The guns made since 2000 have had good quality control, and the company has regained its earlier reputation for quality and reliability. By 2002 Ecker had become sole owner, and in 2007 renamed the company Charter Arms again. Nick Ecker and two other investors bought the company and reopened it in 2000, under the name Charter 2000 in Shelton, Connecticut. Apparently, quality control was not good in Charco, and the company had to close its doors in 1998. Around 1988 the company was acquired by its vice president of finance, Jeff Williams, renamed Charco (Charter Arms Company), and moved to Ansonia, Connecticut.Īt some point Nick Ecker reacquired a 20% stake in the company. In 1984 Nick Ecker, David Ecker’s son, became part owner. Ecker assumed the position of Chairman of the Board, as well as President. On 15 December 1978, due to health problems, Doug McClennahan retired and sold his share of the company to Dave Ecker. Guns made in Stratford were marked on the right side of the barrel: CHARTER ARMS CORP. Doug McClennahan moved the company to a newly-built plant in Stratford, Connecticut in April of 1976. Starting in 1966, the guns, made in Bridgeport, Connecticut, were marked on the right side of the barrel in all capital sans-serif characters: CHARTER ARMS CORP. This was later changed to a scroll with the words “Charter Arms” on it, and “USA” in tiny letters at the top.

The early guns had a grip-medallion with a sketch of an oak tree (at least through serial number 23563). The early guns (the first 13500 or so) did not display an address on the right side of the barrel, being marked only in capital sans-serif characters: CHARTER ARMS CORP. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please fill out the form here to contact us regarding Charter firearms warranty, repairs, parts or return shipping. The company went through several name and address changes. McClennahan and David Ecker were lifelong friends and in 1967 Ecker became a 50/50 partner in Charter Arms.” By 1970 Ecker was an assistant manager for marketing and sales. Using his strong engineering and inventive background he decided to go out on his own and in 1964 founded Charter Arms.

According to the current company website, “For years Doug McClennahan was a gun designer with several prominent American gun companies. Charter Arms Revolvers Charter Arms Revolvers The Early Guns, 1964-1990 by Ed Buffaloe Company History Early Charter Arms Undercover Revolver Early Charter Arms Grip Medallion Charter Arms Undercover Revolver The Charter Arms Corporation was founded in 1964 by Doug McClennahan.

Charter arms serial number year