Contributing Editor
Imagine, back in 1903, how handgun users must have welcomed the .32 Smith & Wesson Long, a lengthened version of the low-powered .32 S&W. Around 80 years later (in 1984, to be exact) another lengthening of the case and high-performance bullets created the excellent .32 H&R Magnum. And now, with a little more case length, we have the .327 Federal Magnum. One of the loads from Federal, their American Eagle brand 100-grain Jacketed Soft Point, will give you an idea of the impressive ballistics: Muzzle velocity, 1,500 feet-per-second (fps). Energy, 500 foot-pounds (fp).Those who may think anything in .32 caliber is a “mouse-gun,” take a look at those figures again. In 2007, the Ruger SP-101 was offered in .327 Magnum. Early in 2008, Charter Arms joined the club, with the Target Patriot. The Charter guns are distributed by MKS Supply (8611-A North Dixie Dr., Dept. GWK, Dayton, OH 45414; phone: 877-425-4867; online: hi-pointfirearms.com).
The Charter .327 that I tried out is in beautiful matte stainless steel, with a 4-inch barrel and features a fully adjustable rear sight. A barrel underlug gives added front stability, and encloses the ejector. The rubber grip panels are so well-fitted that they appear to be a one-piece unit. At the front, there are recesses for all three fingers. The unloaded weight is 25.1 ounces, and this sits it solidly in the hand.For those who like to have all of the data, the over-all length is 8∫ inches, height 5 inches, and the width is 1 7/16 inches.The sight radius is 5˚ inches. The sights, by the way, are very good. The smooth ramp front is integral with the barrel, and its matte grey finish is very visible without being reflective. The rear sight is finished in black. The sight picture is square post, square notch, and the rear notch is wide for easy front sight pick-up.
The cylinder holds six rounds, and ejection of fired cases was not difficult. Even after I had fired around 60 full-house loads, the cylinder lock-up was like a vise.
I have always found the quality of Charter revolvers to be outstanding. Even during their brief “rough spot,” around 15 years ago, they were still mechanically perfect. And, I will note, they are still using that unbreakable firing pin made out of beryllium copper.The trigger pull of my revolver in single action was a crisp 4 pounds, 7 ounces, with practically no over-travel (about 1/32 of an inch). The double-action pull was a little over 12 pounds, very smooth, without any “stacking” at the end of the stroke. The nicely curved trigger has no annoying vertical ridges, and the hammer spur is well shaped for easy cocking.
The transfer-bar firing system allows safe carrying of a fully-loaded cylinder.
Most of my shooting at the range was with the Federal 85-grain Hydra-Shok JHP. I usually start with a Champion VisiColor target, just to see where a new handgun will group. At seven yards, standing, two-hand hold, my first shot printed “orange,” in the outer ring of the black, low. I then “walked” the group up to the center from my original six-o’clock hold. That first group measured 2˚ inches.
With the same cartridge, at 25 yards from a casual rest, there was one nice little 1∫-inch group, all in the black and well-centered.I also tried it with the .32 H&R Magnum round, also 85-grain JHP by Federal. The best group was 2˘ inches. A group of the same size was fired with .32 S&W Long, 98-grain LRN rounds by Magtech. I think we can pronounce this revolver accurate. As for felt recoil, I couldn’t tell much difference between the three different .32 loadings. More noise and muzzle flash from the two magnums, of course.
With its high-performance cartridge and low felt recoil, the Charter .327 Federal Magnum would be perfect for home or personal defense, or as a camping/hunting trail gun. At a suggested retail of $399, it costs $173 less than the Ruger, with no decrease in quality. And, if you get one of the first thousand, there’s a bonus inside the nice polymer case: A neat Kershaw assisted-opening folder with “Charter .327” on the handle.
