Bulldog .44, 40 years in the making

vanfunk said:

For a little over 40 years, I’ve harbored a secret affection for the 3” Charter Arms Bulldog. I remember reading the gun rag articles about it in the early ‘80’s and its numerous reputations - its infamy in the Son of Sam murders, its hit or miss quality, guns shooting themselves loose or exploding, crunchy triggers, etc. Oh, and they killed at both ends. Notwithstanding the generally negative press, what’s undeniably appealing is the idea of a lightweight, almost pocketable big bore revolver.

Well, I decided that now was the time to get one. I’d been eyeing the “classic” model in the display case at my LGS for two months and came to that “what the Hell, who cares?” moment and I laid my credit card down.

What did I buy, exactly? It’s certainly a lightweight big bore snubby! Apparently it weighs 20-21 oz unloaded but it actually feels lighter. It’s actually quite nicely finished, with a glossy anodized frame, matte finished cylinder, and matte anodized aluminum trigger guard and cylinder release. The big “BULLDOG” laser-script on the side of the barrel is a bit overdone, but go big or go home, I guess. The grips are featureless wood with a dark stain, but they fit the frame well. I’d prefer more of a palm swell so I’ll see what’s out there.

The lockup is actually super tight, Colt-like, actually. The sights are state of the art, 1973. The hammer is tastefully color-case hardened and attractive. The DA pull is heavy but actually decently smooth. Hardly a Smith or a Colt, but perfectly fine at this price point. The SA is about 6.5-7lbs but surprisingly crisp, with a little overtravel. Not a target gun, but c’mon. There is some weird white residue where the barrel mates with the frame; it looks kinda like it was Elmer’s glued on and the excess wasn’t wiped away. No idea what that is.

So what is it, exactly? It’s the Bulldog I’ve always wanted. It’s EXACTLY what I wanted. I’m happy. And I’ll be even happier if it shoots to point of aim out to 15 yards. Really happy then. And I’ll carry it in my coat pocket on cold mornings out in the woods with the dogs, loaded with 240 grain LSWCs at precisely 755 fps. And I’ll feel good about it. View attachment 1194534View attachment 1194535View attachment 1194536

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CajunBass said:

Darn. Now you got me wanting another one. I remember the flutter when they came out years ago. All the gun rags were gushing over them and the return of the 44 Special.

I'll probably go by the gun store sometime today. You watch. It never fails. I think about something, and a nice one will magically appear right front and center of the used revolver case.

You don't suppose they read these forums do you? Naw...couldn't happen....

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CajunBass said:

Well it DID happen. Took a little longer than I thought it would, but one turned up, right front and center of the used revolver case. Right where I couldn't miss it a couple of days ago. Price wasn't bad either. And darn it, wouldn't you know I already load 44 Special to use in my Smith and Wesson Model 29-10.

I was able to "Put this back before I get attached to it." and left it there. I'll probably go back by there this morning. I'm sure SOMEONE else has come along and taken it home with them so I don't have to worry about it anymore. I mean I just bought a 327 because I wanted something with lighter recoil than a 642 with P+ 38's. How dumb would I have to be to buy something with MORE recoil. (I will not ask that question where my wife can here it. She'll give me the same answer she gets if she asks, "Do these pants make me look fat?")

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Buckeye63 said:

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vanfunk said:

Nice! I’d buy one like that if I saw one in the flesh. I certainly like mine enough to get another at street prices. I dropped mine off at the local gunsmith’s to have the barrel tightened just a skosh to better align the front sight with POI.

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natman said:

Very nice gun. My first Bulldog was a stainless 3", which soon lead to a stainless 2" with bobbed hammer and a 4" Target Bulldog.

I'd warn you about not shooting hot 44 Special loads in it, but the first time you shoot it with standard loads you'll find the recoil entirely adequate and lose any desire for anything hotter.

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vanfunk said:

Nice ‘Dogs, guys! I just loaded up a bunch more 200 grain Rim Rock wadcutters and their 185 grain lead hollowpoints for mine. My gunsmith is tightening the barrel on mine to move the POI over a smidge. It wasn’t a big deal at 5-10 yards but it was off 4-5” inches at 25. Outside it’s design parameters, I know, but it’s a good gun and I want it to shoot right where I am aiming it. I put a dab of day-glow green paint on the front sight too. I am thinking about getting the front post milled for an Ashley Big Dot but not sure I am going to go that far; I really like its retro 70’s look. Makes me want to grow a mustache and let my sideburns run wild again.

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vanfunk said:

For a little over 40 years, I’ve harbored a secret affection for the 3” Charter Arms Bulldog. I remember reading the gun rag articles about it in the early ‘80’s and its numerous reputations - its infamy in the Son of Sam murders, its hit or miss quality, guns shooting themselves loose or exploding, crunchy triggers, etc. Oh, and they killed at both ends. Notwithstanding the generally negative press, what’s undeniably appealing is the idea of a lightweight, almost pocketable big bore revolver.

Well, I decided that now was the time to get one. I’d been eyeing the “classic” model in the display case at my LGS for two months and came to that “what the Hell, who cares?” moment and I laid my credit card down.

What did I buy, exactly? It’s certainly a lightweight big bore snubby! Apparently it weighs 20-21 oz unloaded but it actually feels lighter. It’s actually quite nicely finished, with a glossy anodized frame, matte finished cylinder, and matte anodized aluminum trigger guard and cylinder release. The big “BULLDOG” laser-script on the side of the barrel is a bit overdone, but go big or go home, I guess. The grips are featureless wood with a dark stain, but they fit the frame well. I’d prefer more of a palm swell so I’ll see what’s out there.

The lockup is actually super tight, Colt-like, actually. The sights are state of the art, 1973. The hammer is tastefully color-case hardened and attractive. The DA pull is heavy but actually decently smooth. Hardly a Smith or a Colt, but perfectly fine at this price point. The SA is about 6.5-7lbs but surprisingly crisp, with a little overtravel. Not a target gun, but c’mon. There is some weird white residue where the barrel mates with the frame; it looks kinda like it was Elmer’s glued on and the excess wasn’t wiped away. No idea what that is.

So what is it, exactly? It’s the Bulldog I’ve always wanted. It’s EXACTLY what I wanted. I’m happy. And I’ll be even happier if it shoots to point of aim out to 15 yards. Really happy then. And I’ll carry it in my coat pocket on cold mornings out in the woods with the dogs, loaded with 240 grain LSWCs at precisely 755 fps. And I’ll feel good about it. View attachment 1194534View attachment 1194535View attachment 1194536

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262madmike said:

My partner had a Bulldog in 1980.It was Magnaported and had possibly a 2 inch barrel.Ive never seen one since.

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