Mr. Kevin, as a retired lawman now, I am fortunate to own two .44 Bulldogs. I carried the original Bulldog .44 from the 70's to the 90's before opting for a stainless steel DAO Bulldog., not the Boomer. My Bulldog was my off duty carry and also used when in plain clothes. I purchased the original 3-inch Bulldog in 1974 for little over 100-dollars if memory serves me. I packed that little cannon around with me for over 25-years before retiring it for the DAO stainless Bulldog that I carry today. Back when I bought my first Bulldog, it was so popular then, that Bulldogs flew off the gun store shelves fast as they were displayed Many of my brothers purchased the Bulldog for duty carry in plain clothes. Civilians were strong buyers of the Bulldog also. This gun is a throw-back to the old British Bulldog Revolvers of the 1880s into the 1920's before dying off. Purchased for protection up close. and a compact lightweight revolver for pocket carry then and today. Made and priced at very reasonable prices then as today. Both era Bulldogs are to be carried much and shot seldom. Not a revolver for excessive shooting due to parts wear, then and today. The Charter Arms Bulldog has a great lineage behind it. The current crop of western movies are having the British Bulldog Revolvers as co-stars now, and from what recent research has turned up, the old British Bulldog had a strong presence in the Old West, for the same doggone reason gun buyers today are making Bulldog purchases. Carried much shot minimum is the answer to a long Bulldog life. Using my own for an example, it was packed in a shoulder holster, inside the pants holster, under the car seat in a zip-up bag for some 25+years of hard cop wear and tear. It lasted longer than I did, because I followed the rules of carried much shot seldom and cleaned &.oiled often. If the Bulldog buyer follows this advice from a longtime Bulldog owner, your gun will outlast you as mine did me. Mr. Kevin, thanks a bunch for this great video on the Bulldog Boomer!
I have the the regular stainless Bulldog in 45 Colt and love it. It was a little hard to find in that caliber but I reload and shoot a lot of 45 Colt in Cowboy Action and love the cartridge.
If you want something big and bad get a Pitbull in .45acp. It's bite is worse than it's bark😄 Man I love mine and the recoil is almost non-existent even at .22oz. I can put all five shots in an 8" pie pan at 20'. The grips fit my hand so well I see no need to change them. Perfect self defense weapon for those of us on a budget or just don't want to pay S&W's inflated prices. It's great to see Charter Arms finally getting it together after all these years.
I treat my bulldog very nicely I take it for walks in the daytime and I take it for walks at the night time I take it to the store I take it to the gas station I take it almost everywhere
I own both the Bulldog 44 special and the Pitbull 45. Both have similar ballistics, but I prefer the sleeker 44 for edc. Hornady Critical Defense 165 grain has the optimal penetration vs expansion self defense requirements. I took a little Mother’s mag Polish and some elbow grease to them and really finished worked each to a nice semi shine. For $300 each you can’t go wrong. Still made in Connecticut too!
I recently bought the Bulldog 44 Special but it took me sometime to find 44 ammo in my area. The only ammo I found is the 240 grain FM flat point. I have not fired it yet so far.
I have 5 Charter Arms pistols. I’m not out to dazzle anyone with a CCW weapon. The prices are so good, and they always preform as expected. My latest is a 40 S&W I carry with speed strips.
it's 44special not magnum,have owned one for several years never a problem.use light factory loads fpr range,blazers for EDC.Factory does not recomend certain factory ammo,due to high pressure or heavy loads.Call them and ask if you can't find your answer in the owners manuel.Great review, THANKS
The problem is that revolver cartridges are NOT the same as semi-auto cartridge. The revolver cartridge always have a HEAVY crimp (and there's a big reason for that). This is because all the rest of the rounds in the cylinder feel the recoil when the gun is fired, and this shock can/does loosen the bullet in the round, which can/does have an impact on accuracy when those rounds are fired.
I really like their handguns. Had an undercover.38 and a bobbed hammer Bulldog .44 stainless. The one thing that bothers me about the company is they make too many two inch barreled .38s. some adjustable sighted revolvers with 4, 5, and 6 inch barrels would be nice. Especially for those who venture into the woods and deserts where venomous snakes reside. I used to take mine in horseback loaded with two cylinders of snakes hot. People made fun of these revolvers. They work great, and are much lighter than some monster N frames or other handguns which weigh in excess of 52 ounces. When my daughter turned 21 I gave her my .44. Never had a problem with it. I just like the older models because they have better looking barrels and a nicer front sight.
I have a bulldog 44 special. They have a lot punch. I tried to put 10 consecutive shots on a piece of paper that was 10 x 11 at 50' and could not do it (I know that's not what they are designed for). Mine is used as a desk gun, just in case I walk out the door without my EDC 9mm.
I owned a charter arms bulldog in 44 special. The first time I took it out shooting. I was using a regular fmg from Federal. The first 4 shots the barrel began to separate. I took it to where I bought the day before. Neither the shop or the company would take it back or even repair the firearm. I had even purchased the shops extra now question repair or replace. They accused me of using over powered gun powder despite me showing them the bullet used which I had purchased at the same time I bought the gun and I brought two witnesses I had gone shooting with. Needless to say every Time someone asked me of my thoughts I told them the problem I had and the crappy customer service. I know I had turned at least three people from buying charter arms. That gun shop where I bought the gun and refused to stand by their no questions asked warranty closed down after 4years. Never even considered purchasing anything from Charter Arms Since. Now I do realize that every firearm manufacturer rarely but do send a real lemon out occasionally. But the poor customer service I had is inexcusable.
Agreed. That’s contrary to literally every issue I’ve heard regarding customer service for at least the last 5 years. Frankly I’ve heard more CS problems from Ruger & S&W than CA.
Shot the bulldog and the pitbull in 45 acp. The 44 is a wee bit lighter on recoil but neither one I would say is good for a new shooters. If charter arms I go with their undercorvette. In 32 H&R mag . I would never choose a rimfire for self defense.
Could you possibly do a video on the best concealed firearms for women? My wife is really small and petite and has hardly any strength to barely chamber my Glock model 22 .40cal. Any ideas?
I think you bring up a great point with that, 4TWeaK20! I will be passing your suggestion along. While this isn't a video, we do have a book available in our online store that could be a great help to your wife! www.usconcealedcarry.com/product/womens-handgun-self-defense-fundamentals/ I have also provided one of our free guides below, which is directed more towards women and handguns. d3rmvquxnxa9wt.cloudfront.net/pdf/guides/USCCA_WomensGunGuide.pdf I hope these help! :)
The Bersa Thunder 380 is a superb option. It's preferred by a ton of women I've dealt with in terms of size, grip, firing, etc., not hard to manipulate at all.
A steel framed snubby or 3" revolver would work well. For lighter weight, the 3" Ruger LCRx might be a good choice, and it has a good trigger. If weight is not an issue, a good 2.5" or 3" K frame S&W is a great choice. They make 3" heavy barrel J frames in .38 and .357 Mag as well. As far as autos, try a compact to mid sized 9mm. The slides are easier to rack. I like my Kahr P9 a lot. U might look at an M&P Shield. 380's are ok, but many are blowback, which means greater slide effort. U might look at mid sized ones like the Beretta 84 or 85. They are high quality and easy to use. The Bersas have a good rep, but again, she may find the slide hard to manipulate. The only way to know is to have her look at and evaluate various guns. I have even heard of people with hand strength issues using single action revolvers. 38+p in a 4-5/8" Blackhawk 357 would be controllable. With a little practice, an SA can be cocked and fired pretty quickly, usually cocking with the weak hand thumb. Just some random thoughts. Good luck in your search
Mr. Kevin, as a retired lawman now, I am fortunate to own two .44 Bulldogs. I carried the original Bulldog .44 from the 70's to the 90's before opting for a stainless steel DAO Bulldog., not the Boomer. My Bulldog was my off duty carry and also used when in plain clothes. I purchased the original 3-inch Bulldog in 1974 for little over 100-dollars if memory serves me. I packed that little cannon around with me for over 25-years before retiring it for the DAO stainless Bulldog that I carry today. Back when I bought my first Bulldog, it was so popular then, that Bulldogs flew off the gun store shelves fast as they were displayed Many of my brothers purchased the Bulldog for duty carry in plain clothes. Civilians were strong buyers of the Bulldog also. This gun is a throw-back to the old British Bulldog Revolvers of the 1880s into the 1920's before dying off. Purchased for protection up close. and a compact lightweight revolver for pocket carry then and today. Made and priced at very reasonable prices then as today. Both era Bulldogs are to be carried much and shot seldom. Not a revolver for excessive shooting due to parts wear, then and today. The Charter Arms Bulldog has a great lineage behind it. The current crop of western movies are having the British Bulldog Revolvers as co-stars now, and from what recent research has turned up, the old British Bulldog had a strong presence in the Old West, for the same doggone reason gun buyers today are making Bulldog purchases. Carried much shot minimum is the answer to a long Bulldog life. Using my own for an example, it was packed in a shoulder holster, inside the pants holster, under the car seat in a zip-up bag for some 25+years of hard cop wear and tear. It lasted longer than I did, because I followed the rules of carried much shot seldom and cleaned &.oiled often. If the Bulldog buyer follows this advice from a longtime Bulldog owner, your gun will outlast you as mine did me. Mr. Kevin, thanks a bunch for this great video on the Bulldog Boomer!
I have the the regular stainless Bulldog in 45 Colt and love it. It was a little hard to find in that caliber but I reload and shoot a lot of 45 Colt in Cowboy Action and love the cartridge.
If you want something big and bad get a Pitbull in .45acp. It's bite is worse than it's bark😄 Man I love mine and the recoil is almost non-existent even at .22oz. I can put all five shots in an 8" pie pan at 20'. The grips fit my hand so well I see no need to change them. Perfect self defense weapon for those of us on a budget or just don't want to pay S&W's inflated prices. It's great to see Charter Arms finally getting it together after all these years.
I treat my bulldog very nicely I take it for walks in the daytime and I take it for walks at the night time I take it to the store I take it to the gas station I take it almost everywhere
I own both the Bulldog 44 special and the Pitbull 45. Both have similar ballistics, but I prefer the sleeker 44 for edc. Hornady Critical Defense 165 grain has the optimal penetration vs expansion self defense requirements. I took a little Mother’s mag Polish and some elbow grease to them and really finished worked each to a nice semi shine. For $300 each you can’t go wrong. Still made in Connecticut too!
I recently bought the Bulldog 44 Special but it took me sometime to find 44 ammo in my area.
The only ammo I found is the 240 grain FM flat point. I have not fired it yet so far.
I have 5 Charter Arms pistols. I’m not out to dazzle anyone with a CCW weapon. The prices are so good, and they always preform as expected. My latest is a 40 S&W I carry with speed strips.
The late Jeff Cooper used to say that .44 spl was the only nonexotic revolver round that was worth a damn.
Just a straight up powerhouse
it's 44special not magnum,have owned one for several years never a problem.use light factory loads fpr range,blazers for EDC.Factory does not recomend certain factory ammo,due to high pressure or heavy loads.Call them and ask if you can't find your answer in the owners manuel.Great review, THANKS
*David berkowitz joined the chat*
Due to ammo concerns, may I suggest the one in 45 acp, 44 special is in very short supply in my area.
Thank you for your suggestion, latemetal1!
They actually make one in 45 Long Colt now
latemetal1 I have a 9mm and a 40 S&W that are cheap to shoot and more than ample for self defence.
The problem is that revolver cartridges are NOT the same as semi-auto cartridge. The revolver cartridge always have a HEAVY crimp (and there's a big reason for that). This is because all the rest of the rounds in the cylinder feel the recoil when the gun is fired, and this shock can/does loosen the bullet in the round, which can/does have an impact on accuracy when those rounds are fired.
I really like their handguns. Had an undercover.38 and a bobbed hammer Bulldog .44 stainless. The one thing that bothers me about the company is they make too many two inch barreled .38s. some adjustable sighted revolvers with 4, 5, and 6 inch barrels would be nice. Especially for those who venture into the woods and deserts where venomous snakes reside. I used to take mine in horseback loaded with two cylinders of snakes hot. People made fun of these revolvers. They work great, and are much lighter than some monster N frames or other handguns which weigh in excess of 52 ounces. When my daughter turned 21 I gave her my .44. Never had a problem with it. I just like the older models because they have better looking barrels and a nicer front sight.
I have a bulldog 44 special. They have a lot punch. I tried to put 10 consecutive shots on a piece of paper that was 10 x 11 at 50' and could not do it (I know that's not what they are designed for). Mine is used as a desk gun, just in case I walk out the door without my EDC 9mm.
Always a good idea to have a back-up, Indianahillclimber!
I love looking in to the USCCA Gun Vault. You all show me some firearms i have seen before and some I have never seen.
Which piece do you have your eye on for the next purchase, Anthony?
Please do one on the. 45 acp Pitbull
Can this firearm handle a 240 grain hollow point?
I owned a charter arms bulldog in 44 special. The first time I took it out shooting. I was using a regular fmg from Federal. The first 4 shots the barrel began to separate. I took it to where I bought the day before. Neither the shop or the company would take it back or even repair the firearm. I had even purchased the shops extra now question repair or replace. They accused me of using over powered gun powder despite me showing them the bullet used which I had purchased at the same time I bought the gun and I brought two witnesses I had gone shooting with. Needless to say every Time someone asked me of my thoughts I told them the problem I had and the crappy customer service. I know I had turned at least three people from buying charter arms. That gun shop where I bought the gun and refused to stand by their no questions asked warranty closed down after 4years. Never even considered purchasing anything from Charter Arms Since. Now I do realize that every firearm manufacturer rarely but do send a real lemon out occasionally. But the poor customer service I had is inexcusable.
I am so sorry that you had gone through that experience, Terry.
How long ago was this, I know the company has changed hands and supposedly now has excellent customer service.
Agreed. That’s contrary to literally every issue I’ve heard regarding customer service for at least the last 5 years.
Frankly I’ve heard more CS problems from Ruger & S&W than CA.
Shot the bulldog and the pitbull in 45 acp. The 44 is a wee bit lighter on recoil but neither one I would say is good for a new shooters. If charter arms I go with their undercorvette. In 32 H&R mag . I would never choose a rimfire for self defense.
I have been carrying the undercorvette in 32 H&R mag. It is a nice gun.
Videos like these are very valuable for a lot of people, my mother included. Thanks so much Kevin and team!
By the way, how big is the video team?
Thank you for the support, Bunny Rabbit! We are happy you enjoy the videos!
Our video team is growing and is about 10 people.
USCCA
Cool! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Bunny Rabbit! :)
Are all bulldogs 5 shots? Do they make them 6 shots?
Could you possibly do a video on the best concealed firearms for women? My wife is really small and petite and has hardly any strength to barely chamber my Glock model 22 .40cal. Any ideas?
I think you bring up a great point with that, 4TWeaK20! I will be passing your suggestion along.
While this isn't a video, we do have a book available in our online store that could be a great help to your wife!
www.usconcealedcarry.com/product/womens-handgun-self-defense-fundamentals/
I have also provided one of our free guides below, which is directed more towards women and handguns.
d3rmvquxnxa9wt.cloudfront.net/pdf/guides/USCCA_WomensGunGuide.pdf
I hope these help! :)
4TWeaK20 Ruger LCR in 38spc +P. Butter smooth trigger, 17 ounces, easily concealed, and weak or arthritic hands (me some days) can work it just fine.
The Bersa Thunder 380 is a superb option. It's preferred by a ton of women I've dealt with in terms of size, grip, firing, etc., not hard to manipulate at all.
Thank you all for your suggestions and help. Much appreciated. Hope to hear and learn more.
A steel framed snubby or 3" revolver would work well. For lighter weight, the 3" Ruger LCRx might be a good choice, and it has a good trigger. If weight is not an issue, a good 2.5" or 3" K frame S&W is a great choice. They make 3" heavy barrel J frames in .38 and .357 Mag as well. As far as autos, try a compact to mid sized 9mm. The slides are easier to rack. I like my Kahr P9 a lot. U might look at an M&P Shield. 380's are ok, but many are blowback, which means greater slide effort. U might look at mid sized ones like the Beretta 84 or 85. They are high quality and easy to use. The Bersas have a good rep, but again, she may find the slide hard to manipulate. The only way to know is to have her look at and evaluate various guns. I have even heard of people with hand strength issues using single action revolvers. 38+p in a 4-5/8" Blackhawk 357 would be controllable. With a little practice, an SA can be cocked and fired pretty quickly, usually cocking with the weak hand thumb. Just some random thoughts. Good luck in your search
Stout recoil? Mine measures in at stout.768
Why choose this over 45 acp though?
The 44 special can be loaded to kick the 45 ACPs ass, unfortunately though most factory loads you find in stores are equal too or a little weaker
Just curious do any of you here have over 5000 rounds through a newer undercover?
Rick Deckard's gun :)
If I can carry concealed an auto with a 4 inch barrel, then I can carry a revolver with a 4 inch barrel.
I've seen charters go for as much as $440. I wouldnt call that "budget" but American labor is expensive af
the enforcer in real life
Slow down, hold camera still, show better closeups of the specific model you are talking about, and lay off the caffeine.
Boomer on the way !
.44 magnum charter arms was used by David Berkowitz "son of Sam". Devastating damage
strategic services a special not a magnum
No. He used a 44 Special. The one you can buy now with 3" barrel called the Classic Bulldog.
I own one and I don't think they shoot worth a crap