Review: Charter Arms Bulldog
.44 Special revolver has always been one of the big guns for which I held a special affinity. This is a relatively mild shooting cartridge that takes a chunk of lead downrange. Plus it's easy to handload turns warmer if you wish.
The Charter Arms Bulldog (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Bulldog_14420.html) is one of the handguns I want to remember my youth. The idea of having a compact 0.44 set in your belt for the protection appeared to be the ultimate in self-defense.I did not know the difference between a "special" and "Magnum" then, but even now I think the Bulldog loaded with special ammunition is 0.44 manstopper effective.
Over the years, the Bulldog 0.44 has changed, but the design is still recognizable and the model is still popular with shooters.
Bases Bulldog
The modern Bulldog chambered in .44 Special has five turns and sports a 2.5 "barrel. The gun is compact enough to carry easily concealed on a belt or a shoulder platform, but it is too great for ankle carry.Alternatives such as lead Holster (Smart http://www.smartcarry.com/) or Taclett products Tuff (https://www.tuffproducts.com/product.php?productid=17517&cat=273&page=2) are excellent choice for the bulldog too.
The frame, cylinder and barrel are stainless steel, giving plenty of Bulldog force to manage the fire as much as you probably will in a lifetime.
Even if the gun does not rely on an aluminum frame, the Bulldog is still relatively light, weighing 21 ounces (unloaded.) The weight of the gun feels great in hand, and it shows very well.
The handles on the Charter Arms Bulldog are of normal size and fill the whole hand. Unlike compact pocket pistols, the Bulldog friends hand really well. I attribute the rubber grips for such a positive feeling.
A nice addition to the Bulldog is the full-length leg below the barrel. The envelope of all the extractor rod, protecting, and gives a little more weight on the end of the gun to provide a good balance and recoil reduction.
The views on this gun are fixed. The front ramp is serrated and black, which reduces glare, but also can be difficult to see in low light.
Bulldog pug .44 - THR
So, no idea why, but I have suddenly found myself kinda wanting one of these Charters. No one local carries them, so being able to check one out in person is gonna be tough. They look to be dimensionally similar to a K or L frame, but I really have no way to know. I'd like to hear from some current/past owners of these pistols as to overall quality, durability, accuracy, ergonomics, etc. There's just something appealing about a big bore revolver that's still small and light enough for EDC. My 3" 629 really isn't. I've got 2; one in SS and one blued. I think they are excellent CC guns since they are very small for caliber and light weight. They are more in line between a J or K frame. In fact, most holsters that fit a Colt Detective Special will fit this gun. Recoil is snappy but controllable and they are pretty accurate in my opinion. I can highly recommend them. Mach IV, the same bug bit me and I bought a DAO recently. The experiment is on-going. Silvertips and 200gr Blazers are a bit snappy. The pull is a little gritty and of course the construction of a solid frame makes a tune-up sort a non-issue. It ain't an S&W. On the other hand I am now managing it out to 10+ yards reliably. It is a thumper caliber, and the cost is no where near the price a 296 or 396 will bring. Overall the experience goes well. I have begun to go out CCW with it. An after thought: I acquired a couple of CA44 size speed loaders. I anticipate having to do some Demeling on the left grip. I've had one for about 20 years and it's one of my favorites. I bought it to stick in the saddlebag of the hog, and it's got tens of thousands of miles, one good wreck, and about 1000 rounds thru it and it's still locks up tight and is an absolute blast to shoot. I reload and keep my plinking stuff on the mild side, and for the more serious side of things, I keep it loaded with a cylinder full of Gold Dots. I bought a blued 3" in the late 80s and like it fine. The .44 S&W special is my most favored caliber for self defense and The only S&W I have in that caliber is a very customized 296...and it's a BBQ gun. So I bought a stainless Pug last week and it is a great little gun. I carry it in either a belly band or a U/C T shirt with s built in pair of shoulder holsters. With 200 gr GDHP Blazers it is manageable and trustworthy. I have a 4" Target Bulldog and a 3" standard model. Both late '70s vintage. The 3" is a MUCH better gun.
Charter Arms Bulldog Pug - Bookshelf
The Gun digest book of guns for personal defense, arms & accessories for self-defense
$200 Exc: $1 75 VGood: $1 50 Stainless Bulldog Pert.: $175 Exc: $165 VGood: $135 Charter Arms Bulldog Pug Same specs as Bulldog except 2 1/2" shrouded ...The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values, The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900-Present
$345 Exc.: $305 VGood: $195 CHARTER ARMS BULLDOG PUG Same specs as Bulldog except 2-1/2-inch shrouded barrel; 7-1/4-inch overall length; weighs 19 oz.; ...Gun Digest 2011
An exception exists in a new version recently produced by the Charter Arms Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut. Named as the BULLDOG PUG, it differs from ...Gun Trader's Guide
Charter Arms Bulldog Pug Charter Arms Bulldog Tracker Charter Arms Bulldog Tracker ... Charter Arms Police Bulldog 32 H&R Magnum Charter Arms Bulldog Pug DA ...Gun Digest Book of the .44
With five .44 Special rounds in its cylinder this five-shooter from Charter Arms weighs in at 2 5 ounces and carries easily. The Bulldog Pug is available in ...Complete Information Directory
Charter Bulldog #74420
The Charter Bulldog is tough enough to harness the stopping power of .44 Special ammunition. The 2.5-inch barrel and 21 oz. ...
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