Charter Arms

/Home/CT Guns & Shooting/Fairfield County CT: Guns & Shooting/Shelton CT: Guns & Shooting

Are You the Kind of Shooter Who...
* Believes in American-made quality and precision?
* Respects tradition and craftsmanship?
* Expects value, regardless of price?

Then you're at the right place!

Charter Arms is an American original. For over 40 years Charter has proudly maintained the traditions of New England's famed Gun Valley—-the cradle of the American firearms industry.

Today, Charter firearms are recognized for:
* Ease of use
* Simplicity of design
* Trouble-free operation
* Durability
* Superior Safety

Setting the American standard for reliable, safe and affordable personal protection—-at Charter Arms, the tradition continues.
>> Charter History
>> Why choose a Charter Revolver?
>> Check out the latest Charter Arms news
>> Anatomy of a Charter Revolver
>> Advantages of Revolvers for Self Defense

A Proud History

In New England's Gun Valley, gun making is a tradition that stretches back for generations.

In 1964 a new tradition was born, when a young gun designer named Douglas McClennahan founded Charter Arms. McClennahan, who had previously worked for Colt, High Standard, and Sturm Ruger, had a vision: to produce a high-quality, reliable handgun that was also highly affordable.

He realized his vision with the introduction of his first offering: a .38 special, five-shot revolver called "The Undercover." At just 16 ounces, the new gun was the smallest, lightest steel framed revolver in the world with the fewest moving parts. A unique hammer block system gave gun owners unparalleled protection against unintentional discharge.

The Undercover's high quality, light weight, and reasonable price impressed law enforcement professionals and gun enthusiasts alike. It became the basis of Charter's success, and the platform upon which a comprehensive line of affordable, reliable firearms was built.

This success has continued to the present day as the Ecker family of professional craftsmen has maintained its high quality standards, its unmatched customer service, and its pride in the gun making industry.

>> Why Charter Arms?

>> Check out the latest Charter News!

For years Doug McClenehan was a gun designer with several prominent American gun companies. Using his strong engineering and inventive background he decided to go out on his own and in 1964 founded Charter Arms. McClenehan and David Ecker were lifelong friends and in 1967 Ecker became a 50/50 partner in Charter Arms.

* 1972: David Ecker made a buy out offer to Doug and Ecker became the sole owner of Charter Arms.
* 1984: Nick Ecker, David Ecker's son and the present owner of Charter Arms, joined the company and ultimately ran the manufacturing/production arm of the company.
* 1988: Through a complicated set of circumstances dealing with a somewhat related real estate deal, Jeff Williams, VP of finance for Charter Arms came into ownership of 100% of the stock of the firearm manufacturing and sales operation and renamed the company Charco. This stock transfer allowed David Ecker to work on the real estate deal. In order to ensure that the firearm portion of the company continued, Jeff Williams offered 20% of company stock to Nick Ecker to continue running production; Nick accepted.
* 1996: There was a dispute between Nick and Jeff and Nick left the company. Ultimately the production failed due to this loss of expertise and the company closed its doors for a short period in 1998.
* 1998: Learning of the closing Nick Ecker brought on two partners and bought the company from Jeff Williams.
* 2000: Nick Ecker's two new partners had the name changed to Charter 2000 to coincide with the change of the millennium. Charter 2000 marked firearms were produced between 1999 and mid-2007.
* 2002: Due to excellent sales, Nick Ecker was able to buy out his two partners and changed the name back to Charter Arms. In mid-2007 Charter Arms was again stamped on the firearms and this mark continues to be stamped on Charter Arms revolvers to this day. Nick Ecker is now the sole proprietor of Charter Arms.
* October 2004 Founder, Doug McClenehan passed away and in March of 2005 David Ecker passed away.

Regardless of the changes and the 1998 financial blip (which most gun companies have experienced sometime in their history), and contrary to incorrect rumors (they usually are incorrect) of the company being sold or whatever, the Ecker's have been part of Charter Arms since 1967.

Gun buyers worldwide have discovered the many unique features and benefits of these innovative, robust, reliable, and affordable high-quality revolvers. Charter Arms has the best warrantee in the industry. Our unique lifetime warrantee covers all firearms made since 1998, for service on guns made prior to 1998 call 203-922-1652 for a factory service estimate. Please see your dealer today about Charter Arms if you are interested in a solid, affordable and reliable revolver.

Charter Arms
281 Canal St
Shelton CT 06484
Tel: 203 922-1652
E-mail: service@charterfirearms.com