Charter Arms Bulldog

R

rabbit hunter

New member
I just bought a Bulldog 44 special. It shoots right to point of aim at 12 yards and the 5 shot group size pleases me. I am also pleased with the light feel (weight) of the gun. My practice load is 4.5 grains of Unique behind a 240 grain Keith type bullet. I don't want to strain the gun or my hand shooting full power loads for practice. I would like to slick-up the action and want to know if there is a complete dis-assemble/re-assemble instructional available. TIA.
I would also be interested in any comments about the quality/durability of recent production Bulldogs.
 
I would like to slick-up the action and want to know if there is a complete dis-assemble/re-assemble instructional available. TIA.
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They're not difficult to take apart. Be warned, the trigger is a major PITA to get back in. You sort-a need three hands, working in a small area, holding the trigger with the trigger spring tensioned right, and also lining up and driving the pin back into place.

Leave it alone unless you really need to.
 
Been thinking about one of those. Will be intrested to see what people have to say concerning your quality question.
 
Use a HEAVY crimp on any loads intended for this gun

The one I've shot was bad about locking up the cylinder due to the bullets backing out of the cases from recoil.

That was with standard factory loads
 
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I had a .44 BD, back in the early-70's, and found it very hard to control, with it's original grips - and sold it.

I've since obtained a stainless BD (made in Y2K), that's very controlable - most likely because it's heavier than the earlier version (it has an underbarrel lug the earlier didn't), and was issued with rubber bumpers.

dscn0772c.jpg


I found both to be reliable - IIRC, they're made with unbreakable berrylium firing pins.


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You may want to research it some more, as I recall they were made by 3 differnt companies (all branded Charter) I seam to recall the ones built in the middle have problems. I have had a ss model with the lug barrel and no problems
 
For the trigger:

Recommend just getting snap caps and dry firing the heck out it. That, and trips to the range will really help the trigger. Mine broke in quite nicely.

As far as durability, mine (a 2012 model) is holding up just fine. I practice with 240 grain cowboy action loads. Just remember to check the screws for tightness after shooting. Blue Loctite, or clear nail polish is your friend with a Charter.
 
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You just bought the gun, why do you need to take it apart? Is it broken already? If not, it shouldn't need taken apart or fixed.

Jim
 
I have used a Keith type bullet in 240 but went with a 200 Gr flat nosed Penn Bullet. Found it easier on the hand shooting a couple of boxes at a session.
I have an early 80’s stainless with the bobbed hammer, it also came with rubber grips. I agree with others, just get some snap caps and watch a movie wear out your index finger. With mine and I don’t know how many rounds its had through it but it’s got to be in the thousand or two, the trigger is what I would want in a short range defense weapon like the BD in double action.

http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44200rnfpbb.html
 
I try to shoot mine at least once a month for 'familiarization'. Usually around 30 rounds will do it. Not a gun I'd shoot thousands of rounds per month in. Had it since Feb 2010. I shoot a 240g SWC over 6.0g of Unique. Haven't had a bit of trouble with it, other than it shots right. No biggie as I just mentally adjust when shooting out to 75 yards or so. Close in it isn't going to matter.
 
a 3" stainless bulldog .44spl (old school gun) is so valued that I couldn't even trade a Kahr PM45 for one. I really like the bulldog concept but the new versions ive looked at I could slide the cylinder off of the yoke/crane a bit because they no longer make them with a frame stud to prevent this. and a few others were out of time sitting brand new in the show case.... or else id have bought one from gander mountain by now.
 
I have looked them over a few times. The cylinder catch seems to be a bit thin. The lockup on the crane seems a bit sloppy to me. But all I hear about them is good things. I am going to take another look, I really like the idea of a small frame 44Spc.
 
I have had mine since 1975, quickly replaced the factory grips with Pachmayrs. Yours sounds like a good load, I would use reloads for practice, factory ammo for carry for reasons discussed elsewhere.
 
the picture you have up shows the word bulldog on the barrel. :p


Today 05:35 PM
aarondhgraham Are all CA .44 specials called bulldogs?

I purchased this one for $300 at The Evil Pawn Shop,,,
It doesn't say Bulldog on it anywhere,,,
But it looks like an ugly dog.



I like the gun though,,,
I held a 3" group at 10 yards the last time I took it out.

So my question is,,,
Is this a Bulldog?
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I have an early bulldog .44 that I picked up cheap because the bluing was hideous.
I had it apart to cold blue it. I don't remember the trigger being a pain to put back in, but man that cylinder release latch is a three hands/tiny fingers, spring-loaded-tiny-pin nightmare.
I can't say how much mine has been shot, but it has enough end shake to go clicketyclack at lockup.
I would use light loaded 240's at under 800 fps, or 200 gr hp's at 900 fps or so to minimize wear.

bulldog.jpg
 
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THe current charter website does talk of the use of "hunting" loads in their .44 specials. As being FINE. But i dont remember a pressure level being specified.
 
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