Charter Bulldog .44

[SquidBilly]

Looking for a woods gun to go along with my Marlin 1894. Something I can share ammo with. I'd be left with only Special between the 2 but i'm ok with that. I plan to reload for it. Would just need brass, or to trim some.

Anyways, it's been several years since I've even looked at a Charter. But now I see that it's not Charter 2000 anymore, but regular old Charter Arms, which I've read is supposed to be a good thing? They have upped qc and are putting out serviceable and reliable weapons again?

Tell me what you know.

[Barbarosa]

Personally I'd wait and see if we Californians get to play with the new 2 3/4" S&W model 69. That way you could carry magnum loads.

[wisco]

Ruger has just introduced a 5 shot GP 100 in .44 special with a 3 inch barrel. Early reviews are favorable. It may take some months to get here to the Golden State.

[elSquid]

Charter has said "this time is different" off and on for the last 30 years. Meh.

I'd get a Ruger or Smith.

Smith has the 69 L frame, and Ruger is coming out with a 44 special GP100.

http://www.realguns.com/articles/844.htm

Could even go up to a 629 or that neat Talo Redhawk...

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5028.html

Choices, choices.

-- Michael

[deadcoyote]

What El Squid said.

[SquidBilly]

I like that gp100. Hopefully we can get it here. I know there are some Blackhawks in 44 special still floating around.

Honestly I dig the Charter based on price. If it's solid for the money i'd like a good deal.

[dozer wright]

Ruger or Smith. I highly recommend the Ruger Alaskan absolutely love this firearm .

[accel]

What is the concern with Charter arms? Quality? Customer service? (Newbie here)

I had one in my hands recently at lgs (38 snubnose) and it overall had feeling of fancy good quality revolver...

[wisco]

There have been some very good bulldogs produced over the years and some not so good ones too. When they've been good, they've been good... and..

I'd rather spend the extra $$ on a Smith or a Ruger and be sure.

[MrOrange]

Charter has said "this time is different" off and on for the last 30 years. Meh.

I've owned a Charter Arms product in the past, and have shot one of their .38s that belonged to someone else, and I'd have to agree with that sentiment.

Mind you I wouldn't mind getting a Bulldog just to play with, mebbe shoot some back up gun matches, but I don't know if I'd want to have to rely on it to save my hide.

It's true that even these new relatively compact revolvers are a lot bigger and bulkier than a CA Bulldog, but they should be ok in a roomy jacket pocket. If you're going with a holster, then the size difference is moot. It's also true Schmidt und Ruger occasionally turn out lemons, but the odds are better with them than with Charter.

[TMB 1]

I have a Bulldog that has been abused for 30years. Still have it and it's still taking the abuse.

[Sledge]

I had one that I thought was great especially for the price point. Never had any problems with it and it seemed like it was a quality piece. Very accurate and light.

[Oceanbob]

What is the concern with Charter arms? Quality? Customer service? (Newbie here)

I had one in my hands recently at lgs (38 snubnose) and it overall had feeling of fancy good quality revolver...

I can't speak for today but in years past I owned a .38 and a bulldog.

They both would go out of time.....loose....after 200 rounds....

I did send them back and then we tuned up but I rarely shot them after that.

Things might be better today.

Probably ok for a back up gun. But not for lots of shooting. I am not sure a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special would be a good companion to a .44 mag lever gun.

For a backwoods wheel I would rate Ruger as the one that can run without
Issues. They are really strong and timed perfectly. Being mostly stainless
they are a bit heavier but that's not important.

Second would be a Smith Wheel. I wish more were on roster....
That 2.5 inch sounds sweet....

Third would be Taurus or Charter. Lightweight and each has long term issues.

For me. A Glock 29 in 10MM. 10 rounds of perfection and you can go swimming with it.

Be well
Bob

[elSquid]

It's true that even these new relatively compact revolvers are a lot bigger and bulkier than a CA Bulldog, but they should be ok in a roomy jacket pocket. If you're going with a holster, then the size difference is moot. It's also true Schmidt und Ruger occasionally turn out lemons, but the odds are better with them than with Charter.

A non "gunnie" friend of mine was looking for a medium frame revolver. He had been shooting a coworker's Taurus, and was leaning in that direction, but after talking with me he decided to order a 4 inch 686 instead. It arrived, and it had big gouges in the rifling. Back to S&W it went.

After Smith fixed it he was a pretty happy camper. But still...

-- Michael

[cantdance]

A non "gunnie" friend of mine was looking for a medium frame revolver. He had been shooting a coworker's Taurus, and was leaning in that direction, but after talking with me he decided to order a 4 inch 686 instead. It arrived, and it had big gouges in the rifling. Back to S&W it went.

After Smith fixed it he was a pretty happy camper. But still...

-- Michael

Odd, I had the same experience with my 1006. Been a happy camper when I got it back.

Anyone with Smiths that can't get that spot out of their barrel with any amount of scrubbing should look down the barrel with a magnifying glass.