Charter Arms revolvers vs Taurus revolvers - Page 2

TailGator · August 18, 2017, 09:59 AM

Quote:

An important thing to remember is that "Charter Arms" revolvers cover a pretty broad range of variations and quality control over many years of production

The same point can be made for Taurus. I have a Taurus model 80 (patterned after a S&W model 10, as I understand) from the 1970s that is still in nice shape. Not the most accurate handgun I own, but not the least so, either..

Model12Win · August 18, 2017, 10:55 AM

Had to use Charters CS twice. Both times they were awesome with FAST FAST service.

But keep in mind, I had to use Charters CS twice. The gun was a CA BD-44 and out of box the timing and carry up were awful. They fixed it ASAP but had to send it back soon after as the cylinder release was developing issues.

Taurus has similar problems, lots of bad reports, and their customer service is not as good. Even though I had problems with that BD-44, I'd still buy a Charter before a Taurus, but really I wouldn't buy either, I'd much rather have an old pre-lock S&W or Ruger.

Glenn E. Meyer · August 18, 2017, 11:36 AM

Anecdotally - I had a Taurus revolver that locked its cylinder tight and had to go back to the shop. This was in the 90's. I sold it.

I've seen a Charter Arms 38 SPL snubby make it through an intensive snubby course.

YMMV

Carmady · August 18, 2017, 12:36 PM

Imo, it really depends on the individual gun. While Brand A may be better than Brand C, a well assembled/executed Brand C will be better than a poorly assembled/executed Brand A.

But...the Brand A will always be a Brand A if resale is a factor.

Obambulate · August 18, 2017, 03:41 PM

In my experience, Charter Arms is total junk. Poor quality and poor customer service. I would never buy one again. My wife has a Pink Lady and the cylinder will not close even after sending it back.

dajowi · August 18, 2017, 04:04 PM

"Ruger will be nice nice nice on the phone, but they don't fix anything."[/I]

Recently, I contacted Ruger about a chipped grip panel for a newly purchased Blackhawk. Within a couple of days they sent me a new pair grips without a question. Can't do any better than that.

If I had to choose between Taurus or Charter Arms , I'd chose Charter Arms.

Siggy-06 · August 18, 2017, 05:59 PM

Ruger's customer service has been top notch for me on the 2 occasions I've called.

I wish charter arms would make their front sights replaceable, at least on some models.

mavracer · August 18, 2017, 06:11 PM

I've owned about 1/2 dozen of each over the years the Charters have all been serviceable guns, Taurus not so much.

osbornk · August 18, 2017, 08:21 PM

Quote:

The same point can be made for Taurus. I have a Taurus model 80 (patterned after a S&W model 10, as I understand) from the 1970s that is still in nice shape. Not the most accurate handgun I own, but not the least so, either..

I have a model 84 from the 70s and it is the same as the 80 except it has adjustable sights. It's as tight and solid as it was when it was new. I traded for it with a Hi-Point and it is the reason I have bought 2 new Taurus pistols.

jerryd · August 19, 2017, 12:47 PM

Have 3 CA revolvers one from Stratford from the 70s had I problem with the grips on the old one took it to the factory about 6 miles from me, replaced the grips and serviced the pistol at the cost of the grips!! Have the Bulldog and Pitbull both have over 1500 rds thru them no problems

1911_Hardball · August 19, 2017, 05:30 PM

Sorry, but t this is a bit like asking "Which smells better; dog poop or cat poop?

bricz75 · August 19, 2017, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911_Hardball

Sorry, but t this is a bit like asking "Which smells better; dog poop or cat poop?

That's a good one. AFAIK, if a person wants a .44 Special in the size/weight of the CA Bulldog, he needs to choose between CA and Taurus. I know there's the new Ruger .44, but IIRC it's heavy.

Another thing is I haven't been hearing all good things about recent J-frame S&W models.

TruthTellers · August 19, 2017, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryd

Have 3 CA revolvers one from Stratford from the 70s had I problem with the grips on the old one took it to the factory about 6 miles from me, replaced the grips and serviced the pistol at the cost of the grips!! Have the Bulldog and Pitbull both have over 1500 rds thru them no problems

Which Pitbull? 9, .40, or .45?

Dave T · August 21, 2017, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Sorry, but t this is a bit like asking "Which smells better; dog poop or cat poop?

Now that's funny, no matter which side (CA vs Taurus) your'e on.

Dave

Carmady · August 21, 2017, 10:20 AM

Four out of five dogs surveyed preferred to eat cat poop.

TailGator · August 21, 2017, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Four out of five dogs surveyed preferred to eat cat poop.

Veterinarians prefer to refer to that as "pre-owned cat food."

dogngun · August 24, 2017, 03:42 PM

Charter Arms revolvers - the current and recent versions - are amazingly solid and accurate. I have a .44 Bulldog and a .38 Off Duty snub. I have owned and carried various Smiths since the 1970's, and the CA .38 snub out shoots any of them.

I carry my CA revolvers nearly every day, keep my Smiths for dress-up.

I have owned Rossi revolvers and liked them a lot, but they are different designs from Taurus which just do not feel right to me.

JoeSixpack · August 24, 2017, 04:18 PM

Dog, Rossi existed before Taurus.. Did you ever see the Cyclops?
Cool revolver, Had a rail built into the top.. Never seen on in the shops but a guy on Taurus board had one.

I had a chance to pick up a Rossi 88 once and didn't.. regret it, Was a nice little snub nose, had great lockup, gap, timing.
Me and the dealer was fighting over 5 dollars and I walked away.. oh well

Auto5 · August 25, 2017, 07:09 AM

It depends on which Taurus. Tauruses (Tauri?) are wildly inconsistent in quality as the company went through various management changes. I had an earlier Mod. 85CH, with the smooth wood grips, that was every bit as reliable as my 642, albeit heavier. I know a retired SWAT officer who carried a Charter off duty. In both cases, I am referencing the older, all steel models. I don't know about current production.

old fart · August 25, 2017, 10:39 AM

i had both about 6 years ago as my 6 yr old son was a baby then so its been right at 6years. if i only had the two choices i would choose Charter arms, because i had a mag pug that was damaged from over loaded blazer aluminum 357 ammo, they paid for shipping both ways and i had a brand new gun as the other was unfixable in 2 weeks 3 days. the taurus was a 605 and after about a box of 357's i noticed while cleaning the star was cracked, taurus did pay shipping both ways too but it took 4 and a half months to get my gun back. they kept saying that the part had to be ordered and come from brazil. the 605 was more accurate but not a whole lot, the 605 trigger was slightly better, but the service makes the difference and of those two i choose Charter.

jerryd · August 25, 2017, 06:09 PM

Pitbull 9mm Bulldog 44 sp offduty 38sp

Oldman11 · August 27, 2017, 08:26 AM

Pit bull .40 and also the .327 charter arms . Back in the day I bought the bull dog .44 special. No problems with charter arms,now I cannot say that about Taurus,the only Taurus that was problem free was a .480,forgot what model. 75 years old does that.

jolly roger · September 9, 2017, 12:32 PM

Had a Stainless Undercover Charter 38 that was undoubtedly the most accurate snub I ever shot. But had to have a S&W Model 60...go figure

balin · September 17, 2017, 05:22 PM

I have guns from both manufacturers. In .44. The finish and trigger pull may be better on the Charter. Accuracy is equal. The Taurus guns are built a little more heavy duty. But Taurus customer service does not se ed m to be as good, although I have had no deslings with them.

gwpercle · September 17, 2017, 06:55 PM

My only Taurus revolver is a model 455 . It is a 5 shot , stainless steel , small framed , fixed sighted revolvcer in 45 acp. The 2 inch barrel is factory ported . It carries a lot of firepower in a small , shootable , package. Think J framed S&W in 45 acp.
I own 4 45 acp semi auto pistols, the Taurus is the most accurate of all ...it's spooky the tiny groups it shoots , I would buy a 3 or 4 inch barreled one with adjustable sights in a heartbeat. Tight tolerances , chambers , throats , barrel gap and bore ....all this adds up to the good accuracy. I have no bad things to say . Owned since 2004 and shot often .

I do not own a Charter arms so can't speak of those.
Gary

August 18, 2017, 11:36 AM	#28
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	Anecdotally - I had a Taurus revolver that locked its cylinder tight and had to go back to the shop. This was in the 90's. I sold it. I've seen a Charter Arms 38 SPL snubby make it through an intensive snubby course. YMMV __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

August 18, 2017, 05:59 PM	#32
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Ruger's customer service has been top notch for me on the 2 occasions I've called. I wish charter arms would make their front sights replaceable, at least on some models. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

August 19, 2017, 12:47 PM	#35
jerryd Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Location: Ct. Posts: 131	CA Revolvers Have 3 CA revolvers one from Stratford from the 70s had I problem with the grips on the old one took it to the factory about 6 miles from me, replaced the grips and serviced the pistol at the cost of the grips!! Have the Bulldog and Pitbull both have over 1500 rds thru them no problems

August 19, 2017, 05:30 PM	#36
1911_Hardball Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2009 Location: SD Posts: 198	Sorry, but t this is a bit like asking "Which smells better; dog poop or cat poop? __________________ Shot placement is King, penetration is Queen. Everything else is faeries dancing on the heads of pins.

August 24, 2017, 03:42 PM	#42
dogngun Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2002 Location: South east PA Posts: 570	Charter Arms revolvers - the current and recent versions - are amazingly solid and accurate. I have a .44 Bulldog and a .38 Off Duty snub. I have owned and carried various Smiths since the 1970's, and the CA .38 snub out shoots any of them. I carry my CA revolvers nearly every day, keep my Smiths for dress-up. I have owned Rossi revolvers and liked them a lot, but they are different designs from Taurus which just do not feel right to me. __________________ I am another gun-carrying liberal veteran.

August 18, 2017, 10:55 AM	#27
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Had to use Charters CS twice. Both times they were awesome with FAST FAST service. But keep in mind, I had to use Charters CS twice. The gun was a CA BD-44 and out of box the timing and carry up were awful. They fixed it ASAP but had to send it back soon after as the cylinder release was developing issues. Taurus has similar problems, lots of bad reports, and their customer service is not as good. Even though I had problems with that BD-44, I'd still buy a Charter before a Taurus, but really I wouldn't buy either, I'd much rather have an old pre-lock S&W or Ruger.

August 18, 2017, 12:36 PM	#29
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	Imo, it really depends on the individual gun. While Brand A may be better than Brand C, a well assembled/executed Brand C will be better than a poorly assembled/executed Brand A. But...the Brand A will always be a Brand A if resale is a factor.

August 18, 2017, 03:41 PM	#30
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	In my experience, Charter Arms is total junk. Poor quality and poor customer service. I would never buy one again. My wife has a Pink Lady and the cylinder will not close even after sending it back.

August 18, 2017, 04:04 PM	#31
dajowi Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Posts: 1,196	"Ruger will be nice nice nice on the phone, but they don't fix anything."[/I] Recently, I contacted Ruger about a chipped grip panel for a newly purchased Blackhawk. Within a couple of days they sent me a new pair grips without a question. Can't do any better than that. If I had to choose between Taurus or Charter Arms , I'd chose Charter Arms.

August 21, 2017, 10:20 AM	#40
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	Four out of five dogs surveyed preferred to eat cat poop.

August 24, 2017, 04:18 PM	#43
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	Dog, Rossi existed before Taurus.. Did you ever see the Cyclops? Cool revolver, Had a rail built into the top.. Never seen on in the shops but a guy on Taurus board had one. I had a chance to pick up a Rossi 88 once and didn't.. regret it, Was a nice little snub nose, had great lockup, gap, timing. Me and the dealer was fighting over 5 dollars and I walked away.. oh well

August 25, 2017, 07:09 AM	#44
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	It depends on which Taurus. Tauruses (Tauri?) are wildly inconsistent in quality as the company went through various management changes. I had an earlier Mod. 85CH, with the smooth wood grips, that was every bit as reliable as my 642, albeit heavier. I know a retired SWAT officer who carried a Charter off duty. In both cases, I am referencing the older, all steel models. I don't know about current production. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

August 25, 2017, 10:39 AM	#45
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	i had both about 6 years ago as my 6 yr old son was a baby then so its been right at 6years. if i only had the two choices i would choose Charter arms, because i had a mag pug that was damaged from over loaded blazer aluminum 357 ammo, they paid for shipping both ways and i had a brand new gun as the other was unfixable in 2 weeks 3 days. the taurus was a 605 and after about a box of 357's i noticed while cleaning the star was cracked, taurus did pay shipping both ways too but it took 4 and a half months to get my gun back. they kept saying that the part had to be ordered and come from brazil. the 605 was more accurate but not a whole lot, the 605 trigger was slightly better, but the service makes the difference and of those two i choose Charter.

August 25, 2017, 06:09 PM	#46
jerryd Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Location: Ct. Posts: 131	Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm Bulldog 44 sp offduty 38sp

August 27, 2017, 08:26 AM	#47
Oldman11 Member Join Date: April 28, 2016 Posts: 77	Pit bull .40 and also the .327 charter arms . Back in the day I bought the bull dog .44 special. No problems with charter arms,now I cannot say that about Taurus,the only Taurus that was problem free was a .480,forgot what model. 75 years old does that.

September 9, 2017, 12:32 PM	#48
jolly roger Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 179	Had a Stainless Undercover Charter 38 that was undoubtedly the most accurate snub I ever shot. But had to have a S&W Model 60...go figure

September 17, 2017, 05:22 PM	#49
balin Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Location: Federal Way Posts: 122	I have guns from both manufacturers. In .44. The finish and trigger pull may be better on the Charter. Accuracy is equal. The Taurus guns are built a little more heavy duty. But Taurus customer service does not se ed m to be as good, although I have had no deslings with them.

September 17, 2017, 06:55 PM	#50
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	My only Taurus revolver is a model 455 . It is a 5 shot , stainless steel , small framed , fixed sighted revolvcer in 45 acp. The 2 inch barrel is factory ported . It carries a lot of firepower in a small , shootable , package. Think J framed S&W in 45 acp. I own 4 45 acp semi auto pistols, the Taurus is the most accurate of all ...it's spooky the tiny groups it shoots , I would buy a 3 or 4 inch barreled one with adjustable sights in a heartbeat. Tight tolerances , chambers , throats , barrel gap and bore ....all this adds up to the good accuracy. I have no bad things to say . Owned since 2004 and shot often . I do not own a Charter arms so can't speak of those. Gary