charter arms bulldog question

[megatronrules]

I just bought a charter arms bulldog 44 in the matte stainless finish And have a couple of questions about this gun. First off it seems really well made trigger is more than useful for its purpose. All cylinders lock up tight and I'm impressed overall with this gun. This is a brand new gun current production made in 2013.

My first question is should I use blue locktite on the screws? I've done some searching on here and it seems over time the screws could loosen. Is this something unique to charter arms or revolvers/screws on guns in general? I'm not new to guns just charter arms although I owned a 60's era undercover that was a nice little .38 that never gave me problem and that gun was shot a lot.

As far as ammo I plan on using some 200gr gold dots for self defense and magtech cowboy loads for practice. I plan to shoot it enough to be proficient and carry it more than its shot. Also can some recommend a pocket holster for this gun? Thanks for any help and anything you guys can add about this weapon would be great thanks.

 

[farm23]

Keep us up to date on how it shoots. I carry in a Simply Rugged holster but there are so many good makers to choose from.

 

[rodinal220]

I also have a newer Charter Bulldog SS and it has a really decent trigger on it. It is accurate and reliable. Shoot it first and then put blue locktite on anything that tends to back out and that should take care of it.

 

[moxie]

First, using good gunsmith type screwdrivers, check all screws are tight. Go fire 25 rounds or so. Check if any screws have loosened. If so, use a tiny drop of blue Loctite. Check after every range session. I've got one built in 1988. I think I've only had to Loctite one screw.

Agree the 200 Gold dots are great for SD.

I've got a Bob Mika pocket holster for mine, and it's great, but the bulldog is really just too big for pants pocket carry. A big coat pocket is OK.

 

[megatronrules]

Thanks for the replies so far. I was just curious about the screws. Mine seems like a well made gun and it seems lightweight for its size. I probably won't get to shoot it until the weekend. I'll report back here with my findings.

 

[Sunray]

The boss at the shop I worked in long ago, kept an original 19 oz., CA Bull Dog under the cash. He had tried a 265 grain, as I recall, load that split the factory wood grips. Fixed it with epoxy and putty(some people wonder why I think so far out of the box. Training. snicker.). Anyway, loose screws are likely the last thing you need to worry about. Lock-tite wouldn't hurt anything, but doubt you really need it.

 

[GBExpat]

I was just curious about the screws.

Keep an eye on them and if one or more start to loosen, Loctite'em.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I like those new Charter bulldogs, more power than a .38 or .357 snub and less bark. Can't ask for more than that!

I've heard Charter has really straightened up lately and are churning out some hot revolvers. I'd love to get one for a good price soon some day.

 

[megatronrules]

Cooldill I have yo say I'm impressed with the quality of my bulldog even though I haven't shot her yet. Seems like a really well made gun.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Had the odd screw loosen once, once.

I took the entire revolver apart, cleaned the bejeepers outa it and reassembled with only minimal protection amounts of oil then heavy lubed the moving parts.

Never came loose again. I got into it because of function issues and found a couple loose screws having nothing to do with the failures.

That was back like... 1985?

No loctite, velcro, yak-snot... anything and just had it out today to test fit a pair of grips and happened to check things again (weird coincidence, that) and all's well that's assembled well.

 

[foxtail207]

Hey guys, I also just got a new CA Bulldog .44, on Saturday afternoon. I'm also pretty impressed so far, even without firing it yet. I got the #14420 black model. I was surprised that it is so light and really pretty small. It's not much bigger than my Taurus model 85 .38sp (but the 85 weighs more) and actually fits in its holster pretty well - but not well enough to carry in it. I did have to clean the Bulldog up before I could even put cartridges in the cylinders. They all had grit in them, so QC was not too great before packaging, but a good cleaning fixed that. Other than that, everything else looks great. I'm planning on shooting it this week ASAP and seeing if I may need a new set of beefier Pachmayr grips. The OEM grips look fine but seem to be a little skinny for what I'm used to. I doubt I'll use a speed loader, so some oversized grips may be what I need. I have them on my other revolvers in .38 and .357, and I like the feel.

 

[megatronrules]

I forgot to ask in my original post but has anyone here polished the matte stainless bulldog?

 

[lowercase]

I forgot to ask in my original post but has anyone here polished the matte stainless bulldog?

I polished mine up a little, on the cylinder and barrel. I used Flitz polish and changed them from the matte finish to more of a satin. I like the looks of it better. It gave the barrel and cylinder a little bit of contrast to the frame, much like the standard finish on my 642.

*Forgot to add that the only screw issue I've had with the gun has been the screw just under the ejector latch in the pics has been loose a couple of times after shooting. I haven't gotten around to using Loctite yet. I've just used a gunsmith screwdriver and tightened it up. It is the screw that holds the hammer in the frame.

 

[megatronrules]

Lowercase thanks also do you think mothers brand polish and a polishing cloth would work as well? I used that on my 640-1 however that gun is a polished stainless and not a matte stainless.

 

[HexHead]

Ruger SP-101 or Colt Detective Special holsters fit just fine. I carry mine in either a Galco Fletch or a Galco IWB with a J-hook.

 

[Monster Zero]

Small of the back (SOB) holster?

They seem not as in vogue as they used to be but I'm thinking of one when I finally get around to getting a bulldog.