CJB
11-16-2015, 05:58 PM
I called Charter today, to order a spare hammer so I could bob one.
They don't offer a bobber for the 45ACP yet, or I'd have just bought one of those.
The lady was really nice. Dee Ecker. Just happens to be the same name as the President/CEO Nick Ecker! I'm impressed.
Small company. Fifty or so employees. Sounded very "its a family thing" to me. Dee knew all the parts inside and out. She's an expert.
Ok, so I asked for a new hammer. She asked, was there a problem, why did I need a new one. I said I wanted to bob one, since they're not available yet.
Ok, $24.95 plus five bucks shipping. Took my card info, promised a Tuesday ship out, arrival Friday.
So I mentioned... you know... you're driving me nuts with the 45ACP, since a 45 Long Colt will fit that cylinder.
She "implied" it was on purpose (or that's my take on it), and also said, its in the works, but not to hold my breath. They've got some other things in the works too, that come first. I know they've been working with all sorts of finishes and combinations - short run stuff. Anyway, she assured me it was on the list of things to do, they know it can be done, have a decent amount of requests for it.
So there ya go. This new Charter is not a Smith. There are few rounded and svelte corners. Its not as smooth (but mine has smoothed up considerably).
The design has some nice features - the way they lock the front of the crane to the frame is novel, and it works! I always used to think they locked at the rear only... nope, front and back, and as nice as a Ruger in that regard (although different). I'll say they've tightened up the quality (on the one I got at least) and I don't feel like I'm holding an IED when its in my hand.
Anyway, I had a very good vibe when speaking with Charter today. I read online that in 2011 they fired their suppliers for not being able to deliver the quality of parts they wanted. New vendors, higher degree of quality control. Nick seems determined to make a go of it with quality. No question, what I got was perhaps not flawless, but well made (if unadorned).
They don't offer a bobber for the 45ACP yet, or I'd have just bought one of those.
The lady was really nice. Dee Ecker. Just happens to be the same name as the President/CEO Nick Ecker! I'm impressed.
Small company. Fifty or so employees. Sounded very "its a family thing" to me. Dee knew all the parts inside and out. She's an expert.
Ok, so I asked for a new hammer. She asked, was there a problem, why did I need a new one. I said I wanted to bob one, since they're not available yet.
Ok, $24.95 plus five bucks shipping. Took my card info, promised a Tuesday ship out, arrival Friday.
So I mentioned... you know... you're driving me nuts with the 45ACP, since a 45 Long Colt will fit that cylinder.
She "implied" it was on purpose (or that's my take on it), and also said, its in the works, but not to hold my breath. They've got some other things in the works too, that come first. I know they've been working with all sorts of finishes and combinations - short run stuff. Anyway, she assured me it was on the list of things to do, they know it can be done, have a decent amount of requests for it.
So there ya go. This new Charter is not a Smith. There are few rounded and svelte corners. Its not as smooth (but mine has smoothed up considerably).
The design has some nice features - the way they lock the front of the crane to the frame is novel, and it works! I always used to think they locked at the rear only... nope, front and back, and as nice as a Ruger in that regard (although different). I'll say they've tightened up the quality (on the one I got at least) and I don't feel like I'm holding an IED when its in my hand.
Anyway, I had a very good vibe when speaking with Charter today. I read online that in 2011 they fired their suppliers for not being able to deliver the quality of parts they wanted. New vendors, higher degree of quality control. Nick seems determined to make a go of it with quality. No question, what I got was perhaps not flawless, but well made (if unadorned).