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Opinions of Charter Arms/Taurus .38 Lite Revolvers
cbxjeff
Member Posts: 17,642 ✭✭✭✭
First folks, I'm not rich like most of you but am interested in a .38 snubby that's fairly inexpensive. I have a Ruger SS Sp101 that I love but it is too big and heavy to carry all the time. Can you guys offer any comments/suggestions?
Thanks,
It's too late for me, save yourself.
Comments
I have a Taurus 445T 44 Special in Titanium that I like very much.
I also had a Taurus Model 85 38 special back in the day. Wasn't lightweight but it was a good gun.
I really like my first generation Charter Bulldog .44 but some of the later versions of Charter Arms guns weren't as good, I'm told. It's a joy to carry, weighing less than two pounds loaded and holstered. And it snaps back right sharp with more-than-factory reloads.
I am not a fan of either but if I was limited to the two I would pick the Charter Arms.
Would not trust my life to anything Taurus. Some of the newer Charter are a step above. I carry a J frame Smith and it has never failed.
I would also recommend a j frame Smith. Used would be even cheaper.
Bought a 85 Ultralite .38 from someone that wanted the gun out of the house cause of their young children. 100 bucks with a box of ammo. It is actually more accurate than my Wifes LadySmith pre lock .38 snub. Both can shoot +P
I truly get the on a budget thing. I also get the revolver thing because if I ever have to pull my carry piece I want a revolver in my hand because I don't have faith in semi-autos.
The problem as I see it is there are no deals at this time. 6 months from now, a year from now it may be a buyers market like we have never seen. Or not. Your guess is as good as my guess.
I've carried one of these for 30 years. This one is priced trough the roof I'm just showing you what I carry
IMO if you want a 5 shot .38 pocket gun these are it. The shrouded hammer makes for an easy draw and you still have the option of cocking it and shooting single action for accuracy. Mine is more accurate than most people want to believe, so yes the single action option is an asset. I also like wooden grips verses rubber because it draws smoother (faster) with the wooden grips than it will with rubber ones. Mine is worn considerably but still works fine after all these years and countless hours in my pocket. I bought mine used.
If I were going double action only I would also look at the Ruger LCR line, I think I would get the 327 Federal as it carries 6 rounds verses five and has enough power with the 327 Federal or even the 32 H&R magnum.
S&W makes newer models of this revolver:
Some of the new ones are much lighter than mine so I would look for one of those if I were buying it today.
Found some priced more reasonable:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896870444
The above bodyguard want be reasonable when it's over. I have had the Charter and it seems good.
To answer the question (which I strayed from) all the Taurus revolvers I've owned (IIRC 3) had a function issue at some point. Broken hammer, timing issue, failed spring. I did have a Rossi .357 that shot well, but I think that was before Taurus took them over, but I'm not sure when or how that happened.
OK :
Even with the thought that Ive been a 'smith' person most of my adult life : a good used 'smith' would be a great choice ( except for the going crazy current prices ) : I would opt for a Charter ( new or used ) ! I own a few and I am very happy with them , Not Impressed with Taurus products !!!
Good Luck !
Thanks !!!
I Grew Old Too Fast (And Smart Too damn Slow !!!) !!!
ive has two revolvers break on me. A H&R 999 and a Taurus. Both out of commission.
If i were you look for a Original Charter The ones made in blued finish
I purchase a taurus 85 ultralight weight a few years ago to carry while outdoors bowhunting, riding atv etc. and have not had a problem yet. Light and cheap is the reason I bought it.
I have sold both cause that's what some folks wanted. The "Pink Lady" was a favorite. I would not carry either one of those brands. I would not trust the guns to save my life. I would much rather have a COSMETICALLY beat S&W 642 or 442 than a drawer full of the others. I have a couple of J frame S&W's and one, a 442 which is a blue or black finished five shot .38 spl looks like hell. It has been carried a lot and even dropped out of a moving Chrysler New Yorker but I would stick it in my pocket loaded with my favorite ammo, 158 gr soft lead semi wad cutter hollow points and feel just fine. Along with a "speed strip" with extra ammo of course. <P>
It's your butt on the line and your decision but you asked. For a few dollars more, or maybe even for the same price, the S&W is a much better gun.
You know you might trade the Ruger for a S&W airweight 642 or 442.
No experience with the charter arms I've had a few Taurus revolvers thru the years and have had 50/50 results the only one that still lives here is a ultra lite 85 that has been 100%reliable. For light weight and reasonable price I like the Ruger LCR line
I could carry a bunch, but prefer an airweight 642
I’ve owned a Taurus 850(concealed hammer) since 2008. No problems with it. But having said that I’d sell your SP101 and buy an LCR. Best trigger on a snubby out there.