I had a opportunity to handle several a the Shot Show.
I was scolded on the SASS Wire by a WAG ( turns out he is a retailer for Chaparral & Charter Arms)
But I stand by my opinion...
The wood was some mystery it is called TRI Wood or Tri Finish ... it is some straight grained hardwood with faux grain applied
(I said I could duplicate it with old pallet oak and a soot source like an acetylene torch) in fact I have.
There were gaps a credit card thickness would fit between the wood to metal fit.
The blue & case hardening look nice though.
The Retailer/WAG explained , the Tri-wood was liked by many, however they (Chaparral) were to offer Walnut at a price, to owners to retro fit.
And future imported guns would have Walnut.
His response, to the fit issue was ,these were rushed guns to get them ready for Shot (Jan. 2, 2007)
What I did not understand is WHY ! when everybody else at SHOT showing their wares " put their best foot forward.
Charter Arms had a large booth 60' X 80' , The Chaparrals occupied just two tables in the rear left , the above mentioned TRI-wood
Models a 76 & a 73 & a European Walnut stocked SXS ( looks like 78 Colt ) and two Colt Clones ( the worst of the lot in fit & finish IMO )
These guns are manufacture by a group of Italian artisans pulled together from several ex-employees from other manufacturers
Palmetto, and ASM to form Chaparral Arms....
They are shipped in the white to Charter Arms for the final finish....
Once they get the Tri-wood ( faux wood grain ) & the gaps in wood to metal fit solved.... they will serve as another option...
Right now they are no competition for Uberti IMO