Chapter Three
Sizing up Some Common Snubs
Almost any snub you currently possess is a good self-defense gun if only because you can readily put your hands on it. Alternatively, for a shooter looking for that optimum ideal snub, there isn’t one. There are of course several manufacturers who offer their version of the basic functioning snub. And among these models there are some that will work better as self-defense weapons than others. Specific recommendations are difficult to offer due to various factors that need to be considered: Practical price range, local legal limits, prior advice, new manufacturers’ options, personal aesthetics, owner’s hand size, where the snub will be concealed, and what common cover garments the owner will be wearing, to name just a few. While is it difficult to make any definitive recommendations, I can offer a few generalities based on my personal experiences with some models.
Charter Arms
Charter Arms .38
The Charter Arms/Charter 2000/Charco company and their .38 snubs have had a tortured past. The company has often been perceived as producing revolvers whose quality control fluctuates from workmanlike to well below average. This is generally an unfair tag as most of the poor guns were produced during the short-lived, Charco production years. While never a workhorse like the Ruger SP101, the Charter Arms guns do fill a needed niche. When bought used they offer an adequate value at a below average price and will arm a shooter who might otherwise be priced out of the market. Though occasionally demonstrating loose parts and a rough finish, the Charter Arm snubs can often be stored in or carried under conditions which might preclude a less workmanlike snubs. Many Charter Arms guns produce reasonable accuracy at practical distances and a few will occasionally out perform their owner’s skill level. They should be checked every few hundred rounds to ensure that the exposed screws and the ejector rod are all still tight. Options for improving the base gun are limited and I know gunsmiths who complain that they can do little with them due to the quality of the materials involved. Regardless, I have seen some that are decades old and are still keeping up with their higher priced competitors. I admire Charter Arms determination to produce a working revolver at a reasonable price and have often found their staff dedicated and their customer service helpful.
