Unusual Grip Question for new revolver

Status
Not open for further replies.
James Fonteneaux

James Fonteneaux

Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2019
Messages
274
Location
Texas
So I picked up a new to me Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 SPC. I have to say I really enjoy shooting it. While shooting it, I've noticed the gun tends to torque up and right in my hand. It's not a big deal, but I'm wondering if I should just learn to hold the gun better, or change the grips. One consideration, I have a "modified" hand due to an accident years ago. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • RP.jpg
    RP.jpg
    153.8 KB · Views: 94
  • hammer.jpg
    hammer.jpg
    64.9 KB · Views: 93
  • GunHand.jpg
    GunHand.jpg
    106.5 KB · Views: 98
I'm sure there are more knowledgeable shooters here but from what you describe, it seems you may not be applying enough pressure with your fingers - or to much with your thumb. I'd try alternating your grip before modifying the handgun.

How do you shoot other guns?
 
Rubber grips might help too? All my charters wear either the rubber finger grooved version from charter, or the non finger grooved pachmayr compacs.

Even though the gun is torquing up and right, are you on target? .44 special out of such a light gun is going to recoil quite a bit.
 
8.9.20target3.jpg

This is a target from a 10mm build I did last year. It's a G20 clone build, so much more handle to hold on to. Thanks for the responses, I'm leaning toward manipulating my grip before modifying the gun.

No pics, but I was able to stack some rounds on target today, and out of 20 rounds, I put 16 on target. I'm ok with that, just interested in options.
 
I don't know how to help considering the hand modification.

It may help to post a picture of the gun in hand using your current grip technique, if possible.

I usually cross my thumbs to really clamp down tight on the grip when shooting a revolver.

Ever try shooting left handed?
 
I have shot other guns left handed, including my CC pistol, but generally only to train for weak side defense. I have not tried it with this one yet. I'll probably try it some more tomorrow, but ammo is running low.
 
I would think a grip that has a speedloader relief cutout on the left grip might give you some purchase with your thumb and might help with the roll of the gun. Unfortunately I am not familiar with options for Charter Arms revolvers and the ones I came across in a search were no longer on EBay. I have never owned a CA revolver.
 
James Fonteneaux said:
So I picked up a new to me Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 SPC. I have to say I really enjoy shooting it. While shooting it, I've noticed the gun tends to torque up and right in my hand. It's not a big deal, but I'm wondering if I should just learn to hold the gun better, or change the grips. One consideration, I have a "modified" hand due to an accident years ago. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have a co-worker that lost the same finger on his "trigger" hand, but not past the knuckle like in your case. His current pistol is an old Ruger P345. Which offers more grip length than your Charter Arms, but the trigger doesn't seem to align to the middle finger with the P345 as well as your Charter Arms.

The only thing I can really think of is to get an oversize wood grip for your revolver and carve it up in a way to help you out. I wonder if Herrett's Stocks would be able to accommodate you?

http://www.herrettstocks.com/

http://www.herrettstocks.com/revlvrin.htm

http://www.herrettstocks.com/orderfrm.htm
 
Last edited:
I always counsel Charter owners coming to grips with *yeah - I KNOW:evil:* the handling of a Charter to try to get their hands on *sorry - can't help myself* a set of Pachmayr Compaqs.

I can't speak to them directly improving your particular situation but the improvement for me and many others has been dramatic.

Do you shoot other revolvers well? I noticed your post above about successfully shooting a 10mm so, recoil's not your issue.
index.php


Todd.
 
Are Bulldog grips unique to their brand or is it a copy of another brands frame?
 
SW351C said:
Are Bulldog grips unique to their brand or is it a copy of another brands frame?
Click to expand...

Charter Arms Bulldog grips are cut for Charter Arms revolvers. Due to the way the Charter Arms grip frame inserts into the cylinder frame, the widths between the two components are different. So grips have to be cut or molded to accommodate that difference. Link to photo.
 
Thank you all for the responses! I've ordered a set of Pachmayr grips from Amazon that look like they'll offer a little more purchase. @chicharrones, that Herrett information is greatly appreciated. @ApacheCoTodd, usually my other revolver shooting is 148gn HBWC .38 Spc from either a Taurus 82 or a GP100 .357. I doubt anyone will ever confuse me with a bullseye shooter, but I can hit what I'm aiming at with both. This is my first big bore revolver, so I'm still trying to get a "handle" on it. :D
 
Recoil from a revolver vs a semi-auto is different. Based on your modification of your hand I would suggest changing your grip style. It appears according to your statement that it is torquing up and right which seems to suggest that the grip with your fingers is very tight and that your thumb may be riding high, as well pushing your gun to the right. I would try placing your thumb lower and your two fingers spread a little apart than the usual placement. If you fingers are touching when shooting that could be the cause for your gun turning right as they create a pivot point during recoil.

I am glad that you have ordered the new grips because as pretty as wood grips can be I personally find them hard to control during recoil on large caliber handguns vs rubber grips. Please give us an update and thanks for posting.
 
"...38 Spc from either a Taurus 82 or a GP100 .357..."


Those are good solid revolvers. IMHO, the Bulldog might be giving you trouble due to its lightness more than its caliber.

44 special is not a high-pressure round, but lighter revolvers in 38 special or more can be challenging to shoot.

A 357 is a higher-pressure round, but the extra mass of your GP100 probably helps a lot.
 
Tallball said:
"...38 Spc from either a Taurus 82 or a GP100 .357..."


Those are good solid revolvers. IMHO, the Bulldog might be giving you trouble due to its lightness more than its caliber...

A 357 is a higher-pressure round, but the extra mass of your GP100 probably helps a lot.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I agree. Once components return to earth, I plan to work up a load for it. For now, I'll have to use what I've got.
 
ms6852 said:
Recoil from a revolver vs a semi-auto is different. Based on your modification of your hand I would suggest changing your grip style. It appears according to your statement that it is torquing up and right which seems to suggest that the grip with your fingers is very tight and that your thumb may be riding high, as well pushing your gun to the right. I would try placing your thumb lower and your two fingers spread a little apart than the usual placement. If you fingers are touching when shooting that could be the cause for your gun turning right as they create a pivot point during recoil.

I am glad that you have ordered the new grips because as pretty as wood grips can be I personally find them hard to control during recoil on large caliber handguns vs rubber grips. Please give us an update and thanks for posting.
Click to expand...

Thanks ms6852 for clearing up when I was trying to say. You must be the more knowledgeable person I was thinking about.
 
James Fonteneaux said:
So I got the grips in today and installed them. Not real impressed with the fit, BUT, they make a huge difference in gun control. The right kind. Only fired 15 rounds, but I'm glad I got them. Now to find some bullets...View attachment 987233
Click to expand...
Charter Arms has all their grips on sale currently. 14.95 a piece. I bought two sets to find the one I like the most. Both are rubber, it helps. Nice revolver, good luck.
 
I think the finger grooves will definitely help your hand stay in place under recoil, good choice :thumbup:.

It seems that Pachmayr grips used to fit perfectly on revolvers and autos no matter the make or model. Their latest products just don’t have the same fit quality anymore. :(

Old Presentation grip fit on the back strap:

C7BBC9E4-6519-473E-851E-FE6CB787F1AA.jpeg

New Presentation grip fit on the back strap:

0DAB0CE7-C624-46C6-B069-8AC43A9E1979.jpeg
I hope you’re able to get your new Bulldog grips to fit better than I was!

Stay safe.
 
Riomouse911 said:
I think the finger grooves will definitely help your hand stay in place under recoil, good choice :thumbup:.

It seems that Pachmayr grips used to fit perfectly on revolvers and autos no matter the make or model. Their latest products just don’t have the same fit

New Presentation grip fit on the back strap:

View attachment 987269
I hope you’re able to get your new Bulldog grips to fit better than I was!

Stay safe.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I have about the same issue as you with the fit.
 
A hair dryer and a c clamp might shrink the gaps.

Surprised you went with the finger grooved ones. The compacs are what mine wear just like the ones @ApacheCoTodd pictured.
 
Last edited:
I put Pachmayrs on my original Bulldog years ago and never looked back. It came with those tiny wood panels that were impossible to hold.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Mr. Mosin
  • Locked
Charter Bulldog Classic
2 3
Replies
68
Views
5K
Mr. Mosin
Mr. Mosin
Great Scot
  • Locked
Old or New Charter Bulldog?
Replies
4
Views
677
PTK
P
lowercase
  • Locked
My new (to me) vintage Bulldog
Replies
13
Views
914
Dave T
Dave T
wcwhitey
  • Locked
Charter Bulldog Grips Range Test
Replies
11
Views
1K
Tallball
Tallball
F
  • Locked
This is what I am looking for in a Revolver
Replies
24
Views
1K
Pict
P
Back
Top