Posted: 5/10/2006 5:24:43 AM EDT
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Would the newer stainless models be a good B.U.G.? Info please. Pete |
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I've owned three Charter .44 Spl. Bulldogs-two Pugs and one standard barrel. One was my first carry gun back in 1987 and the last was purchased around 1993. All three were junk. Trigger pulls were very heavy and gritty. The barrel shroud on one of the Pugs unscrewed itself from the frame. As for current or guns manufactured after the early 1990's, I can't say with any firsthand shooting experience. But the few I've handled in the gun shop didn't seem a whole lot smoother than my three turds. It's a great concept but IMO one poorly executed. If you're interested in a smallish .44 Spl, check-out the similar Taurus offerings. The ones I've handled had significantly better trigger action than Charters. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/Bill_Lester/2twocents.gif |
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I bought one of the Charco .38 snubbies a few years ago. They are pinned together, no screws in the main frame area, and no side plate. When I shot it the pins would work their way to one side or the other. If they had come all the way out, the spring-loaded innards would have BOINGED all over the range, and fallen apart. They have to be sent back to the factory to be re-assembled. I spent more time watching and re-setting those pins than actually shooting it. Couldn't wait to be rid of it. |
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Smith, Ruger, Colt, Taurus... that pretty much sums up revolvers. I checked out the Charter Arms "Off Duty" .38 Spec, and was not impressed. I didn't "hate" it but it just didn't feel as good as a Smith or even Taurus - not to mention the pricing. If you're gonna spend $350+++ for a CCW revolver, why not buy the Smith, or Taurus? Moreover, Charter Arms may or may not rebound this time around from financial ruin, which should give you reason enough to question the availability of warranty work at their factory. At least with a Smith or Taurus, they won't be going belly-up anytime soon. (just my two pennies, ymmv) Charter Arms "Off Duty" .38 Spec 
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Try one before you write them off. I have two regular Bulldogs, one Bulldog Target and an Undercover, all old models and while they show wear, I'm still happy with them. I'd buy others, if the price was right and I found another that I wanted. |
Yup, but like you said - trying to find one (let alone actually getting the owner to part with it!!) |
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I chime in since I have one, carry it and shoot it, unlike some that dismiss them without ever having owned or shot one. I have the .357mag Mag Pug, ported with rubber grips. It as accurate as a 2 incher can be and reliable. I use it as a summer carry when I'm wearing shorts and hiking around our lake. It has NEVER given me pause to not to trust it. I would guess that it has 500 rounds throught it, a mix of .38, .38 P+ and .357, both Federal and Cor-Bon. I got mine for $225, it was marked used but the first owner never fired it. I have the utmost trust in it, should I ever have to use it. |
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Years ago I had the local shop order me the 44sp snubby stainless (sight unseen) because I fell in love with the idea of such a small gun with a .44 cal bullet. This was late 70's or early 80's and there wasn't much else available in this vein. This gun went back and forth to the factory a couple of times over the first few years and it was never right. the trigger was bad and would not "reset " itself sometimes. What is the point of a carry gun you can't count on going bang when you try to pull the trigger? I traded it towards a stainless ruger ranch rifle that was also a thorn in my side for years untill I traded it towards a Bushmaster Ar15 (best move I ever made as I bought the ruger and a bunch of mags when factory 20's and 30's were $12 or $15 each. I traded for the AR at the heigth of the ban and got a pretty good price for the gun and really made a bunch on the mags,lucky I went to a quality honest shop,I did not realise at the time that factory mags went for a hefty price,thanks Newington Gun Exchange)! Possibly the new guns are better or I had a lemon but from my experience I would advise you to save your pennys for a beter quality gun. Used revolvers are usuall a very good deal,it is pretty hard to wear out a revolver by shooting it so if you can get past a couple of scrapes on the outside the used gun is a great deal. |
Mumia Abu-Jamal used a Charter Arms revolver to kill Officer Daniel Faulkner, too. Not that that has anything to do with their quality, I just wanted to point that out for those of you who didn't know. I think the S&W 642 and 442 are priced just right to edge out the Charter Arms revolvers. You can walk out of the gun store with one for about $380 if you shop around. |