I've had two. The first was a stainless that Frank Glenn bobbed the hammer on, tuned, and shortened to a two-inch barrel in '84. I still have it. I also had a standard blue for a couple of months about the same time. I've also handled and shot about a dozen more. I think it's a great idea with a mediocre execution. I love the big hole in the end. I’m less impressed with the durability and design. The service life seems to be about equal to an aluminum frame five shot S&W shooting an exclusive diet of +P. The stainless guns seem to be of higher quality than the blued. My stainless has approximately 5,000 rounds through it and is at least two thirds worn out. I don’t carry it much anymore.
For holsters I’ve used holsters made for Colt Detective Special series revolvers and for Smith and Wesson J frames. Sometimes one will fit, sometimes another. HKS makes (or made) speedloaders. The heavily boned holsters are the least adaptable and the Renegade ankle holsters are the most easily adapted.
Most of the custom stock makers list Charter as one of there standard items. The Bulldog uses the same grip frame as the other Charter revolvers.
When I carry it now I carry either Glasers (lots of flash and blast) or Cor-Bon. I have also carried the Federal SWCHP (lead) and back when I was foolish my own hand loads (255SWC @725fps chronographed). Any of them has recoil on the level with a 158SWC+P out of a j-frame. The hand loads were safe, just very uncomfortable and stupid to carry. Custom stocks or even Pachmayr rubber birdshead stocks help a lot in controlling the little bugger.
All of these comments apply to guns made by Charter Arms. I haven’t shot the reincarnations such as CHARCO and whatever other names were used, though they seemed of equal quality.
I have a lot of affection for the guns. My stainless was the first gun that I had any real custom work done on and it turned out exactly the way I wanted it to.
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.