Charter Arms Research

[32 Magnum]

I've begun doing research on 1st GENERATION Charter Arms revolvers. I'm looking for pieces with either BRIDGEPORT or STRATFORD CONN Barrel addresses.
What I need is which address, what is the serial number (XX is Ok for now), model name, finish and any information about when made or purchased? I've just started and so far I have about 60 serial numbers and addresses. When I get enough info to develop some idea of dates, I'll post and update. Thanks in advance.
Jim

[lwood5543]

I have a stainless Pathfinder .22 LR w/ 3" barrel, labeled Bridgeport, Conn., serial number 811xx.

Any idea of date range of manufacture?

Thanks

[Flash]

Mine is a 38SPL, Stainless, 2". I prchased it in 81 or 82, and had Charter put the bobbed hammer and no-snag sight on it. I later silver-soldered the front sight.

S/N 778XXX "STRATFORD"

OP on thread " "Inexpensive does not mean "cheap" " describes it.

Nice goal - keep me posted on your results.

Flash

[lwood5543]

Got a reply from the current Charter Arms saying my Pathfinder is circa 1967. Hopefully a nice little find!

[32 Magnum]

lwoods - thanks for the info. Your piece is Nickel plated - Charter Arms didn't produce anything in stainless steel until April/May of 1981. It's good for a research milestone to know that this one is 1967 era.

Flash,
Thanks for your info also. The bobbed hammer was called the "Pocket Hammer" in their catalogues. Is your piece an "Undercover" model?

[Flash]

Originally Posted by 32 Magnum

Flash,
Thanks for your info also. The bobbed hammer was called the "Pocket Hammer" in their catalogues. Is your piece an "Undercover" model?

Yes, it was called the "Undercover" when I purchased it. It did originally come with the spur hammer, but I sent it back for the "pocket hammer". You are right on that name, I just kinda forgot in the two or three years since I bought it - - - LOL.

I had a blued S&W 36 since late 60's, and one of my friends on the Wash, D.C. (city) PD department had a blued Charter with spur hammer and a nickel-plated Chief's Special, and it kinda set me afire for having anothe J-frame - but shiny, and when the Charter came out in stainless and at a price vastly less than the prized S&W, I opened up the wallet.

Flash

[lwood5543]

32 Magnum, I checked my Pathfinder with a magnet and you are correct it is nickel plated. Would have sworn it was satin stainless from the appearance.
Thanks for the info.

[32 Magnum]

Gentlemen -
Thanks for the information - AND - thanks for thanking. Research continues. I have about 700 data points and have acquired 25 different examples for hands-on research. I like these 1st generation CA - I carry a 6 shot .38 SPL - POLICE BULLDOG model with a 2.5" barrel, in blue - most of the time. It is very accurate and works like a charm. Also, it keeps my S&Ws from getting holster wear. LOL