'd be singing its praises to high heaven. But it's in .357 maggie, and it barks. I just sent mine to Grant Cunningham (http://www.grantcunningham.com/index.html) for an overhaul. He swears I'll be totally crazy about the gun when I get it back...BTW, Grant has a GREAT BLOG (http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog.html). I'm going to get it linked up here on DOWN RANGE to make it easy for you!

Michael B