CHARTER ARMS BULLDOG .44 2.5"

The Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special with a 2.5-inch barrel is a lightweight, "big-bore" snubnosed revolver. Introduced in the 1970s, it gained fame for being one of the few revolvers of its size to fire a large-caliber bullet, offering a significant power-to-weight ratio for personal defense.

Key Design Elements

• Big-Bore Power: Unlike most compact revolvers chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, the Bulldog fires the .44 Special. This cartridge uses a larger, heavier bullet at lower velocities, designed to offer effective stopping power with a different recoil profile than high-pressure magnums.

• Compact Frame: The Bulldog is built on a frame that is slightly larger than a Smith & Wesson J-frame but smaller than a K-frame. This makes it small enough for pocket or waistband carry while still housing a 5-round .44 caliber cylinder.

• Simplified Construction: Charter Arms uses a unique design where the grip frame, trigger guard, and cylinder crane are separate components from the main frame. This reduced part count and the use of lightweight materials (like aluminum or stainless steel) keep the gun's weight around 21 ounces.

• Fixed Sights: The 2.5-inch model typically features a low-profile, fixed ramp front sight and a notched groove rear sight integrated into the frame to prevent snagging during a draw.

• Hammer Options: While the standard model features an exposed spurred hammer for Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) fire, versions like the "On Duty" feature a shrouded hammer to prevent snagging on clothing.

• Recoil Management: Due to its light weight and large caliber, recoil can be stout. Most modern versions come with full-sized, finger-grooved rubber grips to help the shooter maintain a secure hold.

Technical Specifications