Description
The Bulldog has been Charter Arms' claim to fame for decades, and for good reason. It packs .44 Special into a revolver that weighs right around 21 ounces, which is lighter than plenty of small-frame .357s on the market. This model, part number 74424, wears a matte stainless finish on the frame, cylinder, and 2.5 inch barrel, then sweetens the deal with Crimson Trace Lasergrips installed right from the factory. Squeeze the grip naturally and the red laser comes on, giving you a fast aiming reference when sights are hard to pick up.
Why the Bulldog Sticks Around
The .44 Special is one of those cartridges that quietly does its job. It pushes a big, heavy bullet at moderate velocity, which translates to solid stopping power without the sharp blast and snap you get from magnum loads. In a lightweight five-shot like the Bulldog, that balance matters. Recoil is stout but manageable, and follow-up shots come easier than you might expect from a big-bore snub. The DA/SA action with exposed hammer gives you a smooth double-action pull for defensive work and a lighter single-action option for deliberate shots at the range.
Carry-Ready Stainless Construction
Stainless steel earns its keep on a gun that rides close to the body. Sweat, humidity, and holster wear are far kinder to this finish than to blued steel, and cleanup is about as simple as it gets. The fixed front sight has nothing to snag on the draw, and the compact 2.5 inch barrel keeps the whole package holster-friendly despite the large-frame cylinder.
Crimson Trace on a Charter Arms Classic
The Lasergrip is the real difference-maker on this configuration. Activation is instinctive, no switches to hunt for under stress, and the laser is a genuine help for aging eyes or dim hallways. If you have been wanting a Bulldog anyway, getting the laser already fitted and ready to zero saves you the hassle of sourcing grips separately. Big-bore confidence, small-gun convenience, and a sighting aid that works when you need it most.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Charter Arms
- Model: Bulldog (Crimson)
- Manufacturer Part Number: 74424
- UPC: 678958744248
- Caliber: .44 S&W Special
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Action: Double / Single Action
- Barrel Length: 2.5 in
- Finish: Matte Stainless
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Grips: Crimson Trace Lasergrips
- Sights: Fixed Front
- Weight: 21 oz
- Hand: Right Hand
What’s Included
- Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special revolver
- Factory-installed Crimson Trace Lasergrips
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Charter Arms Bulldog fire .44 Magnum ammunition?
No. This Bulldog is chambered strictly for .44 S&W Special, and the shorter chamber will not accept .44 Magnum cartridges. The .44 Special is still a very capable defensive round, throwing a heavy bullet with noticeably less blast and recoil than a magnum.
Does the Crimson Trace laser come already installed on this Bulldog?
Yes, this model (74424) ships with the Crimson Trace Lasergrips mounted at the factory. The laser activates with natural grip pressure, so there is no separate switch to fumble with. You will want to confirm zero at your preferred defensive distance before carrying it.
Is the Bulldog .44 Special comfortable to shoot at only 21 ounces?
Recoil is firm but very manageable, largely because the .44 Special runs at moderate velocity rather than magnum pressure. Most people describe it as a push instead of a snap. Standard pressure loads are pleasant enough for regular practice sessions.
Is this revolver a reasonable size for concealed carry?
It is on the larger end of carry revolvers because of the big-bore cylinder, but the 2.5 inch barrel and light 21 ounce weight keep it practical for belt or IWB carry. The fixed front sight and snag-free profile draw cleanly. Plenty of folks have carried Bulldogs daily since the 1970s for exactly this reason.





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