American Bulldog 5 shot revolver

R

redneck

New member
I just inherited an "American Bulldog" revolver that was my great grandfathers. There are no markings on it besides the name on the barrel and a serial number punched under the grips.

I did a google image search and have concluded that its either made by iver johnson or harrington and richards. The grips match pictures I found of an H&R for sale but that particular gun was a .38 and my calipers say this is a .32.

The trigger return spring is missing. The gun otherwise appears to be in decent condition. I would like to find or make a spring for it if possible. Parts appear to be available but without knowing for sure whether I have an iver johnson or H&R I don't know which diagrams to go by or what to order.

Any info would be appreciated. I would like to repair it and even fire a round or two just to say I did, but I have no intentions of shooting it regularly or anything like that. Can anybody point me in the right direction?
 
The grips depict an Eagle clutching arrows in it claws, if that helps any. I found a couple references that say this identifies it as an iver johnson but I dont know anything for sure.
 
The names Bulldog and American Bulldog are often spin off copies of the well made British Bulldog pistol and are most often low quality pistols best know for their low price rather than their safety or reliability. H&R did produce a young american Bulldog in 32 rimfire. I think H&R also made pistols named American Bulldog as well as a Bulldog with other companies names on them. Iver Johnson also produced a lot of contract pistols with a wide variety of different names. You best bet is to post a couple of good pictures and see if somebody recognizes it and can give you some information.
 
Thanks for the info so far:cool:

I have the gun taken apart at the moment but will try and get some decent pictures of it later. I know for sure that it was made before 1955 because that was the year my great grandfather died. It seems to fit the description of the second type american bulldog that ran from 1886-1897, except the barrel is 2.5" not 3".

I know that its a low cost and low quality gun. The cylinder lockup is pretty sloppy and the cylinder gap is very large. I have no intentions of shooting it regularly but would like to find a trigger spring and get it cleaned up and in working order anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top