Lets take a look at a vintage 1970's Charter Arms Undercover. Thanks for Watching 45 Alfa Charlie Papa
Пікірлер: 294
@davidabney77003 жыл бұрын
As a law enforcement officer, I packed a back-up piece for those horrible, life threatening moments that cops sometimes encounter. I wore my back-up in an ankle holster around the top of my spit-shined black leather paratrooper boots that many of my brothers wore in the 1970's. This lightweight snubby (16-oz.) was a Charter Arms Undercoverette .32, with a six-shot cylinder. It looked just like the one in this video, with exception to the caliber (.32) and six-shot cylinder. I wore this little piece of life insurance for over 3-decades before retiring it for a .32acp Stenda Pistol. My little Charter Arms Undercoverette sported the same smooth service grip panels which enhance its concealability factor. I bought this back-up for off duty carry also and kept it cleaned frequently because of the day-to-day cop wear. This would include bad weather, wading/running through water puddles chasing varmints, hot as hell summer weather, and 30+years of carry. When I retired it for the Stenda, it had been shot only a few times, still in great operating order, so I sent it back to the Charter Arms Company with a letter describing it's history as my back-up. I wanted my little gun refurbished but wasn't prepared to spend a fortune getting it done on a 75-dollar snubby. After a 2-week period, I received a package, via UPS, inside the box was a brand new looking Charter Arms Undercoverette .32 revolver. It was my old gun that now looked brand spanking new and a nice note that said "thank you for your service", NO CHARGE! Still carrying it in a inside a user-friendly velvet lined holster. I hoped my story on a compact, lightweight Charter Arms Undercoverette .32, would be found interesting to some Charter Arms owners.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your first hand knowledge of this pistol. So many look down on Charter as their name has been dragged threw the mud on several occasions because of its history with some very deranged people. I wanted to do a honest review because I knew so many were carried back in the late 60's, 70's and 80's as back up and off duty pistols. Always that faithful back up that gets little appreciation. Thanks for watching and your service.
@ricochete58753 жыл бұрын
Salute to you sir.
@bobinlr50552 жыл бұрын
Salute also, your story helped convince me to invest in an old one as my first revolver.
@markshippoli89182 жыл бұрын
That was a great story! It's because of true accounts like this that I decided to purchase a Charter Arms as my second revolver. They seemed like very small, lightweight, yet very strong revolvers. Knowing the history of the company makes me proud to own one! I love to support American manufacturers. A company that stands behind their products the way you described is very rare! Thank you David for your service.
@CarolinaRimfire8 ай бұрын
I'm years late to this video, but thank you for making it. My grandpa had an undercover just like that one in his store for 20 years. Kept it for protection. I remember being just a kid & seeing it loose in his desk drawer. (Not safe or advisable storage, but it was the 80s, and he didn't think twice.) He sold it not long after he lost the business in the 2008 crash, and he passed away earlier this year at age 96. I'll never be able to track down his undercover, but I found one just like it this summer. Charter Arms is fixing it up for me, and I plan to shoot it at least once a year on his birthday.
@CarolinaRimfire7 ай бұрын
Update to this (not that anybody was waiting for one...) I got the revolver back from Charter earlier this week, and they did a great job. The trigger is smoothed and evened out from what it was, the finish is perfect, and they even sent me a new set of grips.
@andrewharbison7203 жыл бұрын
Got an old .38 from my grandma. My grandpa(died before I born) had it while he was a cop. Gave it to me in GREAT shape and I love it. Work 3rd shift at a gas station and conceal carry everywhere I go.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Great reliable little carry gun. Thanks for watching.
@andrewharbison7203 жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa Gonna stay in the family! Watched so I could learn a little bit more because I'm trying to teach my lady how to own and carry a gun, as she isn't familiar to them.
@Just1American19665 жыл бұрын
My dad and I both did stints as lawmen back in the eighties, during a time in which we were not in contact with each other (my parents divorced when I was still very little.) He was in Colorado and I here in Florida. We both bought Undercover revolvers for off-duty and truck/Jeep use, it turned out. On top of that, his was made the same year I was born. We re-established contact about ten years before he died in 2010, and his Undercover came home with me (along with his Ruger Police Service Six, his duty sidearm.) The Undercover is on my belt right now. I still own mine, and another stainless one from around 1985 I picked up a couple of years ago. They're certainly neat, solid little revolvers. Thanks for sharing.
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your story. These were great little back up, off duty, Knock around guns back in the day. Affordable and reliable. They get a lot more of a bad rap than they deserve. Thanks for watching.
@peebay35153 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the story. My dad passed when I was 11 and his Colt Anaconda in .45 Long Colt was taken by a "friend" of his that I will one day hunt down and get back because it's rightfully mine. Don't let go of it. It's more than a gun, it's a bridge to your dad.
@rmerk60722 жыл бұрын
@@peebay3515 I agree I hope you get it back.
@travisj.19382 жыл бұрын
Awesome awesome story man. Thanks for sharing. 👍
@travisj.19382 жыл бұрын
@@peebay3515 that is friggin horrible man. I am sure that thing has a ton of sentimental value which you can't put a price on but it also has a lot of monetary value. Those things are rare as heck in 45 colt truly hope you find that bastard and get it back. It is truly unbelievable what some people think they are entitled to when someone passes. It is one of the main st vile behaviors we will ever witnessed
@SHOT_GUNNER2 ай бұрын
Excellent review! Love the history portion. 😊
@anthonywithem22723 жыл бұрын
I just got my sweet little Nannys passed down to me,she talked like it was the best gun in the world,too her it was and now it is to me 😊😥
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
They are a nice little gun. Glad it was passed down to someone who will cherish it. It is the little things sometime that make the biggest impact. Thanks for watching.
@maxmccain89503 жыл бұрын
I’ve got one just like it. One of my very favorites.
@Last-VarangianАй бұрын
I used carry an undercover for many years before I could afford a S&W Chief's Special. Always loved the little Charters. Only complaint I ever had against them was if you shot them a bunch, as I did, they would tend to shoot loose because of the way they were put together using mostly pins instead of screws. They were intended to be kept a long time and fired seldom, not vigorously worked out at range qualification time regularly, and for that purpose they excelled. I must correct the record on something you said about the transfer bar safety: it was first used by Iver Johnson all the way back in the 1890's, 1894 to be specific if I remember correctly. Smith and Colt were both using a different form hammer safety, called a rebound hammer, by 1900. Lots of people like to point to that excellent designer, Bill Ruger, and his introduction of hammer block safeties on his single actions as the first time they were used because that's usually the first time anyone ever heard of it, but that didn't happen until 1973.
@01ericowen Жыл бұрын
My brother inherited an Undercover 39 from our father. We finally got a chance to take it to the range yesterday. It is definitely a close-up gun. The sight picture makes it not an easy gun to shoot for someone who hasn't put some range time in with a revolver. Great review! You cleared up a few questions we had about it.
@ralphh41312 жыл бұрын
what a beauty of a gun. thank you for explaination and footage of the tranfer bar. best explanation ive seen before on youtube. this is the type of gun id carry myself or give to a wife or girlfriend for her saftey.
@dexterwinslett893015 күн бұрын
Bought my wife's in 78. Dead on! Love it. She was coming home from work one night and two Africans pulled up beside her swerving at her, she pointed it, they jumped the median and went the other way.
@danpetreikis5 жыл бұрын
I had a CA Undercover back in the 90's. That gun saved my bacon more than once when i was working the night shift at a local convenience store/gas station. I sold it to buy a S&W model 36, but found out that gun had a broken hammer pin, so sold that one and moved on to another. Eventually, I found another Undercover at a decent price and picked it up for old times' sake. Still shoots true.
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
So many story's like yours. Great little protection guns that are solidly built, affordable and reliable. Thanks for watching and sharing your story.
@truthteller14992 жыл бұрын
I just bought mine today for 300 at my gun shop that I worked at. I had been looking for one for a long time 😁😁
@Forfoxsakeyall1987Ай бұрын
My dad just gifted this sentimental gun to me tonight. It was my grandfather’s gun whom died way before I was born. I actually cried when my dad gave it to me. He made me promise to take care of it and never let it out of my sight. I’m going to have to get some practice in with this gun, as I have no experience in firearms. I’m afraid of the recoil if I’m being completely vulnerable and honest. I’d hate to ever need to use it, but I’m glad I now have protection. Thanks for the video!
@SanguivoreАй бұрын
That is so sweet of your dad! ☺️ The recoil of any gun is always scary at first, don’t worry. But it gets easier to manage with time and perfecting your form. Focus mostly on finding a good grip (plenty of good videos on that here on KZfaq, thank goodness), and try to focus on the trigger pull rather than anticipating the shot or recoil. I know their focus is on semiauto/magazine-fed guns, but Tactical Hyve and Modern Samurai Project has a lot of good videos on this sort of thing. I also recommend wadcutters as far as ammo choice goes; they reduce the recoil significantly, and they’re also good for self-defence. Good luck with your new gun, and God bless! ☺️
@Forfoxsakeyall1987Ай бұрын
@@Sanguivore Thank you so much for your reply! I’ve been doing a ton of research and learning about different ammo and just learned today about wadcutter ammo! I think that will definitely be what I choose to purchase and carry with. Still nervous about my first time shooting but I’m learning a lot! ♥️ Thank you so much for the help!
@SanguivoreАй бұрын
@@Forfoxsakeyall1987 You're very welcome, Heather! :D I hope the gun serves you well and that it brings you comfort and peace! You got this! 😊
@Forfoxsakeyall1987Ай бұрын
@@Sanguivore You’re so sweet 🥰 thank you so much!
@SanguivoreАй бұрын
@@Forfoxsakeyall1987 You’re welcome, lovely! ☺️
@jjwolff76582 жыл бұрын
I have one of these. Great little gun with an innovative design and light weight for a steel frame.
@andyivanovich94786 жыл бұрын
Another youtuber, Paul Harrell, demonstrated that a revolver with fixed sights has different points of impact using different sorts of ammo with the same aiming point. His target was at of distance of about 10 yards. One brand of ammo shot left and the other brand shot right. I would try using a different manufacturer and maybe a different bullet weight. This was a very nice video, my friend's mom has a new Charter Arms snub nose and she is happy with it
@45AlfaCharliePapa6 жыл бұрын
I do plan to slug the barrel and try some different loads to see what this likes. Thanks for watching.
@ricochete58753 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip.
@la_old_salt224110 ай бұрын
Also, generally speaking, most fixed sight revolvers are regulated for 158 grain bullet weight loads. So, again, generally, any load in the 148 to 158 grain range will be close to the point of aim when fired.
@timothykendrick79315 жыл бұрын
Thank you for an excellent video.. I have one that my uncle gave me many years ago.. Mine happens to shot center mass low..just a good pocket pistol... Thanks again and keep up the good work
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@jerrymorelock31362 жыл бұрын
First handgun I ever bought back in 1973 for a hundred bucks new--gave it to my son a couple of years ago. I never shot at anything more than 5 yards away, and the patterns I got at that range suited me fine. What attracted me to it was its concealability--I could completely cover it with a hand, and it was my constant companion for at least 5 years.
@richardpcrowe2 жыл бұрын
I use a .38 Special Charter Arms Undercover for home defense against both bad guys and deadly intruders. I recently protected my home a dogs from a five foot rattlesnake using the Charter Arms .38 Undercover! I always keep the pistol loaded with three hollow point and three snake-shot loads. The hollow points are ready for the first shot while, it is easy as pie to select the snake-shot load... BTW: I don't expect to repeat the O.K. Corral with my home defense pistol and I also expect that if I needed to defend against a bad guy it would be at close range...
@Zomb1eK1ller1154 жыл бұрын
just bought one as my first gun, shot a few rounds through it and loved it! :)
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the club! Thanks for watching.
@maxmccain89503 жыл бұрын
I remember seeing ads for them in the old gun magazines that made a point to emphasize they had a beryllium copper firing pin that supposedly was superior. Great little guns.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Under rated for sure. Thanks for watching.
@ShredderSensei4 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. I learned a lot
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
@davidtaylor1958 ай бұрын
Great review! Just bought one in blue, at my LGS, for $200! Has a wear line, but is crisp and cylinders and barrel looked fine. Small wooden grips, lightweight to pocket carry. No shroud on extractor, and just needed a little bit of TLC. Years ago, bought a newer model in stainless steel, didnt spin cylinder right. 2 trips to factory(Charco), and didn't trust it. Sold it off for a 442 S&W Centennial. Wifey carries that daily. Anyway, I'm back with the vintage model Undercover.
@cliffhouser9138 Жыл бұрын
I bought one of these used in 2004. It still looks brand new. It is very snappy to fire, but I'm glad that it is in my collection.
@jaytcache65803 жыл бұрын
I have this exact gun got it cheap at pawn store, i love to wear it around the house with a shoulder holsrer smoking cigs and playing detective. Thanks for teaching me about the gun especially the dop safety, i didnt know. Thx
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
LOL It does have a real 70's TV detective vibe. Thanks for watching.
@robertsr.2492 жыл бұрын
You sure you’re name isn’t Walter Mitty ?
@apocalypticwarrior96954 жыл бұрын
I have the older model like the one in the video. Great little Roscoe and love the channel. Keep up the great work!
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
They like the lighter weight projectiles. Thanks for watching.
@tyronemcbride50443 жыл бұрын
I have a 1984 model that has never been fired 🔥
@romimusic3 жыл бұрын
@@tyronemcbride5044 Me too!.. i'll be shooting it tomorrow for the first time.
@matthewrobinson43236 жыл бұрын
it's also the epitome of a primary ccw for edc. I carry my Smith and Wesson 442, and the other day i went to the range, and at 40 ft, all 5 were in the target's kill zone, with a group that fit well within my hand. If the gun goes bang when you pull the trigger, it's done its job: accuracy is up to you. Beautiful gun. I love snubbies. my carry alternates between a Smith and Wesson 442 and a Rock Island m 206 doa snub nose.
@45AlfaCharliePapa6 жыл бұрын
I do love my Snub nose Revolvers. My main carry is a Taurus 85. Thanks for watching.
@crankygunreviews2 жыл бұрын
I have three of these vintage Charter Arms undercovers now. All three of mine are Stratford CT models, made in the 1970's from what I can find. The first versions sometimes had weird bluing, I like the Stratford models best, but all the early models are nicer IMO. I have two blued models, and one somewhat rare stainless model.
@MPGunther15 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed your review
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@NicR946 жыл бұрын
Picked one of these in amazing conduction off gunbroker for $176. Just wanted a classic snubnose to look at and teach people the difference between revolvers and semi autos without spending the money on a colt of S&W. Also, don’t have to worry about magazines. Nice review!
@45AlfaCharliePapa6 жыл бұрын
Thank You for watching. This is a fun gun to shoot and they can be found at a good price.
@godzillasimpson83572 жыл бұрын
Budget j frame
@gryphgryphon33665 жыл бұрын
I bought my Charter Arms Undercover (serial #680...) in 1981 and I still carry it today. When I first bought it, I thought it was a so-called Saturday Night Special....a cheap little gun. But this thing has stood the test of time. The blued finish is almost perfect, the wood grips are in great shape, and it fires every time I pull the trigger. I also carry a Kahr CM9, but I find myself coming back time and time again to this great little snubbie.
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
These classic charter arms were great little budget revolvers. Thanks for watching.
@dufung39804 жыл бұрын
Was Mark Chapman your idol?
@joenewton20216 ай бұрын
I used to get these in the early 90’s from police trade ins in carried shape for $65. I wish I still had them great gun.
@the_gaming_rabbit80173 жыл бұрын
I got one that's from my towns PD and it's in amazing condition and has never been fired before, and I have the original holster for it too. It's a really fun little gun
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Find what it likes and they can be great shooters. Thanks for watching.
@TylerHulan5 жыл бұрын
These old charters are such good guns and they can regularly be had for less than $250. Go find one if your looking for a good little pocket revolver.
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Hidden Gems. Thanks for watching.
@johnpelszynski6646 Жыл бұрын
I got one for free gift. mine is like new.
@katana2586 жыл бұрын
picked up a factory nickel plated undercover for my wife in 1978 .. that's the only gun she will have , shoot .. over 40 years and about 800 rounds later it still works ..period
@sirwilhelm25185 жыл бұрын
Just picked up a all original nickel finish with wooden handle,great gun got it for 180,it was a safe queen so it's like new,I love it
@Wildwestwrangler2 жыл бұрын
Snubbies just don't usually fair as well with jacketed ammo. Not enough barrel to influence them, but with something like a lead cast bullet or semi wad cutter, they are usually slightly oversized and stage down in the forcing cone allowing for greater accuracy!!! I shoot 168gr semi wadcutters out of mine, and even at 7 yards if I'm doing single action shots I can keep it pretty much on a playing card.
@garageassembled47015 жыл бұрын
I picked one up used at Turners in Ca. for a $150. It’s blued with rubber grips and I found some wood grips on eBay and it is a beautiful combination as a classic. Works great and a timepiece.
@anthonyclark67715 жыл бұрын
I did the same thing lol went on eBay n picked up or. of checkers walnut compact grips W/ charter arms emblems on them n love the look of it.
@glenmo15 жыл бұрын
i bought a similar off duty in stainless used for 160 dollars in 1992 NO ejector rod shroud /under lug probably made late 1970s or early 1980s ..mine is very accurate out to 40 ft ..love it better than my smith and wesson its not rated for plus p but plenty of great non plus P ammo out there ..i used to load with federal nyclad hollow or silvertip but now days hornady critical defense lite 90 grain ..made for light weight snubs ..goes 11-1/2 to 12-1/2 in in denim covered balistic gel [FBI STANDARD ] and expands ..low flash low recoil
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Very well built for a budget revolver back in the day. Thanks for watching.
@destinytroll13743 жыл бұрын
My sister just picked one of these up today for $149, it still had the packing grease on it! Basically no use at all, I'm guessing someone bought it new and left it in the closet for decades then either sold it or more likely passed away and their family sold it off. I cleaned it up for her and was surprised to see it in nearly mint condition!
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
A lot of these did nightstand duty and never shot. Good buy It should give you years of service. Thanks for watching.
@la_old_salt224110 ай бұрын
Nice find.
@maxmccain89503 жыл бұрын
I ran across and old ad from a gun magazine. It touted the beryllium copper firing pin as being virtually unbreakable. Mine has many, many rounds through it and it still functions like it did when it was new. Great little guns.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
These older ones have lasted the test of time. Thanks for watching.
@maxmccain89503 жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa oops, twice. I must be getting old. Sorry.
@michaelkulman70952 ай бұрын
In that old ad did it say it was rated +P? Or say anything interesting besides about the firing pin?
@kamuelalee4 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thank you. Came into posession of a circa 1966 Charter Undercover 38 recently. Still seems in decent condition, bluing looks good, shows a bit of rust on parts of the frame but overall is nice. Looking forward to trying it out at the firing range.
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
Enjoy your new acquisition. I find this one likes the lighter weight bullets. Thanks for watching.
@Wildwestwrangler2 жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa funny thing is mine likes the 158gr or heavier lol you just never know with individual revolvers what they'll like.
@CurtisL8.30666 жыл бұрын
Hey great video. I have one of these and it goes with me when it’s too hot for pants and is with me at work always. 200 bones and it’s there if I ever need it. I prefer these thin grips over the bigger ones on modern snubs. I like it so much I think I’m gonna give it to my mom when I upgrade to a pocket auto
@45AlfaCharliePapa6 жыл бұрын
As reliable and durable as a Smith. Maybe not as refined or as accurate but at half the price, and the ability to get the job done whats not to like. And I love this guns classic look. Thanks for watching.
@ext933 жыл бұрын
I'd been wanting to purchase my first gun for about a year now for basic self-defense. My father who owned a bar passed away a few months ago. As I've been clearing some things out, I found one of these he kept locked in the kitchen. I believe it's from the early 80s whenever he first opened. I will be keeping it. Cleaned it up with a friend and got it ready to practice with. It probably hasn't been shot since '84.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Great little barkeepers friend. Cherish it always because it is the little things sometimes that make a big difference. Thanks for watching.
@MansourKilaju3 ай бұрын
Those are the quality years. If it says Stratford,Conn. was the best quality.
@HotelConsulting-pb2gx3 ай бұрын
I only carry a CA .38 Undercover with Wadcutters. Solid frame, triple lockup and protected crane. BEST revolver design out there.
@fanbatcher3 жыл бұрын
I love my early Bridgeport Undercover. I actually can hit a small piece of wood and clays at 25 yards double action. Fits perfectly in any normal size pocket
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Once you find the ammo weight they like they are great little shooters. Thanks for watching.
@Wildwestwrangler2 жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa what bullet weight were you shooting?
@craigsavarese45549 ай бұрын
I remember buying one (satin nickel) for my dad at a gun show back in the mid 80’s. It was either $135 or 165. I miss those gun shows with my dad.
@SpaceWizardphd5 ай бұрын
Not only do I have this exact pistol, but it's still my carry gun. It just fits my hand better than a modern j-frame.
@glennsammon446510 ай бұрын
nice gun. as far as shooting it goes , most 38 specials are sighted in with 158 grain standard pressure round nose lead bullets. that is what your sights are regulated too at 21 ft. also try 148grain wadcutters. and the gun will be more fun to shoot since wadcutters don't kick. though they mite shoot about an inch low. I have been looking for one of these CAs . can't find them around here ( although, no shrtage of Colt or S&W revolvers, go figure, and I keep buying them). thanks for the video.
@slycarlo87473 жыл бұрын
And they are extremely accurate in the right hands as well.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
And the right ammo. I found this one likes the lighter weight bullets. Thanks for watching.
@Wildwestwrangler2 жыл бұрын
I shot mine today and at 5 yards was able to do a fist sized group in double action as fast as I could pull the trigger.
@ChrisHirner2 жыл бұрын
That undercut on the grip looks like a finger buster. I only say that cause i have a new one and the stock grips are great. But i '"upgraded" to some wooden bulldog grips that have a steep undercut behing the trigger gaurd and after 10 rounds your ready to go home. It bruised your middle finger. wound up putting the stock grips back on.
@charleshuyck66412 жыл бұрын
Both Smith and Wesson and Colt had rotation hammers in say a Colt Detective Special or S & W model 10. My father had a 1940s S & W Model 10 and the hammer rotated back and off the primer. It only lined up with the primer of the bullet when in fire mode with trigger held all the way back. The old west single action revolvers had issue with firing pin on the primer. No service double action rested on the primer. The actions in the Charter Arms was a lot more delicate than Colt or S&W so they did not see the heavy police work that Colt and S&W did. They were a cheaper gun.
@George-ue3er3 жыл бұрын
I really do wish that people would not say that all double action revolvers without a transfer bar are only safe with 5 shots loaded. Colt and S&W both used hammer blocks with rebounding hammers until transfer bar safeties became standard. Both types are safe with all 5 or 6 chambers loaded. The 5 loaded in a 6 round gun mostly only applies to single actions other than 2 screw rugers.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
The transfer bar has become the go to for most Revolvers. Even Smith changed the Internal designs over the years. the early pre WW2 smiths were not very drop safe, just ask the Navy how we know that. Even the Rebounding hammer models post war were ok to carry but could be defeated with about 90 pounds of impact. Thanks for watching.
@faryldaryl3975 Жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa The pre-transfer bar Smiths did have a hammer block, it was just a different design that was fitted to the sideplate and relied on it's bend to move in front of the hammer. It was/is drop safe, unless the bar gets gummed up by lack of maintenance and doesn't spring out from it's slot in the sideplate, which is what is believed to have happened to the infamous butter-fingered swabbie. I have a Victory model from 1945 that still has the original hammer block, it works fine.
@theoriginalshotgunoutdoors32692 жыл бұрын
Frank Cannon...Private Eye. He had a snub nosed and made 75 yard shots! LOL!
@Wildwestwrangler2 жыл бұрын
My undercover has a very nice trigger.
@ParasidicGeneration6 жыл бұрын
Very nice brother i need to get a good ol snubbie
@45AlfaCharliePapa6 жыл бұрын
Thank You. Snubbys are a lot of fun.
@bobinlr50552 жыл бұрын
This example appears to be missing ejector rod collar, Part 24 on parts list, but maybe that was added? On mine, Bridgeport edition, cylinder latch can be sticky. More modern design includes a latch release that has an internal hole drilled, and a spring/plunger to mechanically assist forward motion of cylinder release. Not sure original units can be retrofitted for easier, more smooth cylinder release. Thx for video, and for keeping it up!
@45AlfaCharliePapa2 жыл бұрын
It was not uncommon back in the day to not have the shroud. Thanks for watching.
@faryldaryl3975 Жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa The ejector rod collar, not a shroud for Pete's sake, and it looks like yours isn't missing, it's to the front instead of the rear like it's supposed to be. Just do an image search for Charter Undercover and you'll see what it's supposed to look like. Yours might be missing the spring that pushes it back into lockup. The way yours sits, there is no front locking point as designed.
@jerrycasey16352 жыл бұрын
I have one of these, light weight and concealable....
@kelvinalston11285 жыл бұрын
Aww what sweet lil snub
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@andreasinderbitzin13164 жыл бұрын
Its extrem light for a full steel Revolver. For me is this the perfect self defense Gun.
@georgemarquez45034 жыл бұрын
Not perfect if it only holds 5 rounds
@GarfieldEnjoyer18784 жыл бұрын
George Marquez 5 would be enough in most circumstances
@thugmansion4525 жыл бұрын
I just picked one of these up and I can hear and see the transfer bar move
@GunCollector0074 жыл бұрын
Nice video!
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@Alexgomez4115 жыл бұрын
Love it
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@sonnygunz92074 жыл бұрын
I want one of these for my snubby collection.
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
It is a Classic. Thanks for watching.
@robertsr.2492 жыл бұрын
I prefer the bulldog ,,, 44 special .
@samw78612 жыл бұрын
I realize this is an old video but early in the video I noticed a very important issue with this Charter Arms pistol. This pistol is missing an important spring that locks the cylinder in the frame. The early Charter Arms models not only had a pin that locked the cylinder on the back side of the cylinder, they also have a sleeve on the ejection rod that locks the cylinder into the frame on the front side. In the video the forward sleeve is not engaged in the frame (it is actually at the far end of the ejector rod), which means it is either missing the internal spring or is otherwise jammed and not reengaging. This could cause the cylinder to not completely align with the barrel when firing.
@ltsam41743 жыл бұрын
I still have mine from the 70's.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Groovy! Great little guns. Thanks for watching.
@carolbland7171 Жыл бұрын
That one looks pretty rough 😮
@jalan81714 жыл бұрын
I took notice of that conspicuous sign alongside the shooting lane reading "NO RAPID FIRE". Obviously range management has not taken notice of a fellow by the name of Jerry Miculek.
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
If Jerry showed up they more than likely would be cool with that. Thanks for watching.
@jack1948ful Жыл бұрын
A lot of CA .38 spl. stories here well mine a little different I bought a CA .44 spl. sometime back in the late 70's I thought it was a a gun smith custom (haven't ever seen another since) it is a 5 shot unshrouded floating ejector model with 1"& 15/16" barrel a checkered top bobbed hammer I did call CA and I think I spoke to Vince who said yes it was a factory gun from the early to mid 70's I don't shoot it much but I do ever now and then along with keeping it clean it has small grips for concealment it has a sting to it with 240 gr SWC it was an EDC for a long time ! Serial # 4xxxxxx ANYONE GOT ANY INFO
@cesarv.1178 Жыл бұрын
Have anyone experienced or know of a undercover 38spl from Bridgeport Conn to explode? Thanks in advance
@jonbrooks67484 жыл бұрын
It looks like you are missing the sleeve & spring that go on the front of the ejector rod. I just bought a used one that needed those same parts. My local gunsmith had the parts in stock. All in all it was still only $115 bucks total. Great review BTW
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
A lot of the early snub nose revolvers had the exposed ejector rods. This one from the factory did not have one, however it is possible that someone may have made a upgrade kit for them at some point. This was a flaw in the early guns and most manufactures add a shroud now. Thanks for watching.
@robertlipsey60563 жыл бұрын
That is the type ejector the revolver came with but it is missing parts.
@jchrish835 жыл бұрын
I have one of these I just had fixed and am gonna start carrying. Any suggestions on speed loaders you can carry?
@daddyo84804 жыл бұрын
I use the Tuff Products Quickstrip. Lies flat in any pocket. With practice, the revolver's first 5 should be adequate. If not, one should have taken cover and can reload there. Practice with those also. To me, round speedloaders are bulky in pocket and crowded to use on a snubby.
@Omar_for_Gemstone4 жыл бұрын
How much is the price of the gun ARMS
@ChefDuane6 ай бұрын
I have that same gun. Mine is circa '77-'80.
@zivendn5 жыл бұрын
I've tried carrying concealed many different handguns. The Charter Arms is by far the most convenient and comfortable. Ditch the ugly rubber grips and get the smaller wood grips.
@la_old_salt224110 ай бұрын
BK Grips, grip adapters are nice with the smaller grips also.
@rosssalupo47702 жыл бұрын
mine shoots out the bull at 20 feet in single action one hole around same vintage as yours.
@cjr19715 жыл бұрын
i find the one i have has very heavy recoil without plus p 130 gr whats the lightest load i can use in order to help that? thanks
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Replace the small wood grips with some slightly larger rubber ones to help with control of the gun and reduce felt recoil. They also make some light loades in 38 special. If you are going to use light loads for self defense I would suggest Cast soft lead bullets. Thanks for watching.
@anthonyclark67715 жыл бұрын
Go to a hornandy 110gr. Critical defense ammo
@ratagris212 жыл бұрын
90gr pink lites by Hornady as also a good recoil control option.
@Alexgomez4115 жыл бұрын
How do u aim closing your eyes every shot ???
@lookythat24 жыл бұрын
Well, he knew the sights were on, before he closed his eyes and yanked the trigger.
@frankcantone27035 жыл бұрын
I have both stainless and blued. What years were they made? Both mine show Bridgeport CT.
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
Late 60's to very early 90's. Somewhere I had found total production numbers and the year of this one was an educated guess. Thanks for watching.
@faryldaryl3975 Жыл бұрын
A little late, but in case anybody else is wondering: Bridgeport guns were made from 1967 to 1974. Stratford guns like the one in this vid were made from 1974 to 1991.
@TheLittlePreacherАй бұрын
You flinch bad!
@yank-tc8bz10 ай бұрын
I have carried the same gun for 50 years.
@jalan81714 жыл бұрын
Although Charter Arms deserves credit for the modern transfer bar safety system, Colt patented their 'Positive Lock' safety for their double action revolvers back in 1905 with their introduction of Police Positive model of 1905. One feature I can appreciate on C.A. guns w/o a ejector rod shroud is the ability to swing out the cylinder by pulling back directly the ejector rod as with the older Colt's. Charter Arms may not offer Performance Center pistols, however the majority of what are produced are fundamentally sound in functionality. Now if I could only find a higher quality adjustable rear sight unit for my target PitBull...
@Wildwestwrangler4 жыл бұрын
Switch to shooting 158 grain lead round nose bullets and you'll find that gun will shoot a lot straighter at even further than 7 yards
@trashmann10813 жыл бұрын
Any reason why the ejector rod looks slightly different? It's slightly shorter for some reason
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Shorter than........? Could be different because of upgrades or changes in manufacturing over the years. Thanks for watching.
@ctapmgriley2 жыл бұрын
The ejector rod is missing the ejector rod bushing that locks up the front of the cylinder. You can order a new bushing and spring at Numrich online.
@doranmaxwell17552 жыл бұрын
Good gun but... Every 38 I had shed the screw that holds on the cyl latch
@joenewton20216 ай бұрын
Need a Tyler t grip with the factory wood grips
@brotherword92344 жыл бұрын
I pick one of these up today in great condition at one of my local gun shops for $100 ,how do you tell how old a gun is?
@45AlfaCharliePapa4 жыл бұрын
They are hard to pinpoint. I know on this one I had to do a lot of research and somewhere I found a total production number and had to divide by years of production to get a guesstimate on where the serial number fell within the production runs. Thanks for watching.
@mikey38004 жыл бұрын
this website will help you date it unblinkingeye.com/Guns/CAR/car.html
@jeremydawson73442 жыл бұрын
My question too
@2Years2Farm3 жыл бұрын
I just got a first gen charter arms pathfinder.22 (chambered in 22lr of course) with a 3” barrel. It’s only a 22 but that 22 I have beats the 40 s&w I don’t.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Nice! Nothing wrong with a 22 revolver. Thanks for watching.
@claychandler34682 жыл бұрын
I have a new model of this gun. Not bad ! Also I have a trust model 85 38 spl. Excellent! Gun !!! Very affordable . Fuck Smith and wesson to expensive !
@johnholland34763 жыл бұрын
Works good with the old air force light weight pilots ammo also
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
We have found this is dead on when using lighter weight bullets. Thanks for watching.
@johnholland34763 жыл бұрын
@@45AlfaCharliePapa no prob good review ,you got a sub
@basedburgundian96654 жыл бұрын
Is this your John Lennon solver?
@RElover223 жыл бұрын
Meanwhile with my Smith and wesson model 36 snub i'm knocking bowling pins down at 50 yards.
@therealhawkeyeii78883 жыл бұрын
The trigger guard and grip frame is aluminum.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info. And thanks for watching.
@sycamorebacker15 жыл бұрын
S&W have hammer blocks and it is safe to load all chambers.
@timsharkey19935 жыл бұрын
Truth. The carry with five rule applies to old-style single action revolvers. I’ve never heard anything about any of the zillions of cops who carried Smiths or Colts for all those decades only loading five rounds in them.
@thugmansion4525 жыл бұрын
is the transfer bar supposed to be loose
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
They are supposed to move. This one rattles a little but not a lot. Thanks for watching.
@kenibnanak5554 Жыл бұрын
If you add a T grip your accuracy may improve.
@johntaylor-so7yw4 ай бұрын
I have a 1966 under cover charter arms 38
@mailbox6422 жыл бұрын
Does this guy know that the front locking lug of this gun is missing?? the ring on the ejector rod that locks the front of the cylinder/crane in the frame is completely missing! what a clown!
@terryjones2843 жыл бұрын
Is there any way anyone can point me in the right direction I have the same pistol and it's all broke down I need help putting back together is there anyone out there that van help cash is not a problem it's been in my family for years I just want it working again
@botfoblhrp3 жыл бұрын
the one my son uses has no problem for point of aim. he shoots baseballs at 10 yards easy.
@45AlfaCharliePapa3 жыл бұрын
Found this one likes the lighter weight bullets, and shoots them point of aim. Thanks for watching.
@lutellus35 жыл бұрын
Can you run plus p rounds in this revolver?
@45AlfaCharliePapa5 жыл бұрын
I would not recommend +p in these older guns. Their is plenty of good standard loaded 38 special self defense rounds out their to choose from. Thanks for watching.
@anthonyclark67715 жыл бұрын
You can for defensive purposes but I'd use them very little
@CatholicCrossBearers4 жыл бұрын
At the range shoot with regular .38spl but when conceal carrying for self defense load it with your +p. IF you ever have to use it to defend yourself five rounds won;t kill your pistol! However, with such a short barrel +p won't make that much of a difference in your end results.