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Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 8:10 pm
by fortyshooter
Looks like it could be a .44 Special Charter Arms Bulldog
https://youtu.be/wUMDAvCYcx4
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 8:18 pm
by RanchRoper
That's why I shoot an open top...

Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:21 pm
by JEBar
I've never handled a .44 Special Charter Arms Bulldog .... what could cause that failure ..

Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:30 pm
by Cowboy Gun Fan
Never seen anything like it.
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:34 pm
by rugrat
From the very little video of the incident, how did you come to the determination that it was a charter arms bulldog? Just wondering.
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:07 pm
by fortyshooter
Well maybe not 100% correct but I have one and it sure looks like one. The shape and size of the cylinder release looks about same and the profile of the frame,grip and barrel length along with the matte finish and being a .44 Maybe to hot a load...who knows?
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 8:06 am
by John E Davies
fortyshooter ... How do you like your Bulldog? Do you carry it? At around 22 ounces it seems a way light for that caliber, how is the recoil? Is the frame forged stainless, or cast? How is the trigger and lockup? I don’t care for the snubby, but the 4.2” Target model interests me a little.
Other than being half the weight, how would it compare to a GP100 in .44 Spl?
https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1770.html
Thanks,
John Davies
Spokane WA
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 9:03 am
by fortyshooter
John E Davies wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 8:06 am
fortyshooter ... How do you like your Bulldog? Do you carry it? At around 22 ounces it seems a way light for that caliber, how is the recoil? Is the frame forged stainless, or cast? How is the trigger and lockup? I don’t care for the snubby, but the 4.2” Target model interests me a little.
Other than being half the weight, how would it compare to a GP100 in .44 Spl?
https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1770.html
Thanks,
John Davies
Spokane WA
Well I have the .44 Special and just had to add the .45 Colt version to the collection. The .44 Special Bulldog isn't bad at all for recoil with my 200 gr. Gold Dot loads at around 830 FPS and that bullet opens up really well. Just have to have a good 2 hand hold on it. They are built on a cast stainless frame and the action locks up good. I added a small piece of neon green weed eater line to the top of front sight to see it better. Just drill a tiny hole in top of the front sight blade and trim down for correct POI.
Now the slightly larger framed .45 Colt is a hand full with typical standard Colt loads. I have it loaded with my own 230 gr. cast lead hammer heads loaded for a moderate speed.....almost like wadcutters. Have to have a serious "get it done" grip on that one.
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:04 am
by Hatchdog
Nice lineup of carry guns Forty. There’s a used Bulldog for sale here locally that caught my eye, always thought that was a pretty nifty revolver. That hollow point by the Ruger looks down right painful.

Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:36 am
by fortyshooter
Hatchdog wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:04 am
That hollow point by the Ruger looks down right painful.
That is the famous FBI .38 Special+P load using the Rim Rock 158 gr. GC HP. With my 6.0 gr. of Power Pistol it is moving at 1045 FPS out of my S&W Model 66 4 inch barrel and 900 FPS out of the Ruger .357 LCR. Expansion is wicked ! For some reason it shoots clean in my Smith 66 but leads the barrel a bit in the Ruger LCR. But you don't worry about the leading in a SD situation.
FBI 38 Special load test...
https://youtu.be/254ntTady5E
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:51 am
by BrokenolMarine
I carried that FBI load for several years in my Model 64 when I first left the Academy. Deadly accurate and with the rounds in the gun and two speedloaders, I didn't feel undergunned. Our sister department carried the SIG P220, 7 +1 in the gun and two seven round magazines.
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:56 am
by John E Davies
fortyshooter wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 9:03 am
.
The .44 Special Bulldog isn't bad at all for recoil with my 200 gr. Gold Dot loads at around 830 FPS and that bullet opens up really well.
Have you thought about the Lehigh Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense bullets? Underwood offers a couple of .44 Spl loads, I ran across this one which prompted my interest in the idea of a revolver for carry.
https://www.underwoodammo.com/products ... 5693204537
There is also a 220 gr Extreme Penetrator load that would be great on hogs or medium game. I don’t cast my own bullets. I have been using the Lehigh bullets in my BBX .44 Mag and I carry the Underwood ammo in my SP 101 .327 Fed Mag. I like the products a lot.
John Davies
Spokane WA
Re: Revolver blows top strap off!
Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2021 11:00 am
by Headhog