[Berto]

I really love .44 special. I would like a smaller one to go along with my Bisley Flattop.
Two options exist; One is the K framed sized Taurus 431 in stainless, these are disco'd in the Taurus lineup years ago, but my local haunt has a nice used one.
The other option would be a (new prod) Charter Arms Bulldog. I have no experience with either the old ones, Charcos or the newest incarnation, but I have handled a new one....it seemed decent but with a rough external finish.

I don't intend to make a range queen out of it, but I want something that will still last a long time. I hate flimsy guns.
Are they good? Will they hold up?

 

[DustyJacket]

I had one of the original Target Bulldogs in the 1970s.
it was light, very accurate, very sturdy, and I never should have sold it 15 years later.

I have no idea about the current crop.

 

[Bruce M]

I know you were in on this post but in case you didn't get to the second page there is a long post by a guy who went there with some issue rather than send the gun. His post made Charter seem very good as a company. http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1375370&highlight=charter&page=2

I worked with a guy who had a Bulldog that his father gave him - not sure how many rounds it had through it but age wise it did well.

 

[JimBianchi]

That was my first carry gun in 1988.

I paid $300, new. It came with a CRAP trigger and action. The FFL who I bought it from also was a gunsmith. He did a action/spring job and bobbed the hammer.

Great little gun that ran 100% after that. I'd still have it if it wasn't stolen from me in the early 90's.

 

[Berto]

I know you were in on this post but in case you didn't get to the second page there is a long post by a guy who went there with some issue rather than send the gun. His post made Charter seem very good as a company. http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1375370&highlight=charter&page=2

I worked with a guy who had a Bulldog that his father gave him - not sure how many rounds it had through it but age wise it did well.

Thank you, I did read that and I agree they sound like good people at CA.

I don't hear much about the long term on the newer guns....there was a thread in the snubby forum that appears to have been left open ended. I would love to hear from folks with over a few hundred rounds in them- esp the newest generation.

 

[Line Rider]

I'm a big fan of the .44 special. As far a new model Charter Arms I have seen anything that I would personally own. The quanity looks awful.

You can find the older orginal CA on line at gunbroker.com Those were much better quality.

 

[Berto]

I'm a big fan of the .44 special. As far a new model Charter Arms I have seen anything that I would personally own. The quanity looks awful.

You can find the older orginal CA on line at gunbroker.com Those were much better quality.

I looked at a CA Undercover (or something....snubby Bodyguard style .38) and the Taurus 431 today.
The Taurus was in overall nice shape, had good timing, fair lockup, but too much endshake for my tastes. Pass.

The CA had a good trigger, and tight lockup when the trigger was back (likely because of CW cyl rotation), but too much movement in front lockup and ejector rod assembly looked flimsy....so I'll probably pass on the Bulldog.

Maybe a Rossi 720 or Smith 296 might surface someday.....:whistling:

 

[Ruble Noon]

I looked at a CA Undercover (or something....snubby Bodyguard style .38) and the Taurus 431 today.
The Taurus was in overall nice shape, had good timing, fair lockup, but too much endshake for my tastes. Pass.

The CA had a good trigger, and tight lockup when the trigger was back (likely because of CW cyl rotation), but too much movement in front lockup and ejector rod assembly looked flimsy....so I'll probably pass on the Bulldog.

Maybe a Rossi 720 or Smith 296 might surface someday.....:whistling:

I am still kicking myself for not snagging a Rossi 720 that the LGS had last year.
If you are interested in a Charter Bulldog, look around for a used original Bulldog. I have an old .38 undercover that is a good gun and I also have a newer .44 Bulldog that leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[cowboywannabe]

i too have been waiting a long time for Landric (i think his name is) to post his follow up with his CA bulldog .44spl......he hasnt done so, me thinks thats a sign in addition to my 2 POS ive had from them in the past.

id like to try out a new bulldog or even the old school 3" version......and if it worked right id buy it, but no longer will i put my money before a CA product that has not prooven to me its worth.

 

[VA27]

I'm a big fan of the old Charters. I will be getting the 45ACP when it hits the market. I'm hoping they'll also make that caliber available in the Classic, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[ronin.45]

I know it isn't in the same price range but how about a used 396NG from Smith? There is one on GB for $650 now. It would be a better gun than the others by a fair margin I think.

 

[cowboywannabe]

I know it isn't in the same price range but how about a used 396NG from Smith? There is one on GB for $650 now. It would be a better gun than the others by a fair margin I think.

the CA bulldog is a bit like a K frame in size where as the NG S&Ws are L frame......

 

[gatorboy]

I had one for a short time. Bought it new for $350 + tax, put exactly 100 rds. through it then sold it for $400. It was my first 44 special only handgun and I felt it would'nt hold up to 1K rds. or more. For a carry often, hardly shoot for fun gun it's great, I wanted a shooter. I'd say it's closer to J frame size than K frame size, it's a tiny 5 shot big bore.

There are still some new NG 396's out there and I'm sure you know they're L frames which will fit in large pockets (I used to carry a 386 PD in a large pocket when fishing but it had a Ti cylinder and lighter ammo).

Go for it if you can get a deal. If they have five or six check them all as some gaps will be tighter, some will lock up tighter etc.

 

[banger]

.44 Bulldog?

Good enough for the "Son of Sam".

 

[Gary1911A1]

I have owned the Charter Bulldog in the past and it didn't work out well for me. The trigger was rough and the fitting of the parts left me feeling it was just a cheap RIG.

Last year I ran across the Taurus .44 with the spurless hammer which I later learned was a factory option. It has been a great little revolver so for me the Taurus is a better gun.