In 2005, Charter 2000 announced that it would be filing for bankruptcy, blaming the costs associated with nuisance lawsuits for their financial trouble, though the truth likely is the company has failed to thrive in a gun market flooded with product. 38 Special (the Off-Duty and the Police Bulldog). 22 Long Rifle/.22 Magnum (the Pathfinder). 44 Special Bulldog, Charter 2000 produces revolvers chambered for.
The new models feature a completely blocked hammer system so that the gun cannot fire unless the trigger is held in full rear position, making it the safest revolver design in the world with the shortest hammer throw and the fastest lock time. The one-piece barrels of the new models are machined with eight groves instead of six for higher velocity, flatter trajectory and better accuracy. The new company capitalized on the fame of the old Charter Arms revolvers, which had fewer critical moving parts and a simpler design that allowed for trouble-free operation.īasing their new line of weapons on the basic Charter Arms design, the new company has made a few improvements such as the use of a one-piece barrel and front sight.
The company went bankrupt in the 1990s, but the Charter design and mark was resurrected for the 21st Century by Charter 2000, which was founded by the Ecker family of professional craftsmen. 44 Special that weighed less than 22 ounces became famed as the most powerful snub-nosed handgun in existence. It became the basis of Charter's success, and the platform upon which a comprehensive line of affordable, reliable firearms was built, including the. The Undercover's high quality, light weight, and reasonable price made it popular with gun enthusiasts and law officers. A unique hammer block system gave gun owners protection against unintentional discharges. McClennahan also reduced the number of moving parts used in the gun and created a safety device for the firing pin.Īt just 16 ounces, the new gun was the smallest, lightest steel-framed revolver in the world with the fewest moving parts. 22 pathfinder can turn a few tin cans into an afternoon of fun. It has the look, feel and weight of a higher-caliber revolver, allowing you to gain proficiency while using relatively inexpensive.22 ammo.
McClennahan's innovation was to eschew the side plate designs used by other revolver makers for a one-piece frame, giving the new revolver a strength that allowed it to safely shoot hot loads. Charter’s Pathfinder is a great introductory revolver for the novice shooter. His first pistol was a lightweight, five-shot revolver called "The Undercover" chambered for.
Douglas McClennahan, a young gun designer who had previously worked for Colt, High Standard, and Sturm, Ruger founded Charter Arms in 1964 to produce affordable high-quality, reliable handguns.