Charter Arms Undercover Serial Numbers

Bspillman,My current data base indicates that your UNDERCOVER was most likely made in mid to late 1974 - from the serial number - probably closer to the end of the year.Test the lock-up - I think you be pleasantly surprised how solid these pieces are.Make sure it's empty - pull trigger full stroke dropping hammer, hold trigger back and take a good grip on the cylinder - try for side-to-side wobble and fore and aft shake - anything? 8 groove rifling and unbreakable beryllium-copper alloy firing pin, shortest hammer throw and fewest moving parts of all the snubbies made during that time period. IMHO (having owned/owning over 20 various pieces) solid, well made and reliable guns.

• Charter Arms Undercover Serial Numbers

Yes, it's a good gun.Only two things to need to be cautious about.1) The ejector rod can come unscrewed, as can some of the frame screws behind the cylinder area. Blue locktite is your friend.2) These guns are a 'tight lockup' design, which means the cylinder is designed to be held rigidly in the rotational direction, moments before firing. This helps with accuracy, and is wonderful when it's running right.

When it's NOT running right, the cylinder is held rigidly in a mis-aligned state between the barrel and firing cylinder bore, which means lead shaving plus the gun is trying to really tear itself apart. So you need to do the 'alignment check in full lockup' section of the 'Revolver Checkout' thoroughly, run milder practice ammo instead of balls-out +P stuff and continue checking the alignment every time you clean it or every 200 rounds or so max. Keep it in good shape though and it will serve very well.This 'tight lockup' process is much like a Colt, except that the Charter locks the cylinder at both the front and rear like a recent-production Ruger DA.

There's a few areas of 'Ruger similarity' to the design, although it's really more of a similarity to the Colt SAA that made it into both the Ruger and Charter DAs: the action parts 'fork up into the frame' without need of side-plates.The Charter design was always superb. Quality control suffered in the mid-80s and a few other times but you have one from the peak years. Here's the rough notes taken from my data base with over 1000 points including magazine articles, company brochures and sales tags, etc: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 CONNAround 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 mid 1991 (may be as early as 1988????), 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 GENERATION0001 - 1,090,000 -??? CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- markingTHIRD GENERATION000001 - to date 2000 - 2011 CHARTER ARMS 2000 over SHELTON CONN marking.This is the updated (4/12) serial number info that I have - based upon around 1050 data pointsThe earliest 1st Gen - 0 to 13,500 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 1965Bridgeport CONN address - 13,500 to 315,000 1967 - 1974Stratford CONN address - 315,000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991All marked as Charter Arms Corporation2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to??? 1991 - 1996?3rd Generation - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today. 2007 Charter Arms/ MKSFrom 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 2007) 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. This email link is to reach site administrators for assistance, if you cannot access TFL via other means.

If you are a TFL member and can access TFL, please do not use this link; instead, use the forums (like Questions, Suggestions, and Tech Support) or PM an appropriate mod or admin.If you are experiencing difficulties posting in the Buy/Sell/Trade subforums of TFL, please read the 'sticky' announcement threads at the top of the applicable subforum. If you still feel you are qualified to post in those subforums, please contact 'Shane Tuttle' (the mod for that portion of TFL) via Private Message for assistance.This email contact address is not an 'Ask the Firearms Expert' service. Such emails will be ignored. If you have a firearm related question, please register and post it on the forums.

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.Any ideas?

Thank you!Dave. 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 at. 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??????Dave. 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. Fjestad.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 CONNAround 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 GENERATION0001 - 1,090,000 -??? CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- markingTHIRD GENERATION000001 - 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 pointsThe 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 1965Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991All marked as Charter Arms Corporation2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to??? 1991 - 19993rd 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. 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?TY Dave. 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 RigsFlorida. 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. Fjestad.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 CONNAround 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 GENERATION0001 - 1,090,000 -???

CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- markingTHIRD GENERATION000001 - 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 pointsThe 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 1965Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991All marked as Charter Arms Corporation2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to??? 1991 - 19993rd 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.mark. 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.

Charter Arms Undercover Serial Numbers

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. 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.mark.

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.

Fjestad.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 CONNAround 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 GENERATION0001 - 1,090,000 -??? CHARCO over ANSONIA CONN- markingTHIRD GENERATION000001 - 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 pointsThe 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 1965Bridgeport CONN address - 15000 to 315,000 1967 - 1973Stratford CONN address - 316000 to 1,090,000 1974 - 1991All marked as Charter Arms Corporation2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn address - 1,090,000 to???

1991 - 19993rd 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.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.