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MANUFACTURER · UPDATED 2026-05-16

Used Charter Arms Values 2026:
Every Model, Every Caliber.

Charter Arms was founded in 1964 in Stratford, Connecticut (now in Shelton, CT). Charter produces budget-tier American-made double-action revolvers — the Bulldog .44 Special (famously used by 'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz in 1976-77, which made the gun infamous), the Pathfinder, Pitbull, Pink Lady, and Off-Duty. Five-shot frames, simple design, lifetime warranty. Charter Arms revolvers are among the most-affordable American-made revolvers (MSRP $400-650).

Founded: 1964 Country: USA Total models listed: 79
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Jump to a Category 79 models — find yours fast

Bulldog / Mag Pug / Pitbull Series

Charter's mid-frame revolver family.

Undercover / Off-Duty / Pink Lady

Charter's compact carry revolvers.

Pathfinder Rimfire

Charter's rimfire revolver family.

Specialty / Limited

Charter's specialty models and limited runs.

Charter Arms Undercover & Undercoverette — Snub-Nose .38/.32

Charter's iconic 5-shot snub-nose carry revolvers in .38 Special and .32 H&R Mag.

Charter Arms Bulldog & Pitbull — Mid-Frame Revolvers

Charter's mid-frame revolvers including the legendary .44 Special Bulldog.

Charter Arms Mag Pug & Target Bulldog — Hunting & Field

Larger-frame Charter revolvers including .357 Mag Mag Pug variants.

Charter Arms AR-7 / Explorer & Rimfire Pathfinder

Charter's takedown survival rifle and rimfire revolvers.

Charter Arms Value FAQ

Are Charter Arms revolvers as good as Smith & Wesson?

No — Charter is budget-tier American-made. S&W J-frames are higher quality with smoother actions and better triggers, but at 2-2.5x the price. Charter Arms revolvers are reliable for self-defense and casual range use; the lifetime warranty is genuine. MSRP $400-650 vs S&W J-frame $700-1,200.

Why is the Bulldog associated with the Son of Sam?

David Berkowitz (the 'Son of Sam' serial killer) used a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special in his 1976-77 New York City murders. The notoriety briefly hurt Charter's sales and the Bulldog name. Charter Arms continued production; the gun is sold today without controversy as a defensive revolver.

What's the Pitbull's claim to fame?

The Pitbull uses a patented dual-coil spring extractor that allows rimless cartridges (9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP) to fire in a revolver without moon clips. Other revolver makers use moon clips for these calibers; Charter eliminates the clips. Niche but innovative.

Are pink-finish revolvers actually purchased?

Yes — the Pink Lady and similar finishes sell to women's self-defense market. Charter has been particularly successful with these variants. Not just marketing — they're functional revolvers in pastel colors. Trade close to retail on the secondary market.