OT...charter arms bulldog pug..

[4t5]

I have been looking for a S&W 696 44 spec.,quite frankly I'm tired of looking,please tell me about your experiences with the new CHARTER ARMS BULL DOG PUG,as I am now considering this revolver.

[Rusty]

I had one for a while. Used it for CCW. It shot OK, but nothing like what a S&W will. Hey it's a snub, not a target gun. It was a little bit bulkier than what I wanted to deal with so I traded for a J frame. Finding ammo can be a challenge, you need special and this is a magnum world.

[Sheepman Dave]

I will qualify this first by saying I'm a .45 guy first and foremost.

For CCW carry when I can't hide my .45 with a jacket, I usually have my 3" S&W696 .44Sp, Colt 2" Lawman .357, or Charter Pug 2" .44 Sp.

The Charter is the smallest and lightest of the three. I am most accurate with the S&W. Both the Smith and Colt are big and help with recoil. The Charter is small enough to slip in a pocket and go to church with. The others are too big for pocket carry. So I carry the Charter alot because I can slip it in a pocket and have a speed strip in the other pocket for a reload. Not that I'd need it. If I emptied it I'd probably be blind & deaf. Shooting it indoors will remind you of shooting off a flare gun. But hey I'm OK with that, I'm getting older and my eyesight ain't what it used to be, so I like putting big holes in things.

Dave

[Hobie]

I've been thinking of getting a Bulldog, too. I have a 696. I think it is more a light trail gun with a moderate punch and no ear splitting crack than as a carry gun. Then again, I have carried bigger. Keep looking, they are right around the corner (always ).

[Lefty Dude]

My CA Pug/44 is with me every day. It is not shot much, when it is I shoot my CAS/SASS 44 special loads for practice. The load that is always in the chambers, Winchester Factory 200 g. Silvertips.

Considering it is a lost cause if I, heaven-forbid need to use it. Not much money is in the piece. For me it is an everyday tool. I stopped using my Browning HP/40 when the IRS bought me my Pug/44. I used the stimulus money for the purchase.

If we get another stimulus check, I'll buy an other Firearm.

[Blaine]

I really don't want to get into another caliber.....When the Charter Arms .45acp revolver (no clips needed) comes out, I'll give that one a real hard look.

[jeepnik]

I really don't want to get into another caliber.....When the Charter Arms .45acp revolver (no clips needed) comes out, I'll give that one a real hard look.

I'll second that. I picked up a Southpaw and have been happy. I'll take a .45 Bulldog even if it's maed for those not in their right mind.

[86er]

I have a old moldel Charter Arms Bulldog. I traded for it. It worked fine but was a little rough. I sent it back to Charter to take them up on their "Lifetime Warranty". They sent it back with a new hammer, new cylinder release and pin and "reamed chambers and polished". It shoots whatever I put in it. I did file the front sight a little to move the point of impact. Early this year I shot a feral goat 5 times at 25 yards and each landed in the chest (testing bullets). I know Mike Rintoul uses a brand new style Bulldog for his personal carry gun and for all his 44 SPL handgun cartridge testing. I don't love the rubber grips on the new ones but wood or micarta are inexpensive on E-bay.

[O.S.O.K.]

How about a classic 44 Spcl Smith? Here's one for sale:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/43740



Not a 696, but very cool. Yes, a little fatter for carry... but look at it

I have a 696 myself, so I understand why you want one but I agree with Hobie's assesment that its more of a light trail gun.

The Charter Arms would serve you very well - as Joe just mentioned, lifetime warranty and great service - what's not to like? Also, in case you are wondering, you can goose the loads some for these - not as much as the 696 or the new Ruger BH's but plenty good for self defense purposes - not that you really have to with 900 fps 200 grain gold dot loads available...

Ooh, here's a 396 44 Special for sale on gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =156943387 Only 2 hours left on the auction, but if unsold it will most likely relist... so do a search if you're interested. I figure if you were looking for a 696, you were prepared to pay a good amount.



Here's a 296 Smith 44 Spcl (little less $$): http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =157012231



Hope that helps some

[SJPrice]

S&W 396 NG is a great way to go. I have one with CT Laser grips. It comes with an XS big dot tritium night sight. and is the same size as a 44 bulldog. Great CCW option when you want bigger holes than a J Frame can deliver.