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Charter 44 Special Question

The DutchmanThe Dutchman Member Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭
edited October 2007 in Ask the Experts
Has anyone shot a Charter Arms 44 Special Snubby? If so, how is it to shoot? Recoil? Accuracy? Weight for CCW?

Comments

  • Wehrmacht_45Wehrmacht_45 Member Posts: 3,377
    edited November -1
    All I know is the Charter Arms wheel guns tend to have a really nasty trigger pull out of the box. Usually they work, but with a bad trigger you have to really learn to compensate.
  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a new Bulldog and have shot it quite a bit. It is surprisingly accurate using standard factory loadings. Shoots to point of aim with those loads. With hotter loads it shoots low, but is still accurate. Single action trigger pull is good, while double action leaves something to be desired. All and all it is pretty good value for the money. The fit and finish is not what you would get with a pricier revolver, but seems to be solid and reliable. I only have about 400 rounds through mine, but no problems so far.[^][:)]
  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Forgot to mention the weight is good for conceal carry. The problem is that there are to many sharp edges for good concealment. I plan on using an abrasive rubber wheel to "knock off" the rough spots, making it better for concealment.[:I]
  • The DutchmanThe Dutchman Member Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the input. I am leaning towards purchasing one. Perhaps an action job would free the DA trigger pull?
  • TRAP55TRAP55 Member Posts: 8,291 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I carried one for years and still kick myself for selling it to a friend. I bobbed the hammer, did a trigger job, and replaced the grips with Pachmayr Grippers. http://www.wholesalehunter.com/product.asp?productid=42691
    Fairly accurate for a .44cal snubby. I carried it loaded with the Winchester Silver Tips, not the most accurate load, but anything you hit within 40ft will have a pumpkin size hole in it.
  • grdad45grdad45 Member Posts: 5,373 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have one of the older ones with a bobbed hammer and Pachmayr grips. It is a handful to shoot, but my wife can handle it. As said before, anything you hit with it probably ain't walking away. I can carry it IWB without any discomfort. I use 185 gr. hollow points to keep muzzle flip to a minimum.
  • 32 Magnum32 Magnum Member Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have several of the "older"/original Charter Arms revolvers, including on the the Bulldog 44 ... The trigger and action on the older ones is far superior to what Charter 2000 is making today. The guns marked Stratford Conn. were made before the lawyers added pounds to the trigger pull. My 3" .44 has an excellent pull at around 3 lbs with no creep and a very sharp break. Check out the auction sites, these used ones come up quite often and sell in the mid to upper 200 range.
    http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/68f0zs-tD1Y2z*0MZfh5wn6uG2gLoI635GZhv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg[/img]
  • MarvMarv Member Posts: 76 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have an old Charter Arms Stainless Bulldog that was made into the "Pug" variant by cutting the barrel back to a little less than 2" and remounting the sight. I've shot it quite a bit with mild to moderate reloads and it is pleasant to shoot and it more accurate than I am. I carried Winchester Silver Tips for social encounters and did not feel they were unmanageable. There are probably better loads out there now but I will stick with what I know. I carried it as an ankle gun until my department issued S&W 642s and mandated their use as an on-duty back up. While heavy for its size I never felt it was a problem on my ankle. On a belt, with a good holster it will be great for Concealed Carry.
  • jhimcojhimco Member Posts: 2,075 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It gets dirty quick. Need to clean it after 20 rounds for optimal performance. Simple- smaller frame + large caliber = lots of recoil.
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