jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 18:15:31 GMT -5
CHEAP AND INEXPENSIVE ARENOT SYNONOMOUS TERMS Yes, Sir. And I know YOU now that, because I know you have at least one Bulldog and have not been shy about speaking well of it.
That you do not dismiss Charters has been a big part of why I respect your writing so much over the years.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 21, 2022 18:21:48 GMT -5
I know this is in the Double Action Section, but...
Uberti has fallen into this category. They are actually very well made guns. Maybe a third category of "Affordable?"
Lately, more people have started posting positive things about Uberti and Pietta.
This is a really good trend. I feel good about supporting manufacturers who support us.
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gtojim
.30 Stingray
Posts: 220
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Post by gtojim on Jul 21, 2022 18:34:33 GMT -5
I have found the Rossi snubnose 357 to be an excellent gun. I have a model 720 44 special and love it. I am obligated to own a few as it is my last name.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 18:52:29 GMT -5
Jeff - you're absolutely correct about the Rossi 720's. They were fantastic revolvers. I used to shop at Potomac Arms, which was Interarms storefront in Alexandria, VA. They always had 720's in stock back in the 90's. I thumbed a few and was impressed. Sadly, my money always went to some other purchase. I really wish I had bought one. Seem to remember they were around $250 NIB back then. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Chasing perfection five shots at a time" $25O Rossis are how we came to take these fine arms for granted. I have few regrets, but having taken certain "cheap" revolvers for granted had been biting at me lately.
As I watch the "big boys" start to employ measures implemented by Charter Arms over 50 years ago, who had been criticized for the same engineering we are now hailing as innovative," I sorely wish Id have kept more of those "cheap" guns over the years.
The 720s had the smoothest, "easiest" DA I've ever felt in a revolver, but they are scarce. I LOVE the 44 Special, but I'd love to find a 357 in that configuration. It would have to be a real gem.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 18:58:59 GMT -5
I know this is in the Double Action Section, but... Uberti has fallen into this category. They are actually very well made guns. Maybe a third category of "Affordable?" Lately, more people have started posting positive things about Uberti and Pietta. This is a really good trend. I feel good about supporting manufacturers who support us. COMPLETELY relevant! Especially in these "times."
I think if I expanded my "small personal battery" concept that I would expand in that direction - with regard to a single-action.
I agree completely regarding "manufacturers who support us." Ruger has been good about that - no doubt, but Charter - it's almost like calling a neighbor. I just got a call in response to an e-mail I sent looking for screws for a sight. A very nice lady called me and was more than happy to help - and then wouldn't take my money! They arrive yesterday in an envelop with my address HAND-WRITTEN on it. Man, I love people like that. Respectfully, she was the sweetest thing and was such a pleasure to talk to.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 19:02:30 GMT -5
I have found the Rossi snubnose 357 to be an excellent gun. I have a model 720 44 special and love it. I am obligated to own a few as it is my last name. HEY! Maybe you'd be in line for a "fambly discount!"
A dear friend thought I should own a watch with my name on it and had one sent to me. WAY more than I'd have paid for a watch, but it's special to me. I tell my students "yeah, I get a free watch every five years for being related..." A total lie and they know it, but they get a chuckle out of it.
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cdf41
.30 Stingray
Posts: 465
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Post by cdf41 on Jul 21, 2022 19:06:00 GMT -5
Have an eye on a 45 acp Pitbull at my LGS. Think he's asking $325 used. Anybody have one of these Charter? Should be a good side kick to my 1911.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 19:08:12 GMT -5
I see cheap as implying quality while inexpensive implies price. Inexpensive but well made vs inexpensive but cheaply made etc. -Stan Yes, Sir! One hundred percent in agreement, and thank you for making the distinction. I play along with the stigma, but having trustworthy members such as yourself point out the contraversion is a positive influence on anyone drawn in by the "bait" who is not fortunate enough to be able to distinguish.
Haven't seen you post in a while, but am grateful and honored you weighed in! Thank you, Sir!
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 21, 2022 19:13:35 GMT -5
I'll echo what Fermin has already said. This is the stuff we need to see written about.
Would also make others feel included. We tend to focus on our Customs, Freedom Arms, etc. Affordable would sure be a welcome addition in today's world.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 19:22:43 GMT -5
Have an eye on a 45 acp Pitbull at my LGS. Think he's asking $325 used. Anybody have one of these Charter? Should be a good side kick to my 1911. I don't have one and haven't experienced personally the larger frame, but I'd still play the "cheap" gun angle and see if I could get it for $300, or less myself. I mean, who else is gong to buy that "cheap" gun, right?
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Post by AxeHandle on Jul 21, 2022 19:39:21 GMT -5
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 19:50:13 GMT -5
Axehandle saves the day!
The numerous photos you've been so generous in supplying as of late have been wonderful!
Seldom does one get to see the angles you supply in manufacturers' ads, or even reviews. So very helpful - and finally inspired me to procure the Taurus 605 I was having doubts about.
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cdf41
.30 Stingray
Posts: 465
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Post by cdf41 on Jul 21, 2022 20:54:01 GMT -5
I know I get sidetracked looking at all the customs , Smiths , and Rugers. That cylinder gap looks pretty tight Axehandle. That should qualify as a big bore belly gun!
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Post by potatojudge on Jul 21, 2022 21:21:43 GMT -5
Just happens my grandmother asked me to clean her carry gun, a Charter Arms 38, so this was my breakfast table this morning. Neat design with the solid frame, aluminum grip frame insert, and some other neat little features that make it easy to work on. Except the cylinder release. I hate that design- washer, release, oblong spacer, spring, plunger, screw that all have to be just right to fit and function. The trigger return spring is stiffer than necessary, but there are no aftermarket options that I see. I also have my great grandfather's Charter Arms 22 with adjustable sights. Great little gun that I've shot a ton over the years.
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,730
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Post by jeffh on Jul 21, 2022 21:57:29 GMT -5
Just happens my grandmother asked me to clean her carry gun, a Charter Arms 38, so this was my breakfast table this morning...
Got yerself a neat little puzzle there, Sir! No instructions I've seen include a photo of how you have to hold your mouth to get that trigger spring back in!
As far as the design, it was borrowed some from High Standard. After Charter refined that design in 1964, Ruger refined (and seriously beefed up) that design further.
I'm a fan and I love seeing the guts of a Charter spread out on a table. There are some who have done that ONCE and never again, but, while it isn't convenient, it isn't terribly difficult to break one down and reassemble it. I commend you, Sir, for that. They are a really neat design and a design which has withstood over 50 years of production and use without the NEED for improvement.
The cylinder latch can be a pain, but I still appreciate the design. I have put that blasted little washer in backwards a t8ime or two, even though I know better. These little quirks are the "price" for a fine revolver which is efficient to produce and do it's job well. I know! Some of it can be a pain, but not having to take one down that far very often makes up for the affordability and PORTABILITY, which some makers are only now achieving after 50+ years.
Those little pain in the neck idiosynchrascies are part and parcel to the charm of these little guns. I love them for their quirks.
The hammer spring can be as much, or more, of a stuff DA on these, and I have used lightened hammer springs on these - even with the low-mass hammer you show, with decent results. I found that in an Undercover, the stiffer of the three springs in a Bullseye kit worked, while the other two occasionally caused light strikes/failures to fire. I insist that my 357s be able to function with small RIFLE primers, so I stick with the full-power springs. I'm not sure I've ever seen a reduced-power trigger spring for the Charters.
Most Charters I've had were pretty smooth - "good" out of the box, but to further improve upon that, one must lightly polish EVERY interface within. There is no magical one thing that makes a noticeable difference, so even the most benign-seeming interface gets a light rub on a stone or abrasive paper to effect a cumulative, albeit small improvement.
Thanks for the pic of the innards! That is just such a lovely sight.
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