Charter Arms Bulldog 44 - Worth It?

[blazinbill]

I’ve wanted a Bulldog 44 Special for years, and I’m not getting any younger. I love 44’s, and nobody else makes a light, affordable snub nose 44 Special that I’m aware of. The price is right for it to be a revolver that I can wear and not have to worry about. Purpose will be OWB carry for snakes and whatnot around my property. I don’t normally buy lower end guns and I’ve read of people having issues, but Charter Arms seems to fix them (I’d buy it new). Looking for personal experience…is buying one a mistake? I’m leaning towards the 2.5” model, shrouded or unshrouded hammer. Thoughts? Also, recommendations for holsters would be appreciated.

[nhithaca]

Inexpensive, USA made in New England, decent triggers and good support. Do not expect a Colt or S&W finish or action. But for the price not a bad deal. I have 4 (44, 45 Auto, 38 and 32). All go bang.

[fltbed]

I bought a stainless one a few years ago and the only complaint I had was all the sharp edges. I took stones and a dremel to it and knocked off all the sharp edges along with cutting about 1/8" off the hammer spur.

The real shocker was the accuracy. The first time I took it to the range was just a chrono session testing some factory defensive ammo along with a few handloads. I set a target at 50 yards just to use as an aiming point. After testing various rounds from 180-240gr, from light plinking loads to full power defensive stuff just to see how much velocity I was getting with the short 2 1/2" barrel. When I was cleaning up to go home, I walked down range to grab the target and pitch it, I was shocked to find a 50 round 8" group. Considering the poor sights and my old eyes I was very shocked.

The Bulldog fit's into the same holsters that are cut for the Colt Detective 6 shot 38 special.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

[Encore64]

I've got one, a Stainless 4.2" Bulldog Target in 44 Special. It's well made, though not refined as previous posters have mentioned.

It weighs just under 22 OZ and is a glorious trail gun.

8.0 grn of Power Pistol under a 250 grn Matt's Wadcutter isn't comfortable to shoot, but will stop most anything...

[mk70ss]

I would buy a vintage Bulldog off Gunbroker if I were you. The older the better quality.

www.gunbroker.com/item/983808865

[parallaxbill]

I like carrying and shooting my Bulldog Pug with spurless hammer. Very light, compact and accurate for me.
When I'm ramblin around on my land I usually just carry it in my back pocket.

[slickrs23]

I have a blue classic one from about 6 or 7 years ago. It has a plastic composite trigger guard.
I like mine for CCW. works fine and accurate.

[blazinbill]

Very helpful comments, I appreciate the knowledge base (and sharing) on this forum.

[bula]

I have lived with a 3" SS Bulldog since in the '80's. Lately a Ruger LCR snubby38+P attached itself to me, and nice for yard work and such. With the critters here, I really need to go back to my Bulldog. It is no contest as to what they bring to the table if bears are on the menu, or you, theirs. The Bulldog while in the yard, here or at camp, just got tucked into a back pocket, jeans or shorts. It got tucked into an armpit for wandering the house in the dark, at night. Am glad you started this thread, I got my head turned by a svelte light jailbait 38 ! I've probable killed more things with the Bulldog than any other handgun here, maybe the exception the SBH bought about the same time. I have speed strips and HK speedloaders for it squirreled away everywhere. Pachy compacts on mine. A full size set here too. The original wood I gave to a member, don't even recall who. Know they went to a good home. 

[grandpa]

Over the years I've owned and used most of the different variations of the Bulldog and my favorite is the target model with the 4" barrel. All models have decent quality and are simple to take apart and clean. Pachmayr Compac grips are the best choice for my hands. Any belt holster that's made for a 4" Diamondback should fit the Target Bulldog.

[bula]

A camp member bought a version with a bobbed hammer and then regretted the difficulty to shoot S.A.. Told him to call C.A. and ask if the regular hammer would fit. They said yes and he ordered and swapped and is happy. A Crimson Trace grip on a Boomer is cool. Had one and gave to nephew. He loves it. My end piece and spring fell off the end of the ejector rod years ago. Open toe'd holster and weekend of bumpy atv'ing. A call to C.A. got the parts to me, FREE. 

[sixguntech]

John Linebaugh told me years ago, that he kept a Charter Arms Bulldog in his tackle box. I carried mine, an old blued, target model, for years, while following my hunting dogs through the woods, it was as light as any .22 handgun I owned and “vented” things a bit quicker. John L. Shared his preferred load with me (a pretty copious amount of 2400), I loaded up 20 of them and headed to my backyard range, after a cylinder or two of them, my barrel shroud had turned a bit…… After finding a fix for the problem, it has digested hundreds of that load and it is still my go to gun and load for woods bumming.
Encore64’s load is one I should try, I am sure it would do everything the JL load will, out of the 4” Bulldog and be easier on the gun. Regards,Steve

[gnappi]

In the early 80's I had a stainless bulldog and it was a fun gun except the "unbreakable" beryllium copper firing pin broke and it took over a year to get a replacement. I sold it. If I were to get another .44 special it would not be a CA.

[parallaxbill]

Mine broke it's transfer bar but I ordered a replacement cheap off Ebay. I didn't think to ask for a replacement from CA.

[Lee Martin]

I had my 2009 built Bulldog out a couple of months ago. It shoots well and fits my hand much better with Pachmayr Compacts. I think they're the best grip for the gun. My 1984 Bulldog is a hair tighter and has a smoother trigger (both SA and DA). But for the money, the new Bulldogs are still a bargin:



-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Chasing perfection five shots at a time"