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  #1  
Old 11-17-2016, 11:36 AM
eb07 eb07 is offline
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Default The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather

The Charter Bulldog is back out of the safe , replacing the 442-1 (spring/summer) as my fall/winter concealed carry piece.





It is a GREAT little revolver. But oh how much I wish Smith and Ruger would venture into the lightweight .44 special snub arena.... a guy can wish for many years... still waiting!

After my hand surgery I have made some mods and changes to it. Went back to the charter wood grip and added a T-grip and some grip tape to the backstrap.



After doing a night course with it I realized I needed also some night sights on it.

Some glow on paint on the sights for night. Works well with a quick hit from the light. If it wears I dab more on.









So now onto holster suggestion?

My galco stow and go is ready for replacement.

Tried to reach out to the new owners of Lobo to get an IWB that sits a little lower like the Galco stow and go, but they don't seem to want make that custom mod to their offset belt clip model. Little disappointing as I have bought a few holsters back in the day from Ray and wanted to give the new owners some business. So I think am going to reach out to Eric at Sideguard to see if he will.

Not sure why custom holster makers care how people want to carry. Sometimes discretion is more important that draw speed.... as a matter of fact after many force on force classes, I know this to be a fact. I would rather have it more concealed than easier to grab. Personal preference after years of carry and training that way.

I am looking for a custom leather holster with more longevity that the Galco stow and go.

My requirements:

Leather
Must sit low, i.e. cylinder below belt line.
Clip for easy on, off.
Appendix carry so no cant.


You can see here how low I like my holsters to sit:




Any suggestions are welcome.

Or maybe I am just wishing too much and should just buy another galco.... the ride height is PERFECT for me. Low with the cylinder 1/8-1/4" below the top of the belt.

Thanks!

Last edited by eb07; 02-28-2018 at 10:21 AM.
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  #2  
Old 11-17-2016, 12:58 PM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
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How well does that paint glow after the gun's been CCW'd a couple hours? Non-sarcastic question, it looks interesting.
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Old 11-17-2016, 01:08 PM
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Nice Bulldog!

I love the Galco Stow And Go - I have one for both my Detective Special and my Hi-Power. They are still going strong, but if one ever wears out I'll just splurge 30 bucks on another.

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Old 11-17-2016, 01:10 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wise_A View Post
How well does that paint glow after the gun's been CCW'd a couple hours? Non-sarcastic question, it looks interesting.

Not too long super bright but a good faint glow for a couple hours that can be seen at night but couple it with the flashlight and the light comes out all you have to do is hit the sights for a split second while hitting the target and the glow great as you can see from the above photo

It works exactly as I thought it would work. And after running a couple lowlight courses and being pushed to make a little bit longer shots it was really hard to get a site picture without the light directly behind the revolver And even then the shadows made it hard to get a good site picture.

Now when it comes out I pop it with the light as I get my initial target acquisition and I can move the light around and still see the sights as I am illuminating the target.

Last edited by eb07; 11-17-2016 at 01:41 PM.
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Old 11-17-2016, 03:06 PM
Topsarge Topsarge is offline
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Default Charter Arms 44

I have about 6 in my EDC line, but my Charter Arms .44 is my favorite in all weather situations. Mine has the exposed hammer but it doesn't pose a problem. I carry it in an Alien Gear Cloke Tuck 2 that is made for the Ruger sp101. It's a perfect fit and they told me about it when I called them. It's adjustable so you can wear it appendix. Loaded with Speer Gold Dot 200 gr. I feel pretty confident wearing it. It also fits well in a DeSantis pocket holster.
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Old 11-18-2016, 11:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Topsarge View Post
I have about 6 in my EDC line, but my Charter Arms .44 is my favorite in all weather situations. Mine has the exposed hammer but it doesn't pose a problem. I carry it in an Alien Gear Cloke Tuck 2 that is made for the Ruger sp101. It's a perfect fit and they told me about it when I called them. It's adjustable so you can wear it appendix. Loaded with Speer Gold Dot 200 gr. I feel pretty confident wearing it. It also fits well in a DeSantis pocket holster.
I bought an exposed hammer for mine, but mostly use the DAO one.
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Old 11-18-2016, 01:26 PM
Retired Chief Retired Chief is offline
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Topsarge,
You might want to contact Ed Rodiak, a retired Illinois State Trooper who makes custom holsters. He made the shoulder holster for my Star, with double magazine pouches and a cuff strap (removable) for $70. He has a web site Rodiakleather.com
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Old 11-18-2016, 01:45 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Retired Chief View Post
Topsarge,
You might want to contact Ed Rodiak, a retired Illinois State Trooper who makes custom holsters. He made the shoulder holster for my Star, with double magazine pouches and a cuff strap (removable) for $70. He has a web site Rodiakleather.com


Found it

Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Home
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Old 11-24-2016, 10:21 AM
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Question: Have you considered having your front sight a different color than the rear sights ?
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Old 11-24-2016, 12:38 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Question: Have you considered having your front sight a different color than the rear sights ?
Haven't had an issue to date. As the eyes get worse I may revisit this.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:27 PM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
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I have 3 CA 44s. One completely butchered and on this website somewhere, one original 3 inch skinny, and the new "Boomer". This new "Boomer" is tiny with Undercover grips and a Tyler. If you have not seen one, check it out. I am shooting 325 grain Hammerheads at 700 FPS. Everything it hits registers a THWACK! Yes, on both ends.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:57 PM
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Hello, I finally took a chance and got a 44 Bulldog last Friday! I have MANY SW and Rugers but I must say I REALLY like it! I was going to get a sw69, but wanted a snubby. I have a 629-4 3" but to big, and mostly shoot spls anyway. Now I'm thinking about a bulldog in 45acp!
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Old 05-03-2017, 01:25 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wise_A View Post
How well does that paint glow after the gun's been CCW'd a couple hours? Non-sarcastic question, it looks interesting.
Update:

It's still working well and has not come off ( I put clear nail polish over it) and still glows strong.
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Old 05-04-2017, 02:51 AM
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I owned a Bulldog Target 4" back in the 80's. It was sort of a love/hate issue with the gun. Limited bullet choices and mid level velocities and it was painful to shoot after about 25 rounds - although I considered it quite accurate. I think it would have been a decent camp / backpacking / car gun, but I eventually decided that I'd prefer my 6 shot Colt Detective Special with Remington 110 gr. SJHP for everyday carry. However, I knew several LEO's who were packing the Bulldog 3" off duty and they were very happy with them. I did find the .44 cal speed loaders to be somewhat ginormous to carry around as well.
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Old 09-13-2017, 11:18 AM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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As the weather starts to cool off... the Bulldog comes back out




This year it was really hard to put the 442 in the safe after that great Nelson Ford action job.....
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Old 09-13-2017, 02:02 PM
BMcCarthy BMcCarthy is offline
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I also carry Appendix. I purchased an Azula in the waist band and found it does hold the revolver low. I live in Vegas and can conceal a 19-2 2.5 in barrel with just a T-shirt.
I also like the Buck 110 folder.
Who have you taken the FoF from?
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Old 09-13-2017, 03:39 PM
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I have taken multiple classes over the years from multiple instructors in the Phoenix area but we have a local group of friends that does it now, current and former leo, ex military, a few mma type maniacs, and assorted cretins. So because we are friends we can really beat on each other.

We also do our own shooting comps and training seeing the local uspsa group is a bunch of unsafe turds with attitude. You have probably seen some of the videos online. It is sad.

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Old 09-13-2017, 04:22 PM
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What kid did you use for that in the waistband picture?
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Old 09-13-2017, 04:32 PM
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Quote:
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What kid did you use for that in the waistband picture?
Haha. That is most definitely me
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Old 09-13-2017, 07:32 PM
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I carry a pit bull 44 on a regular basis, especially if I am in the woods. Love mine and super accurate for a beater. I carry in a don Hume appendix leather holster OWB.
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Old 09-13-2017, 09:43 PM
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I gotta try that glow in the dark paint.
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Old 09-15-2017, 11:36 AM
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I gotta try that glow in the dark paint.
After I applied I put some clear nail polish on it and almost a year later it's still on there and working good. I am very happy with it. I have done most of my revolvers and a few other small guns with it.
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Old 09-15-2017, 01:39 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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Well I needed another gun like I need 3rd eye. After reading this thread I
Orderd not one but 2
1 DAO pug 44
And a DAO new bulldog boomer!
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:50 AM
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Quote:
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Well I needed another gun like I need 3rd eye. After reading this thread I
Orderd not one but 2
1 DAO pug 44
And a DAO new bulldog boomer!
I want to revisit this. How do you like the boomer?
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:18 AM
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As the weather starts to cool off... the Bulldog comes back out
Awesome handgun. Don't understand why you think you can't conceal it in warmer weather.
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:24 AM
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Awesome handgun. Don't understand why you think you can't conceal it in warmer weather.
I can, I just like the lighter and smaller 442.

They are like lays potato chips.... you cant have just one!

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Old 01-18-2018, 01:54 AM
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I want to revisit this. How do you like the boomer?
Its just alright
Not to crazy about it.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:56 AM
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Nice Bulldog!

I love the Galco Stow And Go - I have one for both my Detective Special and my Hi-Power. They are still going strong, but if one ever wears out I'll just splurge 30 bucks on another.

YOU CARRY A HI-POWER IN A STOW AND GO???
I have one for my Hi-Power, but it never gets used since I got the Summer Classic.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:06 PM
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This is a good thread, and I'm glad to see it sort of resurrected.

I've been giving some serious thought to returning to revolvers for my concealed carry gun(s), and the new Charter Arms guns in .44 Special are up at the top of my short list now. I've loved the .44 Special ever since I started shooting.

I've narrowed it down to two of the Charter Arms offerings. One is the Boomer 44 in stainless. I prefer the steel frame over the black nitride Boomer with the alloy frame. No hammer and not even a front sight to snag on anything...and the 2-inch barrel is ported.



The other I'm looking at is the Bulldog in stainless. Hammerless, too, but with a 2.5-inch barrel and a front sight. It's in stock at an LGS, but I'd have to order the Boomer.



Either one, I think I'd have to ditch the rubber grips...I believe Charter offers wooden grips for these guns...I might be wrong.

I have plenty of .44 Special ammo on hand.

Only other one that might interest me is their Pitbull in .45acp...no moon clips needed! Might be interesting.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:28 PM
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All charter grips are interchangeable. I really like having a front sight. It’s accurate out to 25 yards and beyond.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:51 PM
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Hi eb07,

Firstly, let me wish you a complete recovery of your hand.

The Charter Arms Bulldog is an excellent self-defense handgun. The .44 Special is an extremely effective cartridge.

If S&W could make a .44 Special on a K Frame, it'd have a certain winner.

I'd be in a heck of a quandary choosing between a Bulldog and a P239 .40 as a self-defense handgun.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:52 PM
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The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather  
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YOU CARRY A HI-POWER IN A STOW AND GO???
I have one for my Hi-Power, but it never gets used since I got the Summer Classic.
Yep. I only carry one way these days - in the waistband, no belt. I'm a minimalist. The IWBs work great for that.





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Old 02-28-2018, 10:06 AM
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Hi eb07,

Firstly, let me wish you a complete recovery of your hand.

The Charter Arms Bulldog is an excellent self-defense handgun. The .44 Special is an extremely effective cartridge.

If S&W could make a .44 Special on a K Frame, it'd have a certain winner.

I'd be in a heck of a quandary choosing between a Bulldog and a P239 .40 as a self-defense handgun.

Thank you. The hand is fully recovered with limited function of my ring finger. It is as good as it is going to get and my wrist and grip are full strength. Just the second joint on the finger is fused and the first joint gets 70% bend.

I will be honest. I LOVE my 442.... . But I find myself carrying the bulldog year round now. It has lower recoil with the 200gr Speer gold dots than the 135gr +P in 38, I am more accurate with it, and it is ALMOST as light.

I try to get a few rounds a month out of it




PLUS as an added bonus, I carry it in the desert as my desert gun and as a backup to my model 29 when I am in the mountains as it is very accurate out to 25 yards.

I am a huge fan of 44 special. I am not interested in Taurus or Ruger offerings. If I find the right 44 special snub I may purchase it and ship it off to Nelson Ford for action work but unless it is a shooter the prices just do not justify the use as the Charter does do a good job. But if Smith did come out with a NO LOCK version that is sub 23 ounces and I would be on it. It is my #1 smith and wesson wish list item. The light, concealable 5-6 shot 44 special sub 2.5" barrel.A man can dream.

My EDC is more simple and traditional these days but that is just me



The charter is not as bad as some say. I suggest a 250 round reliability break in and then carry with confidence

The trigger isn't all that bad. Mine worked out well with use. The only problem, speaking with Nelson is the parts are case hardened cast steel. So you really can't polish them and make the trigger better action job wise without breaking through the case layer and or weakening and cracking the layer.

Simply check your screws after each range session for proper torque and do not shoot anything over 16,000 PSI and it will last you a long time. This Brian Pearcd handloader article really goes over pressures and weights of the 44 and it is a GREAT article and worthy of a download: http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/4...%20Special.pdf
I estimate over 1500 rounds through her now. Mostly 200gr hand loads pushing between 900-1000 fps to mimic my defense loads.


The 200gr Speer JHP perform very well between 850-900 FPS in all gel tests out of charters I have seen. They are flat shooting, easy on the recoil and therefore follow up shots, and actually work well against wild hogs ( ask me how I know ) from the 2.5" barrel:



44 Spl, Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point, Bare Gel (PC HP Test) - YouTube

Last edited by eb07; 02-28-2018 at 10:10 AM.
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Old 02-28-2018, 04:05 PM
Naphtali Naphtali is offline
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More than 30 years ago I acquired a pair of stainless steel Charter Arms 44 Special revolvers with three-inch barrels. Its ejector rod was unprotected à la older Colt double action revolvers. It was more petite than an S&W Model 10 with comparable barrel, very light, and not too unpleasant to shoot. Charter's 44 was not intended for "duty" use or vigorous handloads. It was a well-conceived concealment revolver, including being a satisfactory pocket gun.

What I remember distinctly was the small size and visual fragility of its cylinder stop and that its cylinder could be opened by pulling ejector rod or manipulating its (S&W style) cylinder latch.

Are currently manufactured Charter Arms 44s of comparably small size, albeit more durably designed?

If I still owned mine, one would always be my EDC revolver - that is, a joy to carry and delightful to shoot for that one cylinderful to save my scalp.
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Old 02-28-2018, 04:56 PM
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I picked up a early stainless Bulldog 3 in in the black box , holster and some speed loaders , never fired it yet , has a real smooth action.
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Old 03-05-2018, 04:02 PM
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More than 30 years ago I acquired a pair of stainless steel Charter Arms 44 Special revolvers with three-inch barrels. Its ejector rod was unprotected à la older Colt double action revolvers. It was more petite than an S&W Model 10 with comparable barrel, very light, and not too unpleasant to shoot. Charter's 44 was not intended for "duty" use or vigorous handloads. It was a well-conceived concealment revolver, including being a satisfactory pocket gun.

What I remember distinctly was the small size and visual fragility of its cylinder stop and that its cylinder could be opened by pulling ejector rod or manipulating its (S&W style) cylinder latch.

Are currently manufactured Charter Arms 44s of comparably small size, albeit more durably designed?

If I still owned mine, one would always be my EDC revolver - that is, a joy to carry and delightful to shoot for that one cylinderful to save my scalp.
I have not had a single issue with mine after over a thousand rounds.
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Old 06-08-2018, 10:31 AM
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my Boomer will be here next week. I will be putting a Crimson Trace Red laser grip on it-69 year old eyes need some help. When it comes in I will post pics.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:04 PM
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I use a Seventies vintage Bianchi 5BHL holster marked "small rev" to carry my Bulldog. As luck would have it, it also fits a 3 inch 3 inch Colt Police Positive Special well. It is too loose for a 3 inch 36-1.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:19 PM
eb07 eb07 is offline
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I am still carrying the Bulldog...... haven't put it away yet and it's over 100

The 442 is feeling is pretty lonely right now

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Old 06-08-2018, 04:43 PM
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My CA Bulldog .44 Special 2.5"is my EDC 90 % of the time,I do rotate now and then.
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Old 06-09-2018, 09:37 AM
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Default CA 44 Special Bulldog

I have the CA Bulldog in 44 Special and love it! Carry mine in an Extreme Cross Draw Brown Leather Holster by Bob Mernickle.
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Old 06-09-2018, 12:10 PM
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I have a Bulldog and also a Taurus 445UL and have to say I prefer the Taurus. It has a smoother action and is more comfortable for me to shoot. I don’t know the specifics but they are about the same size.
I’d like to find a set of Herrets Shooting Aces to fit the Charter hoping to improve its feel but no luck.
Don’t turn your nose up on the Taurus 445UL. Mine’s a nice carry gun.
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Last edited by ACORN; 06-09-2018 at 12:51 PM.
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Old 06-12-2018, 02:21 PM
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I have the Boomer in black nitride. I replaced the black rubber grips, which are excellent for managing recoil, but are IMO too large for CCW. With the Barami style smooth grips and a BK grip adapter, I can easily carry the gun in my waistband or in a holster. With the nitride finish, I don't have to worry about moisture (sweat) ruining the finish.

I've shot well over 100 rounds and close to 1000 dry fires and the action has smoothed out considerably. When I first got the gun, the action was rough enough that I could stage the trigger prior to let off. Now, it's too smooth to stage, a firm trigger pull results in the hammer dropping with no creep.

I'm carrying the Federal 200 grain LSWCHP.
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Old 06-12-2018, 02:33 PM
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Now you've all gone and done it !!! I've wanted a Bulldog for a few years. So after reading this thread I purchased a new one off Gun Broker; only an hour ago Thanx a lot
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Old 06-12-2018, 04:54 PM
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A small .44 has always interested me as a possible carry gun. I've looked at the Charter Arms and the one Ruger is offering right now and having a tough time deciding which is best.

Sure wish S&W would offer one.
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Old 06-12-2018, 05:07 PM
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A small .44 has always interested me as a possible carry gun. I've looked at the Charter Arms and the one Ruger is offering right now and having a tough time deciding which is best.

Sure wish S&W would offer one.
I did not know ruger had a 44 offering as small and light as the charter. What model?
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Old 06-12-2018, 05:56 PM
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The Ruger is the GP100 with a 3 inch barrel. Much larger/heavier than the Charter.
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Old 06-12-2018, 05:59 PM
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The Ruger is the GP100 with a 3 inch barrel. Much larger/heavier than the Charter.
Oh OK, yeah that things is a tank. If I am carrying that heavy, I'll carry the 1911.
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Old 06-12-2018, 06:23 PM
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You're right about the weight, I was just now looking at the specs on my favorite online gun store.


A 36 ounce 5 shot. Well, That takes the Ruger out of the equation. I don't know why they made that thing so darn heavy.

I noticed that Charter offers snubbies in .45acp also, But they don't use moon clips and the reviews on that model were pretty bleak.
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Old 06-12-2018, 08:04 PM
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I will stick with the 44 special. 45 is for 1917's and 1911's
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