New Bulldog

[lowercase]

The "Who carries a .44 Special" thread finally pushed me off the fence to go and grab a Charter Arms Bulldog.

It is a new model with a 2.5 inch barrel and is stainless.

I took it immediately to the range to test it out. The gun worked just fine, and shot to point of aim (maybe a little low) with 200-grain bullets. I REALLY like the .44 special hollow points. Those things are the proverbial "flying ashtrays". The trigger on this gun was surprisingly decent.

I got the Charter because for size/weight to power ratio is awesome. The gun is light and carries great.

While at the range, I switched out the stock grips for some Pachmayr Compac grips that I had bought for my Mag Pug. They are a big improvement in both look and feel over the stock rubber.

Here is a picture of the gun still dirty from the range.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nice revolver.

I like Charter Arms handguns especially now that the Ecker family is back at Charter. Their QC is back where it should be and they are coming out with a lot of new products. (I'm thinking about getting a 6 shot Police Undercover) I think it's the only J frame size 6 shot snub nose .38 Special revolver in production today and is much like the Colt Detective Special in size.

It's unfortunate Charter Arms went through a few very poor incarnations that soiled it's reputation. (especially Charter Arms 2000)

 

[JERRY]

one day im gonna try a third bulldog .44spl and maybe it will a good one. the two i had were junk...but i still want one because the concept is great, but their (charter arms) execusion was lacking with the two i had a while back.

 

[lowercase]

I like Charter Arms handguns especially now that the Ecker family is back at Charter. Their QC is back where it should be and they are coming out with a lot of new products. (I'm thinking about getting a 6 shot Police Undercover) I think it's the only J frame size 6 shot snub nose .38 Special revolver in production today and is much like the Colt Detective Special in size.

The Police Undercover was high on my list. I have a Mag Pug in .357, but I don't like the ported barrel because with .357s, it spits burning powder back at my face. With .38s, it isn't a problem, but that just makes it a 5-round .38, and i already have 2 Charter Undercovers and 4 S&W J-Frame snubbies.

If you get a Police Undercover, please give it a write up here. Reviews on that gun are sorely lacking.

 

[lowercase]

one day im gonna try a third bulldog .44spl and maybe it will a good one. the two i had were junk...but i still want one because the concept is great, but their (charter arms) execusion was lacking with the two i had a while back.

I know these things can be hit or miss. I took a chance because this gun fills a need for me. I wanted a light (but not punishing like a titanium .357 J-frame) revolver with BIG bullets that I can carry all the time.

 

[josephbw]

I bought a Bulldog last year and I really like it too. Last week I took out a rabid raccoon with it. I've worked up several new loads for it, but I haven't had the opportunity to test them out yet. But every time the tractor leaves the barn, I have it on my side.

 

[bannockburn]

lowercase

Looks promising and I also like the idea of smaller J frame size .44 Special. Please keep us posted from time to time with any updates you have on it.

 

[lowercase]

Since this is the revolver forum, I thought I'd add a pic to the thread.

Here are my Charter revolvers. Two are 1st generation Undercover .38s, one is my .357 Mag Pug, and of course, one is my Bulldog. Note that the Bulldog has a longer barrel at 2.5" than the Mag Pug at 2.2".

I have a way more S&Ws, but have managed to acquire a decent little group of Charter Arms revolvers.

 

[snooperman]

ArchAngelCD, The Taurus 856 is in stainless steel and is also a 6 shot snubby. Length- 6.5" and weighs 22 oz. The Police undercover is 7.25" long and weighs about the same.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

ArchAngelCD, The Taurus 856 is in stainless steel and is also a 6 shot snubby. Length- 6.5" and weighs 22 oz. The Police undercover is 7.25" long and weighs about the same.

Charter Arms = USA, Taurus = Brazil... I like American goods but thank you for telling me about the 856, I didn't know Taurus had a 6 shot J frame size .38 Special.

 

[Walkalong]

I traded for my Bulldog many years ago. I put some Pachmayr Compact grips on mine as well. It has put down many snakes using rat shot, and a couple of raccoons and possums using 240 gr LSWC's. It has a very good trigger, both in SA & DA, and is very accurate. (I head shot a goose with it once) It was my main carry pistol in the woods when we were going to be in the swamps and creeks. I kept two rat shot and three 240 Gr SWC's in it. I used a 1911 when we were not going to be in the water.

 

[the Black Spot]

Walkalong, with the exception of pachmayr presentation grips, that's my bulldog as well. I do have the pachmayr compacts, but the presentations bring the sights right on for me.

 

[Remllez]

Jerry,

I'm curious, if the 2 Bulldogs you owned were bought new, or did you buy them used? What was junk about them?
Were they Ecker family guns or Charco or Charter Arms 2000?

 

[monet61]

I carried one of the old Charter Arms .44 specials for 16 years as a BUG. I never had a moments trouble with it. My only regret is that I traded it off for some gun I can't even remember now. I don't know about the new one's, but the old ones were great.

 

[JERRY]

My guns were bought new in the late 80s. Who ran the company then is not known to me.

Both guns displayed a lot of cylinder play. As in side to side rotation.

The cylinder stop (thin) wore down enough that i could manually rotate the cylinder against it (the opposite way). The timing went out after about 200 rounds...sent back to company and it came back with a note saying test fired, all ok.

If i cocked the hammer for single action fire the cylinder would lock in place but not always do it in dbl action....their charm wore off quick with me.

 

[coop2564]

Congrats I love mine!

 

[JERRY]

my guns looked like Walkalong's, and i loved them for their looks and concept. mine however failed either by design or execusion.

 

[Owen Sparks]

I have one in my jacket pocket right now as I am about to head to Krogers.

 

[BYJO4]

Glad you like it.

 

[RinkRat]

I've been liking mine for 33yrs.....

Nice buy !! I'm sure you'll be happy with it too

The rubber grips do make it easier on your paws

I know you're wanting to see a picture of my old-dog and I'd post a photo but I don't know how :banghead:

 

[Owen Sparks]

I bought my first Bulldog 33 years ago. I have owned half a dozen since then.