Hello everyone. Time for my first post on this forum.
I was recently given a fully restored Charter Arms Police Bulldog .38 (4 inch barrel model) by a family member because I've been talking about getting a wheel gun for a long time, but never have. I've put a couple of boxes of ammo through it, and it's OK. I don't like having tools for which I have no use, and not knowing a lot about this particular pistol, I thought I might ask here.
A little back story so you know why I am asking: My EDC is a Sig P250 chambered in 9mm, and my home defense needs are largely taken care of by my trusty old Remington M870. I have a lot of range time/hunting trips with these weapons and can use them proficiently. I'm kind of thinking of using the .38 to keep under my basement bar, where I spend a lot of time, as I don't carry in the house and the shotgun is in the bedroom. I've lived in my neighborhood for 21 years, but it's gotten really bad as of the last 2 years (robberies, drug dealing, fights). Trying to sell but I can't get the price I want in order to leave and I travel a lot so it hasn't bothered me that much until now. I figured this revolver might fill in a gap until I get the heck out of Dodge.
That said, I do not believe the revolver is rated for plus P loads. I have written to Charter for a definitive answer. Also, how reliable are these revolvers? If I leave it under the bar and only take it out once a year to see that it still works and clean it, will that be sufficient to ensure reliability? Finally, what are the best defensive non plus P loads one can find in .38. Like I said, I do not have a lot of experience with this caliber.
I was recently given a fully restored Charter Arms Police Bulldog .38 (4 inch barrel model) by a family member because I've been talking about getting a wheel gun for a long time, but never have. I've put a couple of boxes of ammo through it, and it's OK. I don't like having tools for which I have no use, and not knowing a lot about this particular pistol, I thought I might ask here.
A little back story so you know why I am asking: My EDC is a Sig P250 chambered in 9mm, and my home defense needs are largely taken care of by my trusty old Remington M870. I have a lot of range time/hunting trips with these weapons and can use them proficiently. I'm kind of thinking of using the .38 to keep under my basement bar, where I spend a lot of time, as I don't carry in the house and the shotgun is in the bedroom. I've lived in my neighborhood for 21 years, but it's gotten really bad as of the last 2 years (robberies, drug dealing, fights). Trying to sell but I can't get the price I want in order to leave and I travel a lot so it hasn't bothered me that much until now. I figured this revolver might fill in a gap until I get the heck out of Dodge.
That said, I do not believe the revolver is rated for plus P loads. I have written to Charter for a definitive answer. Also, how reliable are these revolvers? If I leave it under the bar and only take it out once a year to see that it still works and clean it, will that be sufficient to ensure reliability? Finally, what are the best defensive non plus P loads one can find in .38. Like I said, I do not have a lot of experience with this caliber.