I was looking around some local pawn shops for some vintage ammo and fishing reels, when a $200 revolver caught my eye. Its a Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special, and it looks used (which I like, I like the look of worn guns). I want to get a new hunting sidearm, because my only handgun right now is a crappy .22 that jams almost every shot and I hunt in hog country. I know .44 special is expensive, and probably recoils quite a bit, but is $200 for this baby a good deal?
I bought one many years ago, stainless. I would use it as a sinker for fishing, if it didn't cost so much. I hope it is a newer version than mine. Hope the dealer lets you play with it before you buy. Ok, its an inexpensive gun, but the action, really rough. double action, forget it. opening the cylinder , two hands. Now this is mine, and it is many years old. Hope the company improved it in later years. Recoil was ok.
I read a lot of reviews on it and it seems the double action is heavy and the recoil is about as much as a .357, but it still recieves a lot of praise as a defense gun. I have read on multiple reviews that the older ones are better than the newer ones. It seems fine enough for me. At least I know it can put one shot out after the other.
Charter Arms changed hands a long while back. The current owner is pretty decent and backs his guns. If it functions OK it would be a buy. 44 special is similar to 45 ACP in recoil.
I still have mine. Its loaded with the "Glaser Safety Slug" Stays beside my bed. Why, if I dont like it, Would it be my bedside firearm? If I have to shoot, I would rather the P.D. take it and not A Colt A Ruger A Smith & Wesson.
From my experience with Charter, it would not be a good buy for 1/10 as much. I wouldn't have it as a gift. Just MNSHO!
I think I'll pass on it. The same shop had a Llama 1911 that I looked at for $350. I'd rather have the Bulldog than that 1911. I'll try to save for a Glock 22 they had for $379.
Again, I will suggest, if you have a range nearby, that rents. Try one. My local indoor range has a large selection of handguns for rent.
I have an old charter 357. It's a good gun! I don't know about the newer charters. The 357 I own was made in the 70's. I prefer the charter to my SP 101 as an EDC. My uncle did as well. He retired from the CA highway patrol. I miss him a lot...
