First Gen CA Bulldog .44 vs Current CA Bulldog .44 offerings

[GaryP]

How do the Current Charter Arms Bulldog .44 offerings compare (Quality, Reliability, durability) with the late 1970's / early 1980's 1st Gen models prior to Charco?

Charter is offering a 3" Bulldog .44 this year. CA has not offered a 3" model Bulldog .44 in many years. I am thinking about adding another 3" to join my 1979 model but not sure of the New Charter.

 

[JERRY]

C.A. bulldogs seems to be hit or miss from any era they were/are made.

 

[the Black Spot]

I have an older model. So far holding up well. I asked a longtime gun store owner which is better, Taurus or charter arms. He said Taurus. I said Taurus vs. Older charter arms(Bridgeport model), he said older charter. Don't know if that helps.

 

[lowercase]

I have a new Mag Pug that has been holding up well with a mixed diet of .357 and .38 special.

I would love to have an older generation Bulldog, but am currently looking to purchase a new Bulldog. The new one has a shrouded ejector rod, shorter barrel, and is stainless (even the so-called "blued" ones are stainless). For me, this adds up to a gun that is slightly more concealable has a more durable finish.

The current generation Bulldog will be my next handgun purchase.

Here's my Mag Pug. Carries great.

 

[snooperman]

I have the older model , blued with 3" barrel made in 1980 with wood grips. It has held up well, despite all the shooting I have done with it. It was my carry gun around the farm for years until I bought the Colt magnum carry in 2000, which I like much better. I do not have any experience with the new ones nor have I heard anything wrong them either. They have a very good customer service dept .

 

[Gordon]

I have a 70s Bulldog .44 3" that is still in great shape after a few hundred rounds and 30 years zipped inside packs and inside pants holster around camps
From looking at the new ones I'll keep my original one

 

[lowercase]

I can't believe that with all of this discussion of the older Charter Bulldogs, we don't have any pictures of them.

Come on, people. Gun porn is needed here.

 

[coop2564]

I have a new model and its just great. Can speak to the older models. But neither was designed to be shot a whole lot at 20oz you nor the gun will be able to take it. Shoot a little carry a lot is the battle cry for the Bulldogs!

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I've far from babied mine since the 80's and it's still very tight, accurate and completely reliable. Generally, when I pick up a newer one they seem at least as well made and often better looking. This Bulldog has become one of my "never let it go" guns which really surprises me considering what I thought about it when I first backed into it in a trade for auto parts.

 

[Gordon]

That one has a shroud! My old school Bulldog is one of only 2 guns of the many I own that has Pachmayr Compacts on it . The other being a parkerized Agent.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

That one has a shroud! My old school Bulldog is one of only 2 guns of the many I own that has Pachmayr Compacts on it . The other being a parkerized Agent.

Yeah, that shroud is hell-for-strong for being an aluminum slip over. Light weight like you read about but be ready for some flip and a bit of twist!

And man o man, do I love my Pachys..

 

[JohnnyCremains]

I never leave home without mine. This one was probably made in the 70s or 80s. Someone had hacked it down a bit. I bought it for $175 probably 12 years ago.

 

[Pointshoot]

JohnyCremains - - - they made older 2 1/2" bull barrel Bulldogs. Yours looks like ones I've seen.

I have old and new Bulldog guns. I like them both. Theyre not target or range guns. I got them because I like the idea of a compact, big bore revolver for concealed carry.

I wouldnt have worries about getting a new manufactured one. If you want, get some extra peace of mind and order it from Davidson's. They have a lifetime guarantee, so if you combine that with the manufacturer warranty youre covered. Check it out thoroughly before you finish the paperwork and that will catch many problems before they become your problem.

Use appropriate loads (not too hot & heavy) in it, and it'll take care of the self defense function effectively. As one fellow said on this (or maybe some other) forum . . . . A Bulldog is like a Harley. Just make sure screws are tightened after you use it.

 

[rodinal220]

Since all this talk lately on CA Bulldogs I found a new manufacture Bulldog Pug in SS DA/SA with the hard rubber factory grips.The price was too good to pass up.
The gun has a nice even frosted/satin finish on the stainless.I like the wide deep rear trench sight and the fat ramped front sight(no serrations,smooth).The action was a bit stiff and not smooth at first.After cleaning and oiling and several hundred dry firings the action settled in and smoothed out.

Very nice crisp SA and the DA was quite usable,not as good as a nice S&W,but pretty good.The trigger is smooth and no serrations(I prefer this).The gun overall was void of any major sharp edges.The alloy trigger guard/grip frame was the only part that wasn't cosmetically "perfect".You could see the casting line down the center of it.CA polished most of it out,but its still there.No biggy,its a working carry gun,not a Holland&Holland.

I liked the feel in my hand and liked the light weight of this big bore revo.I have shot them before and did not find the recoil objectionable.keep the 44 a special and don't try to turn it into magnum.

I have not taken it out to live fire but if this one is as accurate the last few CA Bulldogs I shot,I will be a happy camper.