The usual Charter haters come out whenever that company is mentioned, but truth be told they are quite strong and serviceable guns. However, they are intentionally light-framed guns, and they will not withstand thousands of hot loads without developing the usual revolver problems of end-shake and timing (common to all DA revolvers). They are also economical, so neither are they exquisite specimens of the gun making art - the finish, rougher polish and tool marks will not appeal to the connoisseur of fine pre-war Colts.
Numerous gun makers large and small have gone through bankruptcy, reorganization and distressed sales, only to recover (Colt and S&W come to mind). Charter Arms was founded in 1964 and has always been a smaller company, and so inevitable changes of ownership did result in some distress during 1996-2005. Charter was late to change from traditional manufacturing techniques and so there were some growing pains. They have been back on their feet for many years now and selling guns faster than they can make them.
Their website is cranky and does not show their entire product line. In addition, they add new versions of existing models frequently during the year. Being a small company, I suppose they don't put enough resources into updating their site. Also, supply chain and other issues facing most manufacturers have forced unplanned changes regarding which models are offered and how often. However, a quick search of various distributors shows a plethora of models and variations.
I have had numerous Charters over the years. They offer very lightweight and serviceable revolvers. Their QC is no different than S&W, Ruger and Colt, which unfortunately doesn't say much today. However, they have the same Lifetime Warranty as S&W, and in the event of a problem they will cheerfully fix it on their dime and do it much faster than the others. The last brand new S&W revolver I purchased in February was a disaster right out of the box, and it took S&W nearly 3 months to replace it after being returned. Charter turn-around is generally about 3 weeks on repairs.
And they are 100% American made.
The Charter Arms Professional (blue) or Professional IV (Stainless) in .32 H&R Magnum, and are NOT built on the XL frame. They are built on the Large frame, which is the same as the 5-shot .44 Special Bulldog, the 5-shot .357 Mag Pug and the 6-shot .38 Special Police Undercover.
Charter Professional .32 H&R Magnum (Large Frame)
Attachment 98560
Charter Police Undercover (Large Frame)
Attachment 98561
The XL frame as noted by others is an oversized frame for their 5-shot niche guns in .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .41 Mag and the 6-shot .357 Magnum Professional II, III, V and IV.
Charter .41 Mag Pug (XL Frame)
Attachment 98563
I have carrying the Police Undercover .38 Special and the Undercoverette in .32 H&R magnum. The latter is built on their Small Frame and is a 6-shot. Charter has been building mostly aluminum frames lately - as S&W is, due to both demand, lower cost of raw material, and easier machining. The Police Undercover and Undercoverette were originally steel frame guns and they are now aluminum frames.
Charter Undercoverette
Attachment 98562
I like the aluminum frames much better! The guns are finished better and have better trigger pulls. Speaking of the latter, these are greatly improved on the newest Charters. The trigger pull is more Colt-like than S&W. Also, Charters lock up MUCH tighter than S&W guns, much in the manner of Colts, and they have always had locking at the front of the cylinder on the yoke.
The .32 H&R Mag guns are ideal for recoil sensitive folks. The guns ship with very serviceable rubbery-synthetic grips that fit a wide variety of hands as they are not too thick. All grips for Charter arms are interchangeable regardless of frame size, as the grip frame is a separate piece and is the same for all. The Professionals shown above have Charter factory grips in synthetic and wood. The Hogue grips pictured on the Police Undercover are even better for folks with grip issues as they are even more cushioning, yet not overly large like the Pachmayrs.
None of these guns have given me a lick of trouble. The sights on Charters are generally sighted for heavy standard bullet weights at 7 yards with center hold, which is plenty adequate for self-defense at typical distances. Most of mine I have filed the front blade to match to the trajectory of lighter or faster handloads @ 15 yards - but I'm purist.
The fiber optic front sight on the original Professionals resulted in a low POI with anything other than a so-called "combat hold". They were still usable at normal defensive distances, but not ideal. The current production has addressed the issue with a change to the barrel rib. Charter will fix older guns than are shooting low - as you can see on my blued model they fitted an adjustable rear sight.
The most effective factory load in .32 H&R Magnum that is readily available - Buffalo Bore aside - is the Hornady 80 grain FTX. The recoil is quite mild and the performace is superior to .32 S&W Long factory wadcutters, which are particularly underpowered and designed for bullseye shooting.
Attachment 98564
Originally Posted by gp100man
I have the Charter Arms Professional II(#63526) in 6 shot .357 magnum. I like it very much. Great revolver.
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