Description
The Bulldog has been Charter Arms' signature revolver since 1973, and the Target Bulldog is the version for folks who want to do more than just tuck one away. Stretching the barrel to 4.2 inches gives the .44 Special a longer sight radius and a little extra velocity, while the adjustable front and rear sights let you zero for whatever load you feed it. That matters with the .44 Special, because point of impact shifts noticeably between a light 165 grain defensive load and a 246 grain classic lead round nose. Fixed-sight snubbies make you live with it. This one lets you fix it.
Why the Target Bulldog Makes Sense in the Woods
At roughly 22 ounces unloaded, this is a big-bore revolver that carries like a medium-frame .38. That combination is exactly why so many owners end up using it as a trail gun for hiking, canoeing, and general backcountry duty. You get five rounds of .429 caliber persuasion on your hip without the bulk and heft of a full-size .44 Magnum, and the .44 Special does its work with a steady push rather than sharp magnum blast. The extra barrel length over the classic 2.5 and 3 inch Bulldogs also tames recoil, so range sessions stay enjoyable instead of becoming a chore.
Simple, Stout Charter Arms Construction
The frame, barrel, and cylinder are stainless steel with a matte finish that shrugs off rain, sweat, and boat spray. Charter's one-piece frame design and three-point cylinder lock-up keep the action tight, and the double action/single action trigger with an exposed spur hammer gives you the option of a deliberate single action press for careful shots. Finger-grooved rubber grips soak up recoil and lock your hand in the same place every time.
Feeding Your .44 Special Bulldog
Standard pressure .44 Special ammo is the sweet spot here, from soft-shooting cowboy loads for practice to modern defensive offerings like Hornady Critical Defense. It is a lightweight gun in a serious caliber, and that balance of power and packability is exactly what has kept the Bulldog around for over fifty years.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Charter Arms
- Model: Target Bulldog
- Manufacturer Part Number: 74442
- UPC: 678958744422
- Caliber: .44 S&W Special
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Action: Double Action / Single Action
- Barrel Length: 4.2"
- Overall Length: 8.95"
- Weight: 22 oz (unloaded)
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Matte Stainless
- Grips: Black Rubber with Finger Grooves
- Sights: Adjustable Front & Rear
- Hammer: Exposed Spur Hammer
- Cylinder Lock-Up: 3-Point
What’s Included
- Charter Arms Target Bulldog .44 Special revolver
- Factory storage case
- Fired cartridge case
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Charter Arms Target Bulldog fire .44 Magnum ammunition?
No, this revolver is chambered strictly for .44 S&W Special, and .44 Magnum cartridges will not chamber in it. Stick with standard pressure .44 Special loads, which is exactly what this lightweight frame was designed around. There is a wide selection of practice and defensive ammo available in the caliber, so feeding it is easy.
Is the Target Bulldog a good trail or woods carry gun?
That is where this revolver really shines. At around 22 ounces you barely notice it on a hike or in a canoe, yet you still have five rounds of big-bore .44 Special on hand. The stainless construction handles moisture and weather without fuss, which makes it a natural fit for outdoor use.
How is the recoil on a 22 ounce .44 Special?
With standard pressure loads it is more of a firm push than a sharp snap, and noticeably milder than a .357 Magnum in a similar size gun. The 4.2 inch barrel and finger-grooved rubber grips help spread that push out, so most people find it comfortable for regular range work. Lighter cowboy-style loads make practice sessions downright pleasant.
Why choose the Target Bulldog over the standard 2.5 inch Bulldog?
The longer 4.2 inch barrel gives you a longer sight radius, a bit more velocity, and softer felt recoil. The bigger difference is the fully adjustable front and rear sights, which let you zero the gun for a specific load instead of living with wherever fixed sights happen to print. If you plan to shoot your .44 more than you carry it, this is the version to get.





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