Charter Arms has been a staple in the firearms industry since 1964, known for their durable construction, ease of use, and affordability. They have mastered the art of blending classic revolver designs with modern innovations, producing handguns that are both practical and accessible. What truly sets Charter Arms apart is its unwavering commitment to creating tough, dependable revolvers.
With their straightforward designs, Charter Arms firearms feature fewer moving parts than semi-automatic models, resulting in easier maintenance and more reliable performance. Despite the influx of modern firearm options, Charter Arms remains focused on delivering simple, effective guns that perform reliably without unnecessary complexity.
This no-frills approach resonates with gun owners who prioritize function over form, making Charter Arms a preferred choice for those who value straightforward, reliable firearms.
Charter Arms offers a full line of affordable double-action revolvers catering to the self-defense market, including the Undercover, a small-frame, five-shot revolver chambered for the popular .38 Spl. round and rated to handle +P loadings.
Featuring a short, 2-inch snubby barrel and double-action/single-action operation, the Undercover is a reasonably traditional offering in this popular category of firearms.
Read also: Is Southpaw Brewing Worth the Hype?
Charter Arms is also credited with creating the first left-handed revolver, the Charter Arms Southpaw.
Charter Arms Southpaw left-handed .38 DAO
Featuring a left-handed cylinder release, a left-side thumb latch, and a left-handed grip orientation, it provides southpaw shooters with a more intuitive and comfortable firearm to operate. This innovation filled a significant gap, as most revolvers were designed with right-handed users in mind, making them less convenient for left-handed individuals. The Southpaw was a game-changer, offering a practical and functional option for left-handed gun owners.
The universal reaction to the Southpaw has been “Wow that’s light”. The corollary to that is that there isn’t much weight there to absorb recoil was also a question in folks mind. The frame is aluminum, but the rest remains stainless steel.
The Southpaw is a true left-hand mirrored version of the aluminum-frame Undercover Lite model, with a cylinder release latch located on the right side of the frame and a cylinder that swings out to the right.
Honestly, as with most revolvers, there isn’t a lot in the way of controls or bits to twiddle. That said, the latch is on the right side of the revolver, and the cylinder swings out to the right. This means, a left handed shooter can actuate the release, and swing the cylinder without needing to shift hands. Aside from those controls, the revolver remains simple and easy to use firearm.
Read also: Southpaw Casting Studios: Is It Worth It?
All stressed components of the Southpaw, such as the barrel, cylinder and internal parts are of 416 stainless steel, making for a hardy and rust-resistant pocket revolver.
To keep the Southpaw as light as possible, the frame of the revolver is constructed from 7075 aluminum alloy with a glass-beaded matte finish.
The sights of the Southpaw are a notch rear machined into the top of the frame and a ramp front. The rear sight channel runs the full length of the top of the aluminum frame, and the front sight ramp, which is integral to the barrel assembly, features a smooth rear face.
For added strength, the Southpaw employs Charter Arms’ three-point cylinder lock-up system. When the hammer is in the fully fired position, it locks the cylinder with the hand, the cylinder stop and the collar.
The transfer bar/hammer block system, actuated by the trigger, blocks full forward movement of the hammer against the frame-mounted firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear. The transfer bar moves up between the hammer and the frame-mounted firing pin allowing the hammer to transfer its force directly to the firing pin.
Read also: Comprehensive Clinic Review
The polymer grip frame of the Southpaw is of a round-butt profile and houses the revolver’s coil mainspring. The cylinder release thumb latch, located on the right side of the frame, is pushed forward to release the cylinder and open the action out of the right side of the frame.
Operationally, the Southpaw is just about as simple as it gets.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that despite being a ‘lite’ firearm, I was able to get my entire hand comfortably on the grip. I spent several days carrying the Southpaw and forgot that it was even there.
I took the Southpaw along with on a recent trip to the range. The grip remained comfortable, even if the recoil in such a lightweight revolver was noticeable, but not unmanageable. I let several other people shoot it (and compare it to a steel-framed revolver). Most liked the feel of the grip, and shot competently.
We received a Southpaw for testing and were immediately struck by its light, 12-ounce weight. Matching the gun’s light weight was its trim and petite dimensions, apart from the somewhat bulky grip that no doubt helps tame the recoil of .38 Spl. +P ammunition. Fit and finish were reasonably good, and all controls worked smoothly. The double-action trigger pull produced no discernible stacking, coming in at 10 pounds.
We took the Southpaw out to the range with a selection of standard .38 Spl. and one +P load to put the revolver through its paces. After a few rounds, our testers noted a good amount of lead “splashback” when the Southpaw was fired. The Southpaw was returned to Charter Arms for inspection where the forcing cone was relieved and the revolver promptly returned.
During the course of testing, there were no malfunctions. Recoil was stout in the lightweight Southpaw, particularly with the one +P load tested. Considering the intended purpose of the Southpaw and its rudimentary sights, we evaluated accuracy at 15 yards.
Keeping Up with the Times
Charter Arms doesn’t shy away from innovation, even while remaining true to its roots. A prime example of this is the Pitbull revolver, a groundbreaking design that allows shooters to use semi-automatic rounds in a revolver. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates that while Charter Arms honors its heritage, it’s also committed to evolving with the needs of modern gun owners.
Design Improvements
In addition to functional innovations, Charter Arms has made significant improvements to the design of grips, weight, and finishes, making their revolvers even easier to carry and shoot. Compact and lightweight, Charter Arms models are an excellent choice for concealed carry.
For example, the Bulldog revolver offers effective protection in a small, easy-to-carry package, while models like the Undercover Lite are lightweight and feature ergonomic grips for a secure, comfortable hold. These design choices prioritize ease of use, ensuring that women can confidently present and engage targets.
While many of their revolvers come in traditional steel or matte black finishes, Charter Arms also offers a variety of colors and coatings to appeal to a broader range of preferences. The Undercover Lite, for example, is available in several colors, including pink, purple, and blue-hues proudly chosen by Charter Arms’ female employees-giving customers the option for a more personalized or stylish look.
Simplicity and Affordability
Many women appreciate the simplicity of Charter Arms revolvers. Revolvers, in general, are easier to operate than semi-automatics, and Charter Arms takes this a step further by providing smooth action and intuitive controls. With fewer steps involved in operation, there’s less of a learning curve, making these guns more accessible and less intimidating for those new to firearms.
While some firearms can be prohibitively expensive, Charter Arms offers reliable, durable options at a price point that is more accessible to a wider range of gun owners. For women seeking a dependable handgun that won’t break the bank, Charter Arms provides great value without compromising on performance.
Charter Arms and A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG)
Charter Arms has been a valued partner of A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) for over a decade, most notably as the sponsor of the club’s quarterly Member Appreciation Giveaway Drawing. Thanks to Charter’s generosity and support for women shooters, each quarter, one AG & AG member and one Chapter Facilitator win a Charter Arms handgun, selected at random. To date, the AG & AG community has received and gifted more than 70 guns from Charter Arms!
Conclusion
Charter Arms has successfully combined classic reliability with modern innovation, creating revolvers that meet the diverse needs of today’s gun owners. Whether it’s their simplicity, durability, or comfort, Charter Arms revolvers have become a go-to option for many. With a focus on ergonomic design, lightweight construction, and affordability, Charter Arms delivers handguns that are practical, versatile, and easy to use.
I am probably a little biased about Charter Arms. The first revolver I was introduced to growing up was my father’s Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special. That gun has been rugged and is still shooting decades later. Despite some troubling business and quality issues between the Douglas Mclenahan days and the current Charter Arms. Charter Arms, at least from my perspective, has several admirable traits. The revolvers are made in America. They even boast that 95% of the components are sourced within a hours drive of the plant. I find it great that they have strived to build up their own local economy.
Charter Arms Southpaw Specs
Here are the specifications for the Charter Arms Southpaw:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Spl. +P |
| Action Type | Double-action revolver |
| Frame | 7075 aluminum |
| Barrel | 2" stainless steel |
| Rifling | Eight grooves, 1:18" LH twist |
| Capacity | Five |
| Sights | Integral ramp front, fixed notch rear |
| Trigger Pull | 10 lbs. double-action, 4 lbs. |
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms; (866) 769-4867; Charterfirearms.com |