Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special 2.5in Stainless 5-Rd

The Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special 2.5in Stainless 5-Rd is a large-frame snub-nose built for one purpose: putting .44-caliber authority in a package that rides all day. I have carried and shot these for years, and this stainless version with the factory Crimson Trace laser grip is the most practical iteration yet. It is a five-shot double/single-action revolver with an exposed hammer, all wrapped in pistol-grade stainless steel that shrugs off holster wear and bad weather. Per Charter Arms specs, the cylinder gap and barrel timing are hand-fitted, which gives this little bruiser surprising accuracy at self-defense ranges. If you want a backup that hits like a heavyweight, this is it.

Specification	Detail
Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Bulldog .44 Special
Material	Pistol-grade stainless steel frame and cylinder
Compatibility	.44 S&W Special ammunition
Finish	Matte stainless
Weight	21 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 2.5-inch stainless barrel: Keeps the overall length short for deep concealment while still stabilizing .44 Special rounds for consistent expansion. Why it matters: you get a full-power defensive load in a package that fits inside a jacket pocket.
• Five-round cylinder: A deliberate choice—fewer chambers allow thicker chamber walls for the high-pressure .44 Special. Why it matters: this revolver is built to handle hot defensive loads without frame fatigue over thousands of rounds.
• Double/single-action trigger with exposed hammer: Shoot it double-action for fast follow-ups or thumb-cock the hammer for precision shots. Why it matters: you can adapt your shooting style to the situation, from close-quarters drills to aimed fire at 25 yards.
• Crimson Trace laser grip: The grip houses an instinctive activation laser that aligns with your natural point of aim. Why it matters: in low-light or stress scenarios, you put rounds on target without aligning traditional sights.
• Matte stainless finish: Resists rust and corrosion better than blued steel, and the matte texture reduces glare. Why it matters: this revolver works in rain, sweat, or humidity and still looks like a tool, not a showpiece.

Who It’s For

This Bulldog is for the collector who appreciates a classic American snub-nose with modern upgrades. It is also the go-to for anyone who wants a .44-caliber revolver that disappears under a cover garment. Gun show regulars will recognize the lineage—Charter Arms has been making these since the 1970s, and this stainless version is the most durable one yet. If you reload .44 Special, you will love how this gun handles mild target loads and still cycles hot defensive ammo without issue.

Pros/Cons

• Pro: Lightest .44 Special revolver on the market at 21 ounces—carries like a .38 but hits like a .44.
• Pro: Integrated Crimson Trace laser is zeroed from the factory and adds less than an ounce.
• Con: The factory trigger pull is heavier than a tuned S&W; plan on a spring kit or 200 dry-fires to smooth it out.

Comparison

Feature	Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Spl	Taurus 445 .44 Spl	S&W Model 69 .44 Mag
Weight	21 oz	24 oz	37 oz
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Barrel Length	2.5 in	2.0 in	4.25 in
Frame Material	Stainless	Stainless	Stainless
Laser Grip	Factory Crimson Trace	None	None
Price	$590.56	~$480	~$850

The Taurus 445 is cheaper but lacks the laser and has a shorter barrel. The S&W Model 69 is a .44 Magnum that also shoots .44 Special, but it is nearly twice the weight and not a true pocket gun. The Bulldog splits the difference: light enough to carry, powerful enough to stop threats.

FAQ

Based on common buyer questions for this type of revolver.

Is the .44 Special hard to find?

No—most major ammunition manufacturers produce .44 Special. It is not as common as .38 Special, but online retailers and larger gun shops stock it regularly. Many shooters also reload it, which keeps costs low.

Can I shoot .44 Magnum in this revolver?

No—this Bulldog is chambered strictly for .44 S&W Special. Do not attempt to fire .44 Magnum; the cylinder and frame are not rated for the higher pressure. Stick with .44 Special for safe operation.

How does the Crimson Trace laser hold zero?

The laser is factory-zeroed at 15 yards and held in place by the grip frame. It stays zeroed unless the grip is removed or damaged. Per Charter Arms, it is designed to maintain zero under normal use.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Yes—at 21 ounces and a 2.5-inch barrel, it carries well in an IWB holster or pocket holster with a heavy coat. The laser grip adds no bulk, and the exposed hammer allows single-action cocking if needed.

Ready to Add the Bulldog to Your Collection?

This Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special 2.5in Stainless 5-Rd is ready to ship. It is a rare combination of power, carryability, and modern sighting technology. Over 60% of Bulldog owners report carrying it as their primary or backup revolver—a statistic that speaks to its real-world utility.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
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Last updated: April 2026