Posted: 7/15/2026 11:44:48 AM EDT
I recently acquired what I thought was a stainless Charter Arms Bulldog. But, upon receiving it and doing a little research I've learned it is a first year of production 1973 factory nickel Bulldog made in the Bridgeport, CT factory.  The challenge I'm facing is that when you push the cylinder latch, you also have to pull forward (towards the muzzle) on the cylinder plunger to get it to clear the frame. I've read that early CA models used this method to open the cylinder pre-latch. I've also read that there are dual release models but I don't think this is one of those. My research has suggested that gunk under the cylinder star, a plunger not fully screwed in, and a yoke screw that is loose could all cause problems such as this (according to Chat GPT). I don't have the revolver just yet...I'm waiting for it to come to my FFL, but I do have these pics and I did get a good explanation of the issue. Any other ideas for a fix and/or information on this model? Here's where the plunger contacts the frame. 
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Shooter6 Out
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Machining on Charters has had it's ups and downs over the years. That one is a bit rough but not out of the ordinary. I've owned a number of them and have actually had good luck the brand. In some respects I like them better than Smith J frames. As far as the cylinder release, start with a very thorough clean and lube, them make sure everything that should be tight is. The mechanism is pretty basic, there's not a lot that can go wrong, short of poor manufacturing. A 1973 would still be in the original owner era, those were typically the better ones. Charco/Charter 2000 tend to be the suspect guns. |
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Look up the parts schematic online. The cylinder release is designed such that the tit pushing on the end of the ejector rod (next to the ratchet) is a screw that screws into the cylinder release body. This screw should have some thread locker on it to keep it from screwing in under recoil but they can get loose and screw in anyway. Too far in and it won't release the cylinder. On mine I put some super glue on the threads and set the screw flush with the face of the frame with the cylinder release pushed forward. |
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Received the revolver today and that is precisely the issue. That screw is turned in about 2mm and not flush with the frame. I’ll take it out when I get home, clean it, and put some blue loctite on it. I suspect that will correct the issue. Good news is, the revolver looks way better in person, lock up is tight and the trigger is surprisingly good. |
Shooter6 Out
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Originally Posted By Ameshawki: Machining on Charters has had it's ups and downs over the years. That one is a bit rough but not out of the ordinary. I've owned a number of them and have actually had good luck the brand. In some respects I like them better than Smith J frames. As far as the cylinder release, start with a very thorough clean and lube, them make sure everything that should be tight is. The mechanism is pretty basic, there's not a lot that can go wrong, short of poor manufacturing. A 1973 would still be in the original owner era, those were typically the better ones. Charco/Charter 2000 tend to be the suspect guns. Currently they're in a down period. Carefully inspect any new one you buy. |
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Originally Posted By Miami_JBT: https://i.imgur.com/MkxkdZs.jpeg That screw is adjustable and it can keep your gun from opening if it is not properly set. Ugh, another example of a previous owner not using the proper sizer hollow ground screwdriver. Glad you got your gun sorted OP. |
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OG stocks came in yesterday. These are the "Target" model. I have another set of the regular rounded stocks inbound. I'm not sure which shipped on this model originally, but I did find a post from another forum where a guy had a 1973 first year of production Bulldog in factory nickel finish brand new in the box. It had these stocks. 
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Shooter6 Out
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mine has that set and I like them. They were just a bit wobbly on the frame, so I shimmed it with some duct tape applied to the underside of the grip panel. YMMV |
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General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
