C.A Bulldog trouble

[joneb]

I recently bought a new CA Bulldog 2.5" barrel made in Shelton, it was out time and it was very inaccurate with a variety of factory ammo and reloads.
I cleaned the bore before I shot it and it was badly leaded. The bore looked poorly machined, it was very rough and had a washboard appearance. The bore diameter was .422" and the groove diameter was .4305",
I sent it back, I hope they have the ability to correct these issues. I really want to like this gun it is a small and light platform for the 44 spl.

Update,
After a month I picked up the gun today from the LGS, Charter Arms shot 5 lead loads through it at a target from 25' the group measured 3" they did nothing to the gun but shoot it and lead the barrel

My LGS owner told me if I wasn't happy he will make it right

Charter Arms is garbage in my opinion and I'm done with them.

My Taurus 431 w/a 2.5" barrel shoots a 2.25" group at 15yds, and the S&W 696 shoots a 1.5" at 15 yds.

 

[Panzerschwein]

That's odd.

The bore on my 2014 Bulldog was rough, but far from bad. I noticed no leading issues. The gun did have to go back twice to the factory, but the repairs were lightning fast and totally free. It's a shame Charter couldn't fix your issue. I sold my Bulldog, just a little too big for carry and not really meant for heavy range use, so it went "bye bye!" as I don't have a use for a gun like that.

But there was a part of me that really liked the gun, and I still kind of do. I don't think they're bad guns if you can conceal them well. I'm fairly short and skinny so it's not very easy for my frame, but there are bigger dudes out there who don't shoot much but like packing the lightweight .44 Bulldogs, and for that purpose, they are good guns.

 

[joneb]

Cooldill,
I'm really bummed because I like the gun format, but CA dropped the ball on this one

 

[Hondo 60]

joneb - sorry to hear they didn't "fix it".

Whie reading your post, my first thought was that it was "new - old stock" when you bought it.
The Ecker's (current owners), in my estimation revived Charter.

I bought a .38 Spl in 2009.
It was in sad shape even though it was new. Barrel/cylinder gap was excessive & the target spread was about 4-5 inches at 10 yards.
The first repair looked like it was done by a 5yr old.
Thy replaced the barrel (it came back looking crooked), the crane was ground down, lookin like a 5 yr old did it.

FF 3 years, I sent it back cuz the ejector rod was bent.
Not only did they replace the ejector rod, but they replaced the barrel (again) & they replaced the crane too - on their dime.
I had it back in less than 2 weeks & they paid the return shipping..

Now it's one of my most accurate handguns - out of a collection of 15
including 3 S&Ws, a Colt, 4 Rugers, etc.

All I can say is, I'm very happy with my Charter Arms revolver.
Maybe you need to send it back again.

Good Luck.
Just my 2 ¢ worth.

 

[joneb]

Thanks Hondo, I will give it some thought. I'm just tired of dinking around, but I really like the format dang.

 

[weblance]

Thats an odd result from Charter. They are much better than that. I would CALL them, and ask for Nick Ecker to call you. He is the president, owner, and CEO of Charter. He WILL call you back. He has called me several times, and is pleasant to deal with. Im sure he doesn't want you to be unsatisfied, and will resolve your issues, or provide you a refund. Charter has been known to issue refunds from the factory.

 

[Tallball]

My newish Bulldog has been great. I hope they make yours right. It is a nice format.

 

[Panzerschwein]

A nice format, that would be even nicer if Ruger or S&W made it.

S&W really need to make a 5-shot .44 special on the K-frame platform. It should be possible. Give it fixed sight, a round butt, and a 3" bbl.

 

[Monster Zero]

A nice format, that would be even nicer if Ruger or S&W made it.

S&W really need to make a 5-shot .44 special on the K-frame platform. It should be possible. Give it fixed sight, a round butt, and a 3" bbl.

Yeah.

 

[joneb]

S&W really need to make a 5-shot .44 special on the K-frame platform. It should be possible

Rossi did it with their Model 720.
I gave up on the Bulldog, and got a Springfield XDS 9mm. I shot it this evening and I really like it.
The LGS owner was kind enough to give me full credit on the CA Bulldog

 

[Panzerschwein]

Rossi did it with their Model 720.
I gave up on the Bulldog, and got a Springfield XDS 9mm. I shot it this evening and I really like it.
The LGS owner was kind enough to give me full credit on the CA Bulldog

That was good of them. You won't miss the bulldog. They are neat, but like I said they aren't really made for any serious range use. They just don't hold up, and from what I've seen and experienced personally I see more Charter Arms guns going back to the factory than any other revolver I know of.

I'll stick to my S&Ws and Rugers.

 

[joneb]

I'll stick to my S&Ws and Rugers.

Same here, I have a S&W 696 nd and a Ruger Security Six SS 2.75" that I'm very happy with

 

[Drail]

If you own a S&W 696 you is a lucky man. I own one too. Anything in .44 Spl. is not popular with the gun manufacturers or the ammo manufacturers. They are convinced that the majority of the market wants 9mm and .40 pocket pistols made out of plastic. And they're right. The 696 was one of S&W's better ideas and one of their last great revolvers before they changed the design, but I think what killed it was the fact that enthusiastic handloaders couldn't resist abusing the thin forcing cone with heavy duty loads. It was never designed to handle those loads. Neither is the Charter. You might get away with it for a while.......

 

[MICHAEL T]

Shelton, Connecticut is the old 2000 Charter

I don't think they will work on those. Of all the different C A owners These are considered the worst from what I ve read.

Mine is from original C A in Stratford, Connecticut. I carry it often

 

[Captain O]

I too have a Stratford Charter Arms Bulldog

It was manufactured in 1991, and I wouldn't give it up for anything! I had to draw it in anger on an intruder on a work site. I nearly shot a man that pulled a machete on me. (I was working as a Security Officer).

I still have the piece to this day, and it still shoots very well.

If you purchase one of the new "Classic" Bulldogs with a 3" barrel, you'll get a lifetime of service.

Trust me on this one.

 

[Panzerschwein]

UGGGGHHHHHH YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!!!!

I've thought about getting one of the new classic Bulldogs with the original 3" tapered barrel. I just might keep it around, as I did like it, for backup defense. Just as something for the collection most of the time though.

They are undeniably nifty little guns.

 

[ROAshooter]

CA have a reputation for low quality...short service life...that alone will keep many from owning CA products...

my self included...simply do NOT trust ....

 

[Captain O]

I wouldn't trade my Bulldog at all.

My Bulldog has yet to fail me. Mine happens to be made of stainless steel and is absolutely perfect. The new "Classic" is as nice as the original.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

My Bulldog has yet to fail me. Mine happens to be made of stainless steel and is absolutely perfect. The new "Classic' is as nice as the original.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

Too bad I can only find the "50th Anniversary" ones with the ridiculous and ugly golden doggy engraving on the side!

 

[rodinal220]

Michael T: "Shelton, Connecticut is the old 2000 Charter

I don't think they will work on those. Of all the different C A owners These are considered the worst from what I ve read.

Mine is from original C A in Stratford, Connecticut. I carry it often"


This is incorrect.Charter Arms is still manufacturing in Shelton,has been for 16 years.It depends on who management was. Charco/Charter 2000 was not 100% controlled by the Ecker family.


The early Charters(1964/5-66 ) were not marked with location,just said Charter Arms.

Next they were marked Bridgeport,Conn( post 1966-1974)

Charter then moved to Stratford,Conn(1974-1988).Gun marked Stratford,Conn

Charco was from about 1988-1998. Ansonia,Connecticut

Charter 2000 was from 2000-2007.Shelton, Connecticut

Quality control suffered the most(Charco,Charter 2000) during this period.

Charter became Charter Arms again in 2007.Nick Ecker is the sole owner.Still manufactured in Shelton,Conn.

During the various moves i'm sure there is some overlap in how parts were marked.

If its a Charter product they will work on it.

I mostly own vintage Charters,they work 100% and are accurate. I have one new made Charter Bulldog and it has been great,smooth trigger and accurate.

Does Charter put out some stinkers,i'm sure it happens.

The Bulldog got a bad rap after folks in 1970/80s ran Skeeter Skelton 44spl loads thru them,they beat the guns to death.

The Bulldog should be fed standard pressure 44 spl loads.

 

[Ibmikey]

Charter 2000 was the distributor for Chaparral back when they were afloat, my new rifle failed to chamber even the first round so proofin was suspect. Sent it back on my dime they replaced the bolt, rails and barrel. Also told me "forget about future repairs" and dropped Chaparral. Rifle shoots just fine some five years and a few thousand rounds later.
My Bulldog of the same vintage hs devoured a few hundred rounds of light reloads without incident until a friend had to have it for his CC weapon and I doubt it has been shot since.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Had these two CA's for years...Pathfinder .22 lr and Undercover .38 spl. Never any problems with these two.





Had this new production Bulldog .44 about nine weeks now. No troubles thus far except the front sight was a little high. Filed it down a slight amount. I wouldn't have done that to a S&W but didn't mind doing so the the Dog. All else has been fine with it. Hope it hangs in there with no issues.

 

[Captain O]

Call Nick Ecker, ask for a shipping number, He'll take care of the problem. If you want it repaired/replaced do it. If not, sell it and be done with it.

If you do as I suggest, you'll be satisfied on his dime. If not, you can keep complaining and accomplish nothing. I think that you're smarter than this. Do the smart thing and call Nick. Get it done and be happy.

It's your choice.

 

[mnrivrat]

Captain O ,

I think the OP gave up on the CA.

Mention of the Rossi forces me to post a picture. The two top guns are Model 720's in .44 Special. The bottom is a Model 971 Rossi compensated ..357 mag.

I'm very pleased with them, and realy like the .44 Spl M720's.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Anybody know where I can find a classic (new production) bulldog?

All I can find are the 50th anniversary "bling dawgy" edition.