CA Bulldog 44 spl.
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megatronrules
Member
Hi I just bought an older bulldog. They are good guns. It sounds like it a first generation charter arms. This means the barrel will be marked "charter arms Corp. Stratford,CT" or bridgeport may be listed on the barrel as well.
There is a revolver check out list sticky at the top of this forum,it a good guide for checking out a used revolver. The older charter arms are well made guns. Avoid it if it's marked "charco" or "charter 2000" those were made when the company changed hands and had a lot of quality control problems. The guns from this time are also what gave charter a bad name. More info would help as far as price in concerned. Keep us post hope I helped you out some.
There is a revolver check out list sticky at the top of this forum,it a good guide for checking out a used revolver. The older charter arms are well made guns. Avoid it if it's marked "charco" or "charter 2000" those were made when the company changed hands and had a lot of quality control problems. The guns from this time are also what gave charter a bad name. More info would help as far as price in concerned. Keep us post hope I helped you out some.
Panzerschwein
member
The Charter Bulldog is just such a great revolver. I find it a little big for summer CCW, at least for my frame, but I can't wait for winter when I can hide this gun nicely. Here is mine:
GBExpat
Member
I surrrrre do like the look of that polished stainless steel. Probably reminds me of my 629-1....
While I like my year-old Bulldogs very much, a part of me wishes that they were polished like that.
BTW, the first time I ever used Loctitie was on my new 3" 629-1 in '88. With full-boat loads that thing loosens screws & fillings ... unfortunately, the Loctite did not work on the latter.
rodinal220
Member
Seems high to me for an older Charter.They really are not collector guns. For a new Bulldog the street price by me is $380-400,Buds Guns lists the blue BD(Pug model 2.5") for $357.00 cash price.
Unless you really want an older Bulldog with the 3" barrel I would buy a new one.They have smoother triggers than the vintage ones and one piece barrels.
Most Bulldog models today are the Pug variant,but I just checked Charters web page and they have brought back,again(2nd re-introduction) the Classic 3" Bulldog.
I just wish someone would bring back a quality wad cutter SD round like those the late Jim Cirillo used to sell under license.
http://charterarms.com/
Unless you really want an older Bulldog with the 3" barrel I would buy a new one.They have smoother triggers than the vintage ones and one piece barrels.
Most Bulldog models today are the Pug variant,but I just checked Charters web page and they have brought back,again(2nd re-introduction) the Classic 3" Bulldog.
I just wish someone would bring back a quality wad cutter SD round like those the late Jim Cirillo used to sell under license.
http://charterarms.com/
Hondo 60
Member
Heck, that's with any gun.
I lost a thumb piece cuz the nut fell off on a S&W Model 38 (carried a lot - shot a little).
I took another look, the cylinder mouths are large, over .430" which concerns me.
View attachment 212989
View attachment 212990
View attachment 212991
Other than that this thing checks out.
If they would take less than $300 I would consider it.
View attachment 212989
View attachment 212990
View attachment 212991
Other than that this thing checks out.
If they would take less than $300 I would consider it.
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I just checked mine and the throats are about .432. A Magnus 215 Gr SWC drops through easily, but they have never leaded my gun. Neither did the Magnus 240 Gr SWC or my own cast 208 Gr WC that I sized to .430. I shoot them with near max charges of 700X.
$275 to $300 is probably fair in this market.
$275 to $300 is probably fair in this market.
I've really been wanting one lately. I'll probably get one of the new 2.5" but I see they have the 3"classic models too. Buds is trying to sell one of the anniversary models for $775. I have my doubts about how many people will pay that much for a Charter.
Anyone have any advice on the 2.5" vs the more classic 3"?
Anyone have any advice on the 2.5" vs the more classic 3"?
If I did not reload 44 spl I would hold out for this, http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pitbull_74520.asp
But this gun shop find sparked my interest, we will see if they like it more than me.
But this gun shop find sparked my interest, we will see if they like it more than me.
calaverasslim
Member
Way back, bout 99, I saw an ad from a retired LEO who had several guns for sale. I ended up buying 3 but I don't remember what 2 of them were. The third was a CA 44 special, 3" barrel, Stratford, Conn. That was the one that get me started on 44 special for CCW.
Just an awesome gun. I just slip it into my front right pocket and no one knows it's there. I was talking to a couple of San Antonio LEO's in Academy onetime and they asked if I carried. I answer yes, and then asked if they could spot it. They couldn't so I was content.
Now we are going to open carry on 1 Jan. and if I do open carry, it will prob. be that 44
Just an awesome gun. I just slip it into my front right pocket and no one knows it's there. I was talking to a couple of San Antonio LEO's in Academy onetime and they asked if I carried. I answer yes, and then asked if they could spot it. They couldn't so I was content.
Now we are going to open carry on 1 Jan. and if I do open carry, it will prob. be that 44
Panzerschwein
member
Yup, the old model Bulldog is back in production.
BUT, there are two models offered, the standard model and the 50th Anniversary Model:
Cute.
I would MUCH prefer one without the artwork, but if you check places like Gun Broker all that will be available is the 50th Anniversary model, probably because no one is buying them and their little gold doggy medallions.
BUT, there are two models offered, the standard model and the 50th Anniversary Model:
Cute.
I would MUCH prefer one without the artwork, but if you check places like Gun Broker all that will be available is the 50th Anniversary model, probably because no one is buying them and their little gold doggy medallions.
megatronrules
Member
This is my charter arms bulldog I just got. It's a Stratford made one made in 1988. I believe it's one of the last first generation one. Although I may be wrong on that. I have to say I love this gun and it's got a really nice fit/finish to it.
I just added the pachmayr compac grips to her yesterday. For me this gun is now perfect. The lock up and nice and tight and she shoots great. Trigger is more than smooth enough for this guns purpose. It also has a factory "pocket hammer" as I believe charter arms called it. It's bobbed but can be cocked for single action fire.
I've owned Colts,smith and wesson and rugers. I certainly can't where the charter arms is lacking other than in the refinment i.e. fit/finish area,but that being said this gun has a nice blued finish and is fit together very well.
I just added the pachmayr compac grips to her yesterday. For me this gun is now perfect. The lock up and nice and tight and she shoots great. Trigger is more than smooth enough for this guns purpose. It also has a factory "pocket hammer" as I believe charter arms called it. It's bobbed but can be cocked for single action fire.
I've owned Colts,smith and wesson and rugers. I certainly can't where the charter arms is lacking other than in the refinment i.e. fit/finish area,but that being said this gun has a nice blued finish and is fit together very well.
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