Yes, I have a pair of the new 2½" Bulldogs (purchased Summer'14). I also ordered a DA Hammer and installed it on one. I still have not made up my mind on the DA Hammer.I am considering adding the CA .44 special to my rotation. Does anyone have experience with the Bulldog .44? ...
I was originally going to buy the Bulldog in 44 special but decided on the Pit Bull in 45 ACP instead . Ballistics are very similar . Availability of ammunition is what influenced my decision.
I like mine, but I'm not totally happy with it. Most annoyingly, it tends to unscrew its barrel, and then it's a trip to a gunsmith to screw it back. Charter could at least pin it in place. Also, the crane has no lock, so it's asking for trouble if you ever put it down on its right side. Finally, the cylinder is huge - noticeably larger than on its .44 SPL sibling. Oh, and also, mine required shimming. In their infinite wisdom, Charter machined the hammer and the frame to the exactly same thickness, so if all screws are tightened, the side plates jam the hammer solid. Otherwise it's a nice enough gun and I enjoy loading it from 1911 magazines as if they were speed strips.I also purchased the Pitbull in .45acp. It is a real piece of work. No moon clips needed, very well made, tight and has an excellent trigger pull.
Yes, I have a pair of the new 2½" Bulldogs (purchased Summer'14). I also ordered a DA Hammer and installed it on one. I still have not made up my mind on the DA Hammer.
I have developed loads with BE-86 and Trailboss for carry. I especially like the 200gr GoldDots and the 250gr pb HPs from Matt's.
I load them nowhere near the speeds shown in forrest r's post, staying closer to 800fps with everything.
BTW, when I chronyed the factory ammo that I had on-hand (PMC 180gr HP and Blazer 200gr GD) they clocked 768fps & 778fps, respectively.
EDIT:
Here is a pic of one of my Bulldogs beside the 3" 629 that I bought in Feb'89:
I carry a bulldog occasionally. Its the 3 inch tapered barrel, I think they call it the classic model. It is light and easy to conceal. I put crimson trace grips on it which also help with recoil over the stock grips. The double action trigger pull isn't bad. In single action the trigger is very light, nice for target shooting, to light for a carry gun IMO. A friend has a bulldog with an equally light trigger,don't know if they are all that light. I bought a box of 180 grain loads with the gun mainly for the brass. They shot about 18 inches low at 15 yards (fixed sights)
I loaded some 240 grain and they shoot right on. Going by memory I think I have used No. 5 , VV N340 and Win 231.
Bulldogs are nice guns for the price but well below Ruger or S&W in quality.