The Charter Bulldog 44 revisited just in time for cold weather

[eb07]

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!

 

[Wise_A]

How well does that paint glow after the gun's been CCW'd a couple hours? Non-sarcastic question, it looks interesting.

 

[sigp220.45]

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.

 

[eb07]

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.

 

[Topsarge]

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.

 

[eb07]

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.

 

[Retired Chief]

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

 

[eb07]

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

 

[jimmyj]

Question: Have you considered having your front sight a different color than the rear sights ?

 

[eb07]

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.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

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.

 

[Gripgrabber]

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!

 

[eb07]

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.

 

[AimHigher]

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.

 

[eb07]

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.....

 

[BMcCarthy]

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?

 

[eb07]

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.

 

[sipowicz]

What kid did you use for that in the waistband picture?

 

[eb07]

What kid did you use for that in the waistband picture?

Haha. That is most definitely me

 

[browningcollector]

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.