charter arms boxer 38spl, 6 rounds. $357

Charter Arms exclusively manufacturers revolvers, in the United States, and has been doing so for decades. Douglas McClenahan, a young gun designer who had previously worked for Colt, High Standard, and Sturm, Ruger founded Charter Arms in 1964 to produce handguns. His first pistol was a five-shot revolver called the "Undercover" chambered for .38SPL - they still make it, and it's excellent. McClenahan's innovation was to avoid using the side plate designed by other revolver makers: he innovated a one-piece frame, giving his revolver the requisite strength to safely shoot high-powered loads. McClenahan simultaneously reduced the number of moving parts used in the lockwork and created the transfer bar safety preventing the hammer from contacting the floating firing pin unless the trigger was pulled all the way back. This revolutionized the SA/DA revolver and this inbuilt safety design has been emulated by all other manufacturers since. In my opinion the lockwork is superior to other manufacturers' designs in that when you are decocking a Charter Arms revolver there's no snag when you let out the trigger to activate the transfer bar - it's smooth and confidence inspiring.

The latest edition to their extensive lineup is the above-pictured 6-shot Boxer in 38 Special. The snubnose revolver is one of the most tried and proven platforms and the 38SPL is a stellar round - this is a handgun that can be stowed loaded and forgotten about until needed, even if years should pass in the interim. Semi-auto pistols are not so forgiving: you have to give them weekly attention, make certain they're oiled and that the magazines are switched out so the springs don't compress and fail you during battery. If you are the type of gun owner who simply wants the peace of mind without the headaches of range membership, carry permits, maintenance checks etc, a Charter Arms revolver is the way to go. Just take it out after you buy it and run a box of ammo through it to make sure it runs flawlessly, then clean it and stow it where you need it.

Manufacturers are turning out such voluminous numbers of firearms to keep up with the demand that there are always faulty units that enter customers' hands, irrespective of marque or ticket price. Charter Arms are renowned for their customer service so even if one of their excellent revolvers fails to meet your expectations, they'll take it back and repair it pronto. You can see the new Boxer here on their WEBSITE.