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  #51  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Two Guns View Post
My Primary Carry Revolver is an old 3 inch Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 special.I was just wondering if any one else carries these nice light 44 specials?I know there are better choices as I have plenty of other carry guns but I just like the light revolver in the 44 caliber.
It's an excellent choice, in my opinion. Back in the 1980s that was my daily concealed carry handgun. I have been sorry ever since I sold it. Light, reliable, compact, and packs a big punch. What's not to like?
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  #52  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Catshooter View Post
They are nice little revolvers. Isn't it amazing that Smith can't compete with little ol' Charter Arms?

And no, I don't consider that the 696 competes. It don't.


Cat
I've been asking that question for years. Why couldn't S&W make the Model 13 (three inch/round butt) in a five shot .44 Special if Charter Arms can make a smaller framed gun in one? And I agree with you about the 696.
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  #53  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheriffoconee View Post
I have a .44 "Target" (very optimistic name I might add) that I have had for a while....it is my 5 shot "disposable" truck type gun, as the thumb latch no longer opens the cylinder, I I have to insert a thin tool under the end of the extractor rod to pull it open....
With the Bulldog you have two choices for opening the cylinder, i.e., pull out the ejector rod or use the latch. Did you try the ejector rod?

Last edited by The Real Hawkeye; 06-26-2014 at 11:58 AM.
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  #54  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by canoe on the yukon View Post
I don't mean to be rude to those who like them but I'm not enthused about them.

I bought one of the first one's in the early 70's,kept it for a short while and sold it.The quality was terrible in my opinion.I have examined many since and have never been impressed.The concept has merit but the actual product did not do justice to it.In my opinion,it's a good idea that's badly executed.
The best were the ones made in the 1980s. Mine was flawless in manufacture. Only small issue was that one of the cross pins that holds the innards together would gradually work its way out to one side after fifty or so rounds fired. You just had to keep an eye on it and push it back from time to time. Small price to pay for such a nifty little powerhouse.
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  #55  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbajoe45 View Post
Yes, my dad has one of the older 3" models and I used to have a 2 1/2" pug. Both are/were very accurate and I never had any problems with them. Had to tighten the cylinder latch screw on a regular basis, but carried that pug for several years - good for what it is (light and powerful). Sadly, my pug was stolen from the trunk of my wife's car; I'll never valet park again.
What were you thinking valet parking a car with a gun in it??
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  #56  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:36 AM
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I had one and carried it for a while in preference to a 649. Nothing against it but just never fell in love. Traded it off for something else. My Lew Smith 44 spl was too big for pocket carry. Went back to the 649 for a while then (now) a Commander in 38 super.
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  #57  
Old 06-26-2014, 11:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColbyBruce View Post
I believe it was either ASP or DEVEL that fitted a Ruger Speed Six with a five shot cylinder and rebored the barrel to .44 special. That discontinued Ruger frame was slightly smaller than a S&W K frame.
I have both a Speed Six in the configuration you illustrate and an S&W Model 13 in the same configuration, and it seems to me that the Ruger frame is larger.
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  #58  
Old 06-26-2014, 01:02 PM
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The M296 is a similar concept -- 5 shot 44 special DAO and light.

Good luck finding one, though.
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  #59  
Old 06-26-2014, 01:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GatorFarmer View Post
.44 Special ammo has unfortunately become increasingly hard to find and expensive. I always liked the Blazer JHPs though.
Well, probably should consider mail order.

Right now ammoseek.com shows 9 places with Gold Dot 44 special ammo in stock.

So it's not really had to find, but you are sure right about expensive.

If you live in one of the states that doesn't allow mail order, you probably should move.

Even the People's republic of California allows mail order in most counties.
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  #60  
Old 06-26-2014, 01:45 PM
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Default Charter Bulldog

I've had a number of Charter .38 snubbies over the years and tested a few more for gun articles. Sometimes the QC leaves something to be desired I'll agree, but for the most part they have been dependable, with sufficient practical accuracy. Recently I saw one of the .44 Bulldog "Classics" for sale and snapped it up. I always liked the original .44 Bulldog so I went for it. It came with rubber grips, but I fixed that. At a recent short range session I shot the Bulldog with 3 .44 Special loads. I did the chronograph thing and Remington 246 RNL gave 633 FPS; Black Hills 210 gr. LFP "Cowboy" ammo did 680 FPS and Federal 200 gr. LSWCHP loads clocked 772 FPS (that's what I keep in it). Some fast DA shooting with the Black Hills load at 10 yards gave the results you can see in the photo. I carry my Bulldog in a strong-side, pancake-style, belt holster.
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  #61  
Old 06-26-2014, 02:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Real Hawkeye View Post
I have both a Speed Six in the configuration you illustrate and an S&W Model 13 in the same configuration, and it seems to me that the Ruger frame is larger.
The diameter of a Speed Six cylinder is larger than a K frame's but smaller than an L Frame's.

Bill
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  #62  
Old 06-26-2014, 04:30 PM
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I found some old wood boot grips for mine I just couldn't pass up.

I love them

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  #63  
Old 06-26-2014, 07:33 PM
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Here's mine with two different sets of grips. I bought this one used last year. Just like the one I had back in the 1980s, except mine back then was in better shape.



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  #64  
Old 06-27-2014, 02:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Real Hawkeye View Post
I have both a Speed Six in the configuration you illustrate and an S&W Model 13 in the same configuration, and it seems to me that the Ruger frame is larger.
Who built those? I remember such mod's being advertised back in the day, but don't recall who did them.
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  #65  
Old 06-30-2014, 10:39 PM
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Default Anyone Carry a Charter Bulldog

Here is my idea of a great carry combo. The Quik-Strips are from Tuff Products and carry Federal 200 gr. lead SWCHP bullets with a velocity out of my Bulldog of 772 FPS.
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  #66  
Old 07-01-2014, 08:51 AM
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Years ago I carried a older C.A. "Bulldog" .44 (3" barrel w/ exposed ejector rod) as a second gun to my service revolver (S&W M29 4"). I would like another one if I found one reasonable ( I know, reasonable is dreaming).
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  #67  
Old 07-01-2014, 08:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheriffoconee View Post
I have a .44 "Target" (very optimistic name I might add) that I have had for a while....it is my 5 shot "disposable" truck type gun, as the thumb latch no longer opens the cylinder, I I have to insert a thin tool under the end of the extractor rod to pull it open...
I keep it loaded at all times, figuring that 5 quick 44 200 grn GD's might get me out of a jam sometimes....then again, I don't have any emotional investment in it....
I (draw big red heart here) my 696 no dash.....
*** for a small service fee the C.A. factory will replace needed parts/tune up their products.
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  #68  
Old 07-01-2014, 09:46 AM
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I have one that I bought back in the 80's. It carries well in a Bianchi 5BHL holster. As someone mentioned earlier, its only bad habit is a cross pin likes to walk out after 50 rounds or so. It shoots to the point of aim at 15 yards and will give hand sized groups. The load is the Lyman 429421 on top of 6.0 grains of Unique. I believe that it will leave a mark.

It's not my primary carry gun. But it is light, handy, and makes a big hole.
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Old 07-01-2014, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ralph7 View Post
I just traded for this pug last weekend. Bought a Barami hip grip at the same time because I love them for everyday carry.
How's the hip grip working out? I've always been intrigued by them but never tried one.
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  #70  
Old 07-01-2014, 10:03 PM
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I had one many years ago and I loaded the 44 special loads stout and it was no fun to shoot so I sold it.
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  #71  
Old 07-04-2014, 09:02 PM
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I have a stainless model from the 80's. It's a great hiking gun, always works.
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  #72  
Old 07-04-2014, 09:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awp101 View Post
How's the hip grip working out? I've always been intrigued by them but never tried one.
I carry a model 37 Smith everyday with a hip grip.
At 5 o'clock inside the pants, it tucks in better than any holster.
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  #73  
Old 07-04-2014, 11:07 PM
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I carried one for many years. Used some heavy handloads with no problem. The Target model makes a good trail gun. For practice, load a 200 gr cast bullet with a start load. For CCW, the Gold Dot 200 gr HP. Trail, a max load of Unique with a Keith 250 gr cast.

Mag-Na-Port does a great custom job on these.
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  #74  
Old 07-05-2014, 09:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cal44 View Post
The M296 is a similar concept -- 5 shot 44 special DAO and light.
The problem is that the 5 shot 296 is an L frame and huge by comparison. The Bulldog is only slightly larger than a J frame.
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Old 07-06-2014, 08:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WC145 View Post
The problem is that the 5 shot 296 is an L frame and huge by comparison. The Bulldog is only slightly larger than a J frame.
When the Bulldog first came out, I found it was a good fit in a 3 inch Colt Detective Special holster.
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  #76  
Old 07-10-2014, 12:57 PM
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Just for ***** and Giggles here's a photo of a Charter Arms Bulldog 50th Anniversary model...
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Old 07-10-2014, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MOONDAWG View Post
Just for ***** and Giggles here's a photo of a Charter Arms Bulldog 50th Anniversary model...

Let me guess - the engraving was 2 or 3 times the price of the gun?

Were these commercially available, or is this a one-off?
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  #78  
Old 07-11-2014, 11:16 AM
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The gun itself looks like a vintage Bulldog, not like the CA'ss being produced nowadays. Target-style grips are a bit too large, and I'm not a big fan of engraved guns, but otherwise I like it.
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Old 07-11-2014, 12:53 PM
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Bought my first CA .44 bulldog last year. Like it and wish I had one years ago. Light weight, big hole, easy carry.

Use Win. SD ammo for carry and Georgia Arms cowboy loads ($25. for 50) for recreational shooting.

The quality is much better than expected, (own lots of Smiths and Colts).
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Old 07-11-2014, 12:56 PM
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I had one back in the early 80's. I liked it. Sold it because I was headed for Japan.

Charter Arms now has the 'Pitbull' line of snubbies for semi-auto cartridges. The 6-shot 9mm and the 5-shot 40S&W are already available. This fall the 5-shot 45 ACP will hit the stores.

I want the 45 ACP. I hope it works out.

Steve

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Old 07-11-2014, 01:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M E Morrison View Post
Let me guess - the engraving was 2 or 3 times the price of the gun?

Were these commercially available, or is this a one-off?


CH3443150

CHARTER BULLDOG 44SPC BL/WD 3"

50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

44 Special UPC: 678958344356

MFG MDL #: 34431-50

MSRP: $999.00
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Old 07-11-2014, 01:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MOONDAWG View Post
CH3443150

CHARTER BULLDOG 44SPC BL/WD 3"

50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

44 Special UPC: 678958344356

MFG MDL #: 34431-50

MSRP: $999.00


WOW, that's out of my price range!!!
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Old 07-11-2014, 01:34 PM
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It's about right when you factor in the cost of the gun + $450-$500 for the engraving.

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Old 07-14-2014, 07:58 AM
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Default my 44 Lightweight specials from

The Bulldog has been around for 35 years and has a great deal of wear, it has been carried many miles in the woods, has sent many diamondbacks and timber rattlers to the happy hunting ground in the sky. Nothing beats a 44 special shot case at 10 feet. It saved my life once from a mad rattler at 4 feet. It does not make many trips anymore after I finally found the 396-1 and got a Lobo pancake for a carry holster. Love the feel of the 396, better balance and better accuracy! Only one ounce different in the weight. I never go into the woods without one of these as a partner.
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Old 07-14-2014, 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by LittleCooner View Post
The Bulldog has been around for 35 years and has a great deal of wear, it has been carried many miles in the woods, has sent many diamondbacks and timber rattlers to the happy hunting ground in the sky. Nothing beats a 44 special shot case at 10 feet. It saved my life once from a mad rattler at 4 feet. It does not make many trips anymore after I finally found the 396-1 and got a Lobo pancake for a carry holster. Love the feel of the 396, better balance and better accuracy! Only one ounce different in the weight. I never go into the woods without one of these as a partner.

What have you done with the rear sight?
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  #86  
Old 07-14-2014, 12:00 PM
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SIAD MP SIAD MP is offline
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Picked up a New Bulldog a couple of weeks ago. In the process of reloading for it. Bought the Charter Arms boot grips for it, really downsizes the grip. Looking forward to the range this coming weekend.
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  #87  
Old 07-14-2014, 05:54 PM
awp101 awp101 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LittleCooner View Post
The Bulldog has been around for 35 years and has a great deal of wear,
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Originally Posted by M E Morrison View Post
What have you done with the rear sight?
And what about those stocks? They look good to me!
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  #88  
Old 07-23-2014, 07:36 AM
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Bought a new one a couple of weeks ago. Been on my wish list for years. Wanted an original 3 inch but am glad I pick up the newest version. Had an IDPA type shoot last Saturday, and the gun did very well. Five round strips will shoot times all to hell but not by much if you practice. What got me was how many people wanted to give it a try. Everyone who shot it came back with a smile and good comments. The load was 5.6 gr. Bullseye, under a 200 grain RNFP. Feels like a standard pressure FBI load in my 642 Smith LW. CA is only a smidgen bigger than a J frame and fits in many of the same holsters. I did buy a holster from CA's web page and a set of boot grips to help downsize the piece. Nice!. They don't help recoil much but really aid in concealment.
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  #89  
Old 07-25-2014, 04:02 AM
Kilibreaux Kilibreaux is offline
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Anyone and everyone can yap about how this brand or that model is superior to the Charter Arms, but the bottom line is crystal clear....NOBODY makes a 19 ounce .44 Special revolver OTHER than Charter Arms. (19 oz as weighed on my highly accurate digital scale).
Stoked with five rounds of 250 grain handloads the CA tips in at just 24 ounces.

The CA was built to shoot the .44 special and deliver approximately 100 lb-ft MORE KE than any snubbie .38 special...it does that.

Overall the CA is more "rough" than what S&W builds, but it gets the job done and is probably found in a great many gloveboxes/pockets across the country.
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  #90  
Old 08-02-2014, 10:10 AM
Duster340 Duster340 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SIAD MP View Post
Bought a new one a couple of weeks ago. Been on my wish list for years. Wanted an original 3 inch but am glad I pick up the newest version. Had an IDPA type shoot last Saturday, and the gun did very well. Five round strips will shoot times all to hell but not by much if you practice. What got me was how many people wanted to give it a try. Everyone who shot it came back with a smile and good comments. The load was 5.6 gr. Bullseye, under a 200 grain RNFP. Feels like a standard pressure FBI load in my 642 Smith LW. CA is only a smidgen bigger than a J frame and fits in many of the same holsters. I did buy a holster from CA's web page and a set of boot grips to help downsize the piece. Nice!. They don't help recoil much but really aid in concealment.
Nice SIAD. How do you like the CA holster? Also, were the grips from CA as well? Looks like something I'm interested in trying out. I like the factory grips, but like you, looking for something to make the BD even easier to CC.

Thanks for sharing.
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  #91  
Old 08-03-2014, 10:04 AM
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CTI1USNRET CTI1USNRET is offline
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Originally Posted by Kilibreaux View Post
Anyone and everyone can yap about how this brand or that model is superior to the Charter Arms ...
What is really irritating is when someone totally disregards the satisfaction and enjoyment of a choice someone made. Gun nazis can't stop themselves from criticizing others' choices.

I love to read a post by someone who is totally over-the-moon happy with a gun he just bought. I don't care what gun it is.

I like the Bulldog 44. I had one in the 80's. I remember my satisfaction with it and definitely felt I was carrying enough gun.

Since then, bullet technology has improved and there are more choices: more hard cast weights, Hornady XTP, Speer Gold Dot, Barnes XPB, etc.
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  #92  
Old 08-04-2014, 08:11 AM
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Thanks Duster, The holster and grips are from their shop on the Charter Arms web page. Good price and great quality. The holster is top notch and has an elasatstic insert to add tension. It even fits K frame snubbies. It is perfect for a 2 1/2 inch barrel. Went out shooting with the Daughter and her hubby Saturday. Bulldog made me proud by shooting 15 rounds into a ragged hole off hand at 7 yards. Really getting to like this package.
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  #93  
Old 08-04-2014, 06:56 PM
Duster340 Duster340 is offline
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Thanks for the info SIAD MP. Much appreciated, gonna visit their site tonight. I know what you mean about the Bulldog, makes me proud every time I take it to the range. Folks can't believe the little fella shoots so darn well. Both my brother and brother in-law were believers after handling mine. Both are now in the process of tracking one down for themselves.

Thanks again.
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  #94  
Old 08-05-2014, 06:19 AM
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I wished I had a prettier Charter Arms Bulldog, mine is quite old
made in Stratford, CT. Every time I think about only carrying
one gun, something in the back of my mind reminds me, that
waiting lists for criminals to get into prison is as long as those
for veterans, the more they turn loose and the more that comes
across our borders I just cave in and strap it on along with my
S&W 38 Special 642-1. I also wished that the CA 44 Special
I carry every day, were stainless steel.

I believe I have carried my CA 44 Special so much that the blue
is wearing off of it. Do they re blue these guns?
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  #95  
Old 08-05-2014, 03:44 PM
eb07 eb07 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasArmed View Post
I wished I had a prettier Charter Arms Bulldog, mine is quite old
made in Stratford, CT. Every time I think about only carrying
one gun, something in the back of my mind reminds me, that
waiting lists for criminals to get into prison is as long as those
for veterans, the more they turn loose and the more that comes
across our borders I just cave in and strap it on along with my
S&W 38 Special 642-1. I also wished that the CA 44 Special
I carry every day, were stainless steel.

I believe I have carried my CA 44 Special so much that the blue
is wearing off of it. Do they re blue these guns?
I would just roll with it, it adds character.
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  #96  
Old 08-06-2014, 07:12 PM
Rule 303 Rule 303 is offline
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I live by the Theory that Everybody should carry what they like and makes them happy. Kinda like what is the best car or pickup question.

Me, I like my 696s or my 3 inch, RB 625 if I want to carry a smaller revolver of larger caliber.

But to each his own.

Rule 303
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  #97  
Old 08-09-2014, 03:15 PM
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Just got back from a walk with my two favorite dogs. My CA .44 Bulldog and my American Pit Bull terrier. Not sure why I carry, the .44. People give the Pit a wide berth and she is the sweetest, gentlest dog I have ever known. Oh well people are scared of guns too!

Last edited by SIAD MP; 08-09-2014 at 03:50 PM.
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Old 09-21-2014, 04:45 PM
WNiles22 WNiles22 is offline
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I've carried one for years as part of my ccw, and on the job as a taxi driver on the night shift. I've always felt in an up close and personal situation, those .44s would get the job done. Never had a problem with any that I've owned.
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  #99  
Old 09-21-2014, 05:41 PM
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Buddy of mine carries one, he's had it for 30 years or more.
Great little carry gun.
He carried it as a hide away while on duty, and as a CCW off duty.
He cut the barrel down as short as he could, and bobbed the hammer spur.
I'd buy one if I ever find a nice and clean one that hasn't been butchered.
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  #100  
Old 09-21-2014, 10:49 PM
jack the toad jack the toad is offline
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I have an early Stratford used 3" that I bought earlier this year. I like it but seldom carry it. I have no issues in carrying it and for the $200 I have in it, I like it.
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