Please help Identify Bulldog 44 Special

[Racingsnake]

Hi guys,

I'm considering buying a Charter Arms 44 Bulldog but don't know the different models and eras. I believe revolvers made at certain times should be avoided.

Don't have a serial number at this stage - just a photograph. Can someone help me with an estimated era?




With thanks, Racingsnake

[g.willikers]

This article was included in another conversation about Charter.
I saved it, but can't remember who to give credit to.
Thanks to whoever it was.
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"I've been researching the Charter Arms Corporation - 1st Generation revolvers for a couple years now.
This is the updated serial number info that I have - based upon around 800 data points
The earliest 1st Gen - ~0 to ~19,000 have NO barrel ADDRESS and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame. CA company founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965
Bridgeport CONN address - ~19000 to ~315,000 1967 - 1973
Stratford CONN address - ~316000 to ~1,090,000 1974 - ~1991
All marked as Charter Arms Corporation

2nd Generation - CHARCO, Ansonia Conn adress - 1,090,000 to ??? ~1991 - 1999

3rd Generation - CHARTER 2000 - Shelton Conn - 0 to where ever they are today.

From the 26 pieces in my collection (all 1st Gen) and from dozens more that I've had the opportunity to observed and fondle, I'd say that around s/n 600,000 the finish was made a lot finer - although the integrals (lock work, action) was at least as good as the earlier ones. I have or have read magazine articles that cover pretty much of the production life of the 1st Generation, and during that period (around late 1980, early 1981) it seems that CA attempted to capture more of the market by doing so, also in April of 1981, they introduced Stainless Steel revolvers into the mix, for the first time.
Some of the articles lamented that the earlier pieces, although rough finish, were rather inexpensive (~60-65% of S&W) and when CA began their "modernization" process, the finishes got better but the prices increased to about 85 to 90% of the S&W line for comparable models.
During the 2nd Generation, the CHARCO (Charter Arms COMPANY), under new management and reorganized, the quality was definitely more spotty and haphazard. I've seen CHARCO produced guns with Stratford marked barrels, obviously using up old stock.
The earliest CHARTER 2000 pieces I had the opportunity to handle (some fairly early 4 digits s/ns - were uniformly, poorly fitted and finished and had some horrendous and gritty actions.
That seems to have been rectified under MKS's (circa 2008) new leadership and the most recent pieces I've handled - s/n's in the high 100,000 range have been "decent" but not as fine in finish and action as the mid years of the 1st Generation. This is simply my studied opinion based upon experience."

[Crazy88Fingers]

I believe that's from a user named 32 Magnum (or something like that). That picture looks like one of the first Charters made, though Charter Arms seems to have released their Bulldog Classic which is a replica of the older ones.

Avoid anything marked Charco or Charter 2000 and you should be fine. The newer ones made in Shelton, CT have a lifetime warranty.

[PetahW]

IIRC, It looks exactly like the 70's BD I used to have - although Charter has just re(?)introduced the exact same config, "Polished & blued" etc.

BTW - FYI, they are Twisted Sisters to fire with the wood grips. Pachmayr rubber bumpers, like the new stainless BD's have, calm them right down. (I now have a stainless .44 BD)

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[Racingsnake]

Thanks so much for the info guys. Racingsnake

[Phoenix45]

"I've been researching the Charter Arms Corporation - 1st Generation revolvers for a couple years now.
This is the updated serial number info that I have - based upon around 800 data points
The earliest 1st Gen - ~0 to ~19,000 have NO barrel ADDRESS and s/n is on lower right corner on right side of frame. CA company founded in 1964, first production pieces of the Undercover model produced in 1965
Bridgeport CONN address - ~19000 to ~315,000 1967 - 1973
Stratford CONN address - ~316000 to ~1,090,000 1974 - ~1991
All marked as Charter Arms Corporation

The Stratford S/Ns go up to at least 1106XXX. I have a Bulldog in that range marked "Charter Arms Corp. Stratford, Conn"

Best revolver I've ever owned. Great for CC!