Pawn Shop Circuit: Undercover
I drove back over to Neil's pawn shop after work today to take another look at the Charter Arm's revolver he had in the case. It was a vintage Charter Arms Undercover, a 38 special snubnose. 
In it's day, the Undercover was a cost effective concealed carry piece favored by many cash strapped peace officers as a back-up gun.
Neil's example was a good one. A good bit of the finish was still there, although the frame had turned plum and the cylinder had bare metal showing. The Undercover was never the prettiest gun on the rack, it was just a hard working carry gun, so that was OK. Functionally it was a winner. The cylinder locked up well, and the trigger, although heavy, was smooth.
I thought about it a bit. Neil was wanting $159 for the Undercover. I decided to wait a while, not because the revolver was a bad gun, not because the deal wasn't decent, but because I wasn't sure I wanted to open up that door.
Now, I'm still thinking about that little hideout gun. $159 ain't bad.
JPG gives an expert synopsis of the Charter Arms Undercover.
In it's day, the Undercover was a cost effective concealed carry piece favored by many cash strapped peace officers as a back-up gun. Neil's example was a good one. A good bit of the finish was still there, although the frame had turned plum and the cylinder had bare metal showing. The Undercover was never the prettiest gun on the rack, it was just a hard working carry gun, so that was OK. Functionally it was a winner. The cylinder locked up well, and the trigger, although heavy, was smooth.
I thought about it a bit. Neil was wanting $159 for the Undercover. I decided to wait a while, not because the revolver was a bad gun, not because the deal wasn't decent, but because I wasn't sure I wanted to open up that door.
Now, I'm still thinking about that little hideout gun. $159 ain't bad.
JPG gives an expert synopsis of the Charter Arms Undercover.
posted by Xavier at 8:03 PM
6 Comments:
there is something cool about the charter arms revolvers,their not colt's or smith's....but they are pretty well constructed non the less,and do carry and shoot well.
understandably pretty sharp kicking,but there and ready in a pinch,and no gun reloads faster,then a second gun carried ready as a just in case
Zave' - -
Good post. I've goten to where I look forward to reading your pawn shop circuit entries. I kinda hope you see fit to gather up that lil' wheel gun, if for no other reason than because I can't.
I began writing a comment on the background of the Charter Undercover, but realized it was getting pretty long. So - - I presumed on our association to write my own blog post, linking it to yours.
Best,
JPG
I bought that same revolver back in the late 80's, when it was all the gun I could afford. It never had any problems, and when I traded it for a Grendel .380, I soon realized I got the short end of that deal.
A few years ago I stumbled across a pristine Charter Arms Off Duty .38 at a pawnshop for $180, and didn't even pause before asking for a layaway card. I'd have no qualms about putting it up against a S&W Chief's Special or any other 5-shot .38 in a reliability contest.
your pawn shops are better then mine, that gun wouldn't be in this side of the countries pawn for less then 250$ I would buy it in a heart beat.
I came across your blog today after googling for home defense shotguns. After finding your pawn shop thread I greedily read every entry this afternoon!
Without question your blog was the most entertaining and interesting I have ever had the good fortune to stumble across. The handgun information and knowledge was fascinating. Your writing style is reader friendly, and makes a guy feel as though he would like to have a beer with you and shoot the bull for a few hours.
Good wishes to you and yours Xavier, and best of luck on your continuing pawn shop quest.
Jason from Ohio
In .44 Spp I would have grabbed it.
When I ordered my reloading press package there was a mixup and the .45 ACP dies turned into .44 Mag.
Knowing it was only time before I got a .44 of some sort I kept them and grabbed a used set of .45 Dies from a shop that carries a lot of reloading gear.
You know you're a gun-nut when you have reloading gear for guns your don't own.
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