Bulldog vs. 2" Tracker 44

[LubeckTech]

Later in the year I plan on buying a Charter Arms Bulldog (always wanted one) but is the Taurus Tracker 2" .44 a better value? What is the difference in weight? There seems to be a concencus about the Bulldog that folks either love them or hate them and there is also a debate about new Bulldogs being inferior to the old ones - any opinions?

 

[MCgunner]

I've owned a .38 undercover. I own three Taurus revolver. I'd go with the Taurus, high quality and lifetime warranty. I'd check it out for timing, cylinder play and such, but really, I've not had a problem with mine despite those that complain, many who've never even picked up a Taurus. I simply wasn't impressed with the Charter and got a Rossi M88 at the time which was a better gun, at least was timed right. That Charter out of the box had issues and it wasn't terribly accurate. I haven't kept up with 'em, in and out of business, some years better than others. I just know I wasn't too thrilled with mine bought in the 80s. That's when I figured out I'd better check out anything I bought, new or used. I ordered that Charter.

I suppose if you found a good bulldog that was tight, timed right out of the box, it'd be a good shooter, but I'd stick with low pressure ammo in it for sure, not try to perk 'em up at all. The Taurus will be the stronger gun for sure.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

I'd vote the Charter Arms

over the Taurus.

I have an old Taurus m66 that has done very well for me but I've read a lot of posts recently about troubles with Taurus revolvers.

I also once owned a m85 that went out of time - Taurus was very good about fixing it but it still bugged me for it to have troubles.

I've examined the Charter Arms revolvers and they remind me of Rugers - over-engineered, which is good.

Also, recently read an article about the 44 Bulldog and it was very positive. I think it was in Handgun magazine - purchased at the airport and given to a fellow gun nut on my retrun flight after reading it all.

Oh, and I'd recommend looking around at the wholesalers for the best price - Southern Ohio Gun sells them - the Bulldogs go for $289.95 for the stainless and $259.95 for the blued. With overnight shipping and transfer fee of $25, you'd be at $330.

 

[Zundfolge]

The .44 Bulldog is a .44special and the Taurus a .44mag right?

If thats the case, I say Taurus (even if all you want to shoot is .44spec)

 

[O.S.O.K.]

yes Tracker is 44 Mag

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=TS2

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Bulldog.html

Different class of revolvers really - not apples and apples, so a lot of this depends on intended use IMHO. BTW, the tracker 44 is actually a 4" barreled revolver and weighs 34 ounces to the Bulldog's 22 ounces.

If concealed carry is involved, the Bulldog is a better choice, IMHO.

 

[Zundfolge]

BTW, the tracker 44 is actually a 4" barreled revolver and weighs 34 ounces to the Bulldog's 22 ounces.

the Taurus 444MULTI-2 is a 2-1/4" .44mag and is more in line with the Bulldog. However its also an ultralight revolver (titanium alloy) that weighs only 27.3 oz ... so I'm thinking it'll be painful with full power .44mag loads.

Also, its built on a Raging Bull frame, not a Tracker (which is a smaller frame than the Raging Bull)

 

[TonyB]

I'm buying a bulldog from a shooting buddy in the next few weeks.I shot it for the first time over the week end..I found it really accurate and well built.The recoil was controlled because of the rubber grips.I shot the 200gr gold dots.I was at SD distances(7 to 10 yards)and slow deliberate fire on paprer plates were all in the middle(didn't really measure.)I dropped it in my pocket and aside from the grips being too long,it could be a pocket gun.On the heavy side but doable.
One concern I would have would be accessories and holsters,but the CA web site has some stuff.
of course I like Taurus's too......I say if they pass the revolver check out,either wouldn't be a bad choice.

 

[MCgunner]

the Taurus 444MULTI-2 is a 2-1/4" .44mag and is more in line with the Bulldog. However its also an ultralight revolver (titanium alloy) that weighs only 27.3 oz ... so I'm thinking it'll be painful with full power .44mag loads.

Great intuition, I'd say. LOL! Just the description sounds painful.

 

[Slamfire]

The Bulldog is a 20 ounce self defense weapon. And that is all it is. It is not a mini magnum.

Mine is a 3" barreled version from the 80's. Kicks hard with standard ammo. Real surprising after shooting 44 Spls in Redhawks, to find out in a 20 ounce gun a 44 Spl kicks hard.

If you want something with more punch than a 38 Snub nose, than the 44 Special Bulldog is for you. If you want something to tackle Grizzly bears or Moose, it is not for you.

I sure as heck would not want to shoot a 27.3 ounce 44 Magnum. Not twice.