2020. 1. 21. 13:26ㆍ카테고리 없음
Contents. History , a young gun designer who had previously worked for, and founded Charter Arms in 1964 to produce. His first pistol was a five-shot revolver called 'The Undercover' chambered for.38 Special. McClenahan's innovation was to avoid using the side plate designs manufactured by other revolver makers for a one-piece frame, giving the new revolver a strength that allowed it to safely shoot high loads. McClenahan also reduced the number of used in the gun and created a safety device for the firing pin.
The company, then located in Stratford, Connecticut, went bankrupt in the 1990s, but the Charter design and mark were resurrected by, which was founded by the Ecker family. The new company capitalized on the fame of the old Charter Arms revolvers. Operations were moved to. Basing their new line of weapons on the basic Charter Arms design, the new company has made a few improvements such as the use of a one-piece barrel and front sight. The one-piece barrels of the new models are machined with eight grooves instead of six for higher velocity, flatter trajectory and better accuracy.
The new models feature a completely blocked hammer system so that the gun cannot fire unless the trigger is held in full rear position. In addition to reintroducing the.38 Special Undercover and the.44 Special Bulldog, Charter 2000 produces revolvers chambered for.22 Long Rifle/.22 Magnum (the Pathfinder),.357 magnum (the Mag Pug) and.38 Special (the Off-Duty and the Police Bulldog). In 2005, Charter 2000 announced that it would be filing for bankruptcy, blaming the costs associated with for their financial trouble.
I have had this old Undercover revolver for a number of years. The serial # is 840xxx and it was made in Stratford, Ct. Anyone have any idea of. I am in the process of putting together a data base on 'First Generation' Charter Arms revolvers. These will be ANY revolver with a barrel address (found on right side of all barrels) of either Bridgeport Connecticut (serial numbers less than 31,000?) or Stratford Connecticut (serial numbers less than 1,100,000?).
In September 2005, MKS Supply entered into an agreement with Charter Arms where MKS Supply would handle the sales, marketing and distribution for Charter Arms. In 2008, Charter Arms brought the new Patriot revolvers to the market. The Patriot revolvers were chambered for the.327 Federal Magnum, and were available in 2.2' or 4' stainless steel models. The Charter Arms web site as of August 2011 no longer lists this model under the products category.
Also in 2008, Charter Arms announced a new revolver: the Charter Arms Rimless Revolver. The new revolver would be able to load and fire rimless cartridges such as the 9mm,.40 S&W, and.45 ACP without the need for moon clips.
Initially, the revolver was to ship in early spring, however, reported problems with the patents delayed the introduction. Charter Arms set a release date of April 2009 for the CARR. However, Charter Arms missed this deadline, and company representatives have suggested the release date may not be until 'late July' of 2009. The CARR which was subsequently called the Pitbull finally reached production in August 2011 and the first Pitbull models had a 2.3' barrel and were chambered for the.40 S&W cartridge as this is the most popular U.S. Law enforcement round and would enable the Pitbull to be used as a back-up gun to the.40 service pistol. In October 2010 MKS discontinued the sales and marketing of Charter Arms.
Charter now has taken over the sales and marketing function. At SHOT Show 2018 Charter introduced the Mag Pug and the Bulldog XL.
Historical and cultural significance. The revolver gained notoriety after it was used by serial killer in his murder spree.
A Charter Arms 'Undercover' model was used by to in 1980. Products.
I have to give the people at Charter Arms a real thumbs up. They never say die.
Had a couple early ones years ago and even now have a vintage 3' gloss blue Bulldog. Stayed away from the Charco stuff.
Now they are back and doing well especially in this economy. I'm shopping for a NIB Charter Arms stainless.44 Bulldog but the various postings of 'new'.44's show different grips, some with metal medallions on the rubber, some with just pressed medallions on the rubber; some with the name Bulldog Pug, some just Bulldog. Is there any reference out there that describes the differences in models via a timeline? I'm guessing changes were made as time moved on in the past 11 or 12 years since they have been back, and those changes can help date one of the new ones for me.
I'm aware of no relationship with Ruger and Charter Arms (which means little, I admit.) I heard Charter got started originally back in the days of VietNam when Smith and Wessons were in short supply supposedly. Original Charter snubbies might actually have pre-dated the Ruger Security Six although perhaps I'm all wet on that. Of course, perhaps the Security Six got introduced when old Bill Senior saw a niche due to scalper prices on Smith and Wessons he decided he'd fill. I recall reading this, but am not sure rationally if there's any basis at all to it. Especially with the snub noses that Charter was making. Military bought some snubbies but not very many in the scheme of things and don't think privately owned firearms were smuggled in by GIs to the same extent as WWII (plus military was much smaller and fewer troopies in the combat zones), especially after Gun Control Act of 1968. Only book I am aware of that's been written on Charter Arms only covered the first encarnation I believe and was called 'And Now Stainless' if I remember right.
It's long out of print and I periodically have trolled amazon.com, dealoz.com, abebooks.com, etc. Trying to find it and it's not available or priced for far more than I'd be willing to pay. In regards to the original question this book have no info on the recent production guns whatsoever. I had a charter arms bulldog back in the 80s. It really loved hardcast hand loads at about 850 fps.
It would rock you though. I heard a story once that it was the carry gun of choice for air marshalls as it carried a big knockdown punch and down loaded to about 600 fps wouldn't penetrate the skin of an aircraft. I worked on air craft in the service and I think a well placed kick could penetrate the skin on some of them.
They are really fun pistols.Nolthing really to worry about if you do penetrate the skin of a commerical airplane with a.357 or a.44 or two. It isn't going to come apart the way the Comets did with the massive fatigue failure unzipping the fuselage when the stress concentrator at the little window on top triggered the failure, and the presurriation system ain't gonna have a big problem with a couple of little holes. Doesn't seem to be a reference (yet) of what Charter has offered over the years and the changes that went with them.
I even wrote Charter and received a kind reply to the new revolver I am looking. But, when I asked questions on the differences in name, grips, front sights, even finish all on the same gun model, all I got back was what they offer presently, not even admitting the older (Shelton).44's did use the word 'Pug'. Now that word only refers to the.357 models. I should have sent her a picture of one of the Shelton.44's with the name Bulldog Pug on it. Maybe they don't even keep track of changes?????? I began researching the 1st Generation Charter Arms about 4 years ago and am trying to build a data base to be able to date 1st Gen.
Pieces by serial number. So far I have nearly 1000 data points (serial numbers) but very few verified dates. In any case, I'm attaching my current research findings, since this question and the responses obviously shows some interest in the various series. I also own 25 differenct 1st Gen pieces - hopefully, within a year or two I can acquire enough date to serial number data to confirm my current assumptions - and then I will update the CA section in the 'Blue Book.' ANY INFORMATION that is provided will be greatly appreciated and help with this research - please post. Thanks, Jim Hauff Contributing Editor for H&R Firearms to 'THE BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES' by S. NOTE: the tie between the original Charter Arms Corp and RUGER stems from the founding of CA Corp.
By Doug McClennahan - who designed the CA firearms - and previously had worked for COLT, HIGH STANDARD and S.RUGER as a firearms design engineer. The very first Charter Arms Corporation production began in 1965 in BRIDGEPORT CONN - earliest pieces - mostly Undercover model will have either NO address on the right side of the barrel or will have BRIDGEPORT CONN Around 1974, address was changed to STRATFORD CONN - all pieces made after mid 1974 will be marked with that address on the right side of the barrel and all will have CHARTER ARMS CORP. As the first line.
Sometime in 1991, Charter Arms Corp. Ceased operations. This was the end of the FIRST GENERATION. Around early 1992, the company was re-organized under new leadership and became known as Charter Arms Company - CHARCO, and was located in ANSONIA CONN.
All second generation pieces will be marked on the right side of the barrel with that name and address in two lines. This is the SECOND generation and apparently the period which caused the most damage to the Charter name and reputation. In 2000, the company was again reorganized as CHARTER 2000 and relocated to SHELTON CONN. All pieces made during this THIRD generation will be marked with the SHELTON address. Early production of this generation seems to have been spotty and reputation still lagged.
About a year and a half ago, the company re-reorganized under the direction of MKS Marketing and seems now to be if not flourishing at least it is progressing in quality and market share. From the limited data set that I have been able to assemble so far the following serialization seems to be valid: (NOTE: model name and caliber will be stamped on left side of barrel on all pieces) FIRST GENERATION 0001 - 1,090,000 -??? CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- marking THIRD GENERATION 000001 - to date 2000 - 2011 CHARTER ARMS 2000 over SHELTON CONN marking.
This is the updated serial number info that I have - based upon around 1000 data points The earliest 1st Gen - 0 to 15,000 have NO barrel ADDRESS and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame. CA company founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965 Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973 Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991 All marked as Charter Arms Corporation 2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to??? 1991 - 1999 3rd Generation - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today. From the 26 pieces in my collection (all 1st Gen) and from dozens more that I've had the opportunity to observe and handle, I'd say that around s/n 600,000 the finish was made a lot finer - although the integrals (lock work, action) was at least as good as the earlier ones. I have or have read magazine articles that cover pretty much of the production life of the 1st Generation, and during that period (around late 1980, early 1981) it seems that CA attempted to capture more of the market by doing so, also in April of 1981, they introduced Stainless Steel revolvers into the mix, for the first time. Some of the articles lamented that the earlier pieces, although rough finish, were rather inexpensive (60-65% of S&W) and when CA began their 'modernization' process, the finishes got better but the prices increased to about 85 to 90% of the S&W line for comparable models.
During the 2nd Generation, the CHARCO (Charter Arms COMPANY), under new management and reorganized, the quality was definitely more spotty and haphazard. I've seen CHARCO produced guns with Stratford marked barrels, obviously using up old stock. The earliest CHARTER 2000 pieces I had the opportunity to handle (some fairly early 4 digits s/ns - were uniformly, poorly fitted and finished and had some horrendous and gritty actions. That seems to have been rectified under MKS's (circa 2008) new leadership and the most recent pieces I've handled - s/n's in the high 100,000 range have been 'decent' but not as fine in finish and action as the mid years of the 1st Generation.
This is simply my studied opinion based upon experience. Last edited by 32 Magnum; at 11:27 AM.
Remington Arms Serial Numbers
Thank you so very much for your time and valuable information! Because Charter has such 'ups and downs' in quality, it's important for me to know which one I am buying.
Even the Shelton guns have some differing qualities and I want to sure to get one of the better ones. Almost every ad for a Charter says NIB yet, just because it says NIB doesn't mean it's one of the better quality guns. Example.I found a 'NIB' Shelton.44 marked Bulldog Pug but when I contacted Charter, they said that can't be right because the Pug marked guns are the.357's. So, evidently, the gun I found is an earlier Shelton gun the rep. Knows nothing about but my question has been.what is the quality of that gun i.e.
Where does t fall on the quality chart? I've seen many variations the past month or so while shopping around and they most likely are simply production changes.so how can they be dated? Should I just be using serial numbering for dating? 32 Magnum, I just came across your request for serial numbers on 44 Bulldog. Hope you are still checking this forum.
I have one that I got in middle 70's. It is blue with a 3' barrel. It was used, so I do not know when it was purchased new. Serial Number 219441.
Left side of barrel states Bulldog 44 Spl. Right side states Charter Arms Corp. Bridgeport, Conn. It came with a grip which looks like, but is not a Pachmayr.
It also came with a basketweave paddle holster with thumb snap. Holster is a Bucheimer B3W-13. Looks like this holster was made for this gun, since it is a form fitting, and fits perfectly. Wish I could give you exact purchase date when new, but maybe this can help with your research. If you would like pics let me know. Frank Rigs Florida. I began researching the 1st Generation Charter Arms about 4 years ago and am trying to build a data base to be able to date 1st Gen.
Pieces by serial number. So far I have nearly 1000 data points (serial numbers) but very few verified dates. In any case, I'm attaching my current research findings, since this question and the responses obviously shows some interest in the various series. I also own 25 differenct 1st Gen pieces - hopefully, within a year or two I can acquire enough date to serial number data to confirm my current assumptions - and then I will update the CA section in the 'Blue Book.' ANY INFORMATION that is provided will be greatly appreciated and help with this research - please post. Thanks, Jim Hauff Contributing Editor for H&R Firearms to 'THE BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES' by S. NOTE: the tie between the original Charter Arms Corp and RUGER stems from the founding of CA Corp.
By Doug McClennahan - who designed the CA firearms - and previously had worked for COLT, HIGH STANDARD and S.RUGER as a firearms design engineer. The very first Charter Arms Corporation production began in 1965 in BRIDGEPORT CONN - earliest pieces - mostly Undercover model will have either NO address on the right side of the barrel or will have BRIDGEPORT CONN Around 1974, address was changed to STRATFORD CONN - all pieces made after mid 1974 will be marked with that address on the right side of the barrel and all will have CHARTER ARMS CORP. As the first line. Sometime in 1991, Charter Arms Corp. Ceased operations.
This was the end of the FIRST GENERATION. Around early 1992, the company was re-organized under new leadership and became known as Charter Arms Company - CHARCO, and was located in ANSONIA CONN. All second generation pieces will be marked on the right side of the barrel with that name and address in two lines.
This is the SECOND generation and apparently the period which caused the most damage to the Charter name and reputation. In 2000, the company was again reorganized as CHARTER 2000 and relocated to SHELTON CONN. All pieces made during this THIRD generation will be marked with the SHELTON address. Early production of this generation seems to have been spotty and reputation still lagged.
About a year and a half ago, the company re-reorganized under the direction of MKS Marketing and seems now to be if not flourishing at least it is progressing in quality and market share. From the limited data set that I have been able to assemble so far the following serialization seems to be valid: (NOTE: model name and caliber will be stamped on left side of barrel on all pieces) FIRST GENERATION 0001 - 1,090,000 -??? CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- marking THIRD GENERATION 000001 - to date 2000 - 2011 CHARTER ARMS 2000 over SHELTON CONN marking. This is the updated serial number info that I have - based upon around 1000 data points The earliest 1st Gen - 0 to 15,000 have NO barrel ADDRESS and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame. CA company founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965 Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973 Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991 All marked as Charter Arms Corporation 2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to???
1991 - 1999 3rd Generation - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today. From the 26 pieces in my collection (all 1st Gen) and from dozens more that I've had the opportunity to observe and handle, I'd say that around s/n 600,000 the finish was made a lot finer - although the integrals (lock work, action) was at least as good as the earlier ones. I have or have read magazine articles that cover pretty much of the production life of the 1st Generation, and during that period (around late 1980, early 1981) it seems that CA attempted to capture more of the market by doing so, also in April of 1981, they introduced Stainless Steel revolvers into the mix, for the first time. Some of the articles lamented that the earlier pieces, although rough finish, were rather inexpensive (60-65% of S&W) and when CA began their 'modernization' process, the finishes got better but the prices increased to about 85 to 90% of the S&W line for comparable models. During the 2nd Generation, the CHARCO (Charter Arms COMPANY), under new management and reorganized, the quality was definitely more spotty and haphazard. I've seen CHARCO produced guns with Stratford marked barrels, obviously using up old stock. The earliest CHARTER 2000 pieces I had the opportunity to handle (some fairly early 4 digits s/ns - were uniformly, poorly fitted and finished and had some horrendous and gritty actions.
That seems to have been rectified under MKS's (circa 2008) new leadership and the most recent pieces I've handled - s/n's in the high 100,000 range have been 'decent' but not as fine in finish and action as the mid years of the 1st Generation. This is simply my studied opinion based upon experience. Last edited by Frank Rigs; at 11:57 AM. This summer, I bought a Charter arms Off Duty.38 Spl snubby.it was sold online as a demo from someone's store.I liked it so much, I bough the second demo. So I now have a pair of Off Duty's. The new Charters are extremely well designed and well made, far better quality than the very old Bulldog I bought used about 15 years ago. They are very comfortable to shoot-great grip shape and very good rubber grips.
These are the most accurate snubbies I have ever shot in the last 40+ years, including all my Smiths. I carry one of them every day. They are re-designed, and the barrel,shroud and sight are all one piece, very thick and strong. The bore is made by some process they developed that makes it ultra smooth, and I believe that contributes to the accuracy.My eyes are 65 years old, and I put the first 5 shots into about 2 1/2 inches at 10 yards, which to me is very good for a 12 ounce snub. I really recommend the new Charters. I recently sold my last S&W Chief Special because it was living in the drawer since I got the Charters. They are great little revolvers.
I recently purchased a Charter Arms Dixie Derringer. I'm well aware that there reputation is not that good. I am a small collector of stainless steel revolvers.
When I read that the Dixie was no longer being made by Charter Arms I grabbed a new one on line from an auction sight. Every gun dealer sight I went to said that they were not in stock.What I am interested in knowing is just about when Charter Arms decided not to make these derringers anymore. From posting it seems the decision was made in either 2012 or 2011.
Does anyone have a more definitive date? I recently purchased a Charter Arms Dixie Derringer. I'm well aware that there reputation is not that good. I am a small collector of stainless steel revolvers. When I read that the Dixie was no longer being made by Charter Arms I grabbed a new one on line from an auction sight. Every gun dealer sight I went to said that they were not in stock.What I am interested in knowing is just about when Charter Arms decided not to make these derringers anymore.
From posting it seems the decision was made in either 2012 or 2011. Does anyone have a more definitive date?
I saw them on sale online early this summer, but have not seen them since then.that might have been the last of them (They were sold by Centerfire Systems, IIRC.) mark. Thanks dogngun2. Received my Dixie derringer and not impressed.
But I expected that and just wanted it for my collection. The finish on them is not that good. The grips are cheap plastic. I fired Fiocchi 22WMR and it jammed the gun after 2 shots. My thought was that the shell was expanding and popping out of the cylinder not allowing the cylinder to revolve.
I switched to Winchester 22WMR and had no such problem. It's not a gun that I would use except on a rare occasion when I felt it was worth taking it to a firing range.
In all I was not impressed with Dixie Derringer. But OK with having it as part of my collection which includes 4 other derringers from different manufacturers. Now thats ironic.
The son of Sam gun. How hard was it for you to get a pistol permit in those days? If the gun is made in bridgeport Connecticut, and uses probably expensive union labor, why is it considered a junk gun?It involved having a NYC Target Permit and acquiring a PO from police HQ.After a 3-4 month wait the PO was issued and you had 90 days to purchase.After purchase 48 hrs to take handgun to police hq.Short interview (in which rubber gun asked me why I wanted this pistol.I told him for bowling pin matches).They asked the same question when I brought an SKS (which had to have the bayo mount removed.Nice hacksaw job by me),a Ruger P-90,Taurus 669 and a 1991A1 Colt. I haven't shot the Charter much,it's a handful,but fun.I'm getting a Fla non res permit and if I choose to carry where legal I'll probably use it,after reacquainting myself with it. Now thats ironic.
The son of Sam gun. How hard was it for you to get a pistol permit in those days? If the gun is made in bridgeport Connecticut, and uses probably expensive union labor, why is it considered a junk gun?I own 2 of the new Charters and I consider them very high quality American made handguns. The new design features eliminate the past weak points and they are extremely accurate and well designed to fit the hand.
FWIW, Union labor isn't expensive.it's fair. And every advantage the unions fought for was passed on to EVERY working person in America. I began researching the 1st Generation Charter Arms about 4 years ago and am trying to build a data base to be able to date 1st Gen. Pieces by serial number. So far I have nearly 1000 data points (serial numbers) but very few verified dates. In any case, I'm attaching my current research findings, since this question and the responses obviously shows some interest in the various series.
I also own 25 differenct 1st Gen pieces - hopefully, within a year or two I can acquire enough date to serial number data to confirm my current assumptions - and then I will update the CA section in the 'Blue Book.' ANY INFORMATION that is provided will be greatly appreciated and help with this research - please post. Thanks, Jim Hauff Contributing Editor for H&R Firearms to 'THE BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES' by S. NOTE: the tie between the original Charter Arms Corp and RUGER stems from the founding of CA Corp.
By Doug McClennahan - who designed the CA firearms - and previously had worked for COLT, HIGH STANDARD and S.RUGER as a firearms design engineer. The very first Charter Arms Corporation production began in 1965 in BRIDGEPORT CONN - earliest pieces - mostly Undercover model will have either NO address on the right side of the barrel or will have BRIDGEPORT CONN Around 1974, address was changed to STRATFORD CONN - all pieces made after mid 1974 will be marked with that address on the right side of the barrel and all will have CHARTER ARMS CORP. As the first line. Sometime in 1991, Charter Arms Corp.
Ceased operations. This was the end of the FIRST GENERATION. Around early 1992, the company was re-organized under new leadership and became known as Charter Arms Company - CHARCO, and was located in ANSONIA CONN. All second generation pieces will be marked on the right side of the barrel with that name and address in two lines. This is the SECOND generation and apparently the period which caused the most damage to the Charter name and reputation. In 2000, the company was again reorganized as CHARTER 2000 and relocated to SHELTON CONN.
All pieces made during this THIRD generation will be marked with the SHELTON address. Early production of this generation seems to have been spotty and reputation still lagged.
About a year and a half ago, the company re-reorganized under the direction of MKS Marketing and seems now to be if not flourishing at least it is progressing in quality and market share. From the limited data set that I have been able to assemble so far the following serialization seems to be valid: (NOTE: model name and caliber will be stamped on left side of barrel on all pieces) FIRST GENERATION 0001 - 1,090,000 -???
CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- marking THIRD GENERATION 000001 - to date 2000 - 2011 CHARTER ARMS 2000 over SHELTON CONN marking. This is the updated serial number info that I have - based upon around 1000 data points The earliest 1st Gen - 0 to 15,000 have NO barrel ADDRESS and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame. CA company founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965 Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973 Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991 All marked as Charter Arms Corporation 2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to???
Charter Arms Serial Number Date
1991 - 1999 3rd Generation - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today. From the 26 pieces in my collection (all 1st Gen) and from dozens more that I've had the opportunity to observe and handle, I'd say that around s/n 600,000 the finish was made a lot finer - although the integrals (lock work, action) was at least as good as the earlier ones. I have or have read magazine articles that cover pretty much of the production life of the 1st Generation, and during that period (around late 1980, early 1981) it seems that CA attempted to capture more of the market by doing so, also in April of 1981, they introduced Stainless Steel revolvers into the mix, for the first time. Some of the articles lamented that the earlier pieces, although rough finish, were rather inexpensive (60-65% of S&W) and when CA began their 'modernization' process, the finishes got better but the prices increased to about 85 to 90% of the S&W line for comparable models.
Charter Arms Serial Number Search
During the 2nd Generation, the CHARCO (Charter Arms COMPANY), under new management and reorganized, the quality was definitely more spotty and haphazard. I've seen CHARCO produced guns with Stratford marked barrels, obviously using up old stock. The earliest CHARTER 2000 pieces I had the opportunity to handle (some fairly early 4 digits s/ns - were uniformly, poorly fitted and finished and had some horrendous and gritty actions. That seems to have been rectified under MKS's (circa 2008) new leadership and the most recent pieces I've handled - s/n's in the high 100,000 range have been 'decent' but not as fine in finish and action as the mid years of the 1st Generation. This is simply my studied opinion based upon experience.Hi, just looking through for some information on what ammo to shoot out of the 3' Bulldog, and saw your post. Thanks for all the information, as I was aware of the changes in Charter Arms and the better quality on the earlier Bridgeport, Stratford days. My 3' blued Bulldog has a serial number of 855239 with Stratford on barrel.
I think that puts it somewhere around 1985. From what I've read it's best to stay under 200 grains for commercial loads.