contender
Ruger Guru
I just received pictures of a Charter Arms .44 Bulldog that blew up. The load was such that a double charge would have spilled way too much. Not sure what happened yet but it interesting.
Opinion needed UPDATE
- Thread starter Fox Mike
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I never had experience with charter arms the one I hear most about is their 44 bulldog suppose to be a good gun heard good things about them. I own 4 revolvers all smiths
I know a few people who depend upon their Bulldog. I thought about buying one some time ago. Never heard any complaints.
Threespears
Blackhawk
I bought a CA "pink lady" for myself. Yes , I am safe with my masculinity. It is GREAT to carry, ok to shoot, but the quality IMHO is less than desirable. Cylinder is loose. Barrel is not centered. (Looking at the front of the barrel there is more barrel material on the left side than on the right. The price of the CA should tell you all you need to know.
I prefer Taurus over CA. S&W or RUGER over Taurus… just my personal opinion
I prefer Taurus over CA. S&W or RUGER over Taurus… just my personal opinion
OP
I have shied away from Taurus after a neighbors recurring problems and their customer service.
magnum0710
Single-Sixer
How long ago are we talking? I know over the last few years they've taken a lot of steps to improve their QC and CS. In the way of a revolver I would inspect one at a local shop and don't take possession until you're sure everything's good, which I'd do with any gun.
The thing no one keeps in mind with Taurus is that every company can send out a lemon. I had an S&W 642 that was junk and that's compared to some cheap revolvers I've had. It had the absolute worst double action trigger I've ever pulled, the barrel shank had a small chip in it, and the side plate screws needed tightened constantly. I had to tighten them every 2 or 3 days of carry and after every range trip. I was going to loctite them until I saw some of the threads were broken off. I couldn't even get them to send me a few screws! I didn't want to send it in cause they wouldn't let me have it shipped to my work address. I kept missing FedEx the last time I had to send a gun in and had a hard time getting it back. When I told them that and asked them to send me the screws they ignored me. I ended up trading it to a LGS with the disclosure that it worked but should be sent back to S&W. So not only was the gun horrible for being an S&W their CS was a joke and this was only about 8 or 9 months ago.
So far I've had the 642 and a Ruger EC9s that had issues, yet my G3c is still here. In fact the G3c is my nightstand gun because Mrs. Magnum wanted something with a manual safety in that role.
If you're really not willing to give Taurus a chance I would look at the Rock Island 206 (or 200) or the EAA Windicator. The RIAs are 38 special but the EAA can be had in 357. I had the Rock Island 206 and the EAA 357 snub. Neither were pretty at all but they were both reliable. The 206 is better and cheaper but I don't like being limited to 38 only so I actually like the EAA better. I carried the EAA for about a year, I traded it to bring down the price of my Security Six. I regretted it because the 4 inch Security wasn't nearly as easy to carry. I ended up getting a Speed Six that needed some TLC but if I found a used EAA at a good price I'd buy one again. If you're good with 38 special the 206 is really good especially considering the price. I got the spurless version for $250 out the door. Both were better than the 642, I can't even say the 642 had a better finish because the finish started to peel. The Rossi RP63 might be worth a look too, they're distributed by Taurus but the design is different. I'm pretty sure they're actually made by Rossi themselves.
I just think going with Charter would be a mistake, yes Taurus has had their issues in the past but their current product is a lot better than it used to be. Everything I've heard bad about Charter came from actual owners of their current product. The biggest one I hear is "carry a lot and shoot very little". I've heard complaints about them shooting low because the front sights are too high also. Sure they can be filed down some but it's still kind of ridiculous. I would look at anything else before a Charter personally.
I've had a few CA with never a problem. The specific model I've had the most are the 44 Special Bulldogs both the Blue and Stainless. Currently I've got 2 stainless. I've had a target model as well. I think the potential biggest issue is the heavier 44 Specials on the market, that people tend to go with hotter loads, that really aren't prescribed for the lighter model. That can be a mistake.
If anyone is interested there is a like new Charter Arms Target Bulldog 44 Special in stainless at the Super Pawn on north Rancho.
They're asking $400 (managers special) but you may be able to get is for $350 if you negotiate.
They're asking $400 (managers special) but you may be able to get is for $350 if you negotiate.
Since 2005, I have returned more Taurus firearms to the factory for service than all of the other manufacturers combined. Taurus refuses to send me parts to repair their products.
The longest I have had to wait for a replacement firearm was 14 months. A trigger pivot pin on a Raging Bull broke off the frame. Not repairable in USA by Taurus because it is made in Brazil, no replacement parts are imported to the US.
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Yep, I have a Taurus 44 Magnum in polished stainless. I had an issue with a drag line on the cylinder. Sent it to Taurus twice and they said it was "normal".
I tried to order parts from Taurus and they said no, only licensed, bonded, insured gunsmiths could order parts.
So I found some parts on eBay and Numrich and fixed the damned revolver myself.
I tried to order parts from Taurus and they said no, only licensed, bonded, insured gunsmiths could order parts.
So I found some parts on eBay and Numrich and fixed the damned revolver myself.
Mistake
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I have a Taurus TX22, a 44 special revolver and a Rossi 22lr rifle, the 22's are great.
Have not shot the 44 yet.
Rossi / Taurus.opened a plant in SW GA, that alone makes worth them another shot.
Have not shot the 44 yet.
Rossi / Taurus.opened a plant in SW GA, that alone makes worth them another shot.
OP
UPDATE: Well I broke down and bought myself a Charter Arms Pit Bull 380. Doesn't use 'moon clips' but rather a unique extractor design. Haven't gotten to the range yet but plan on getting there next week. Will see how it performs after a few dozen rounds through it.
BIgMuddy
Blackhawk
Hope it works out well for you. I have three CA's, one Undercover 38 and two 44 Bulldogs. All 3 have been good carry guns. One Bulldog is a first year production that was bought used so no idea on round count. It is still tight and shoots well. The other 44 is a stainless Pug that is perfect for carrying in my life vest when kayaking.
Mine are all "carry a lot shoot a little" guns, not because they can't take the use but it's because they aren't something I shoot for fun. I have no problem trusting my life to any of them.
My few personal experiences with Taurus have prevented me from having any more.
Anxious to hear how the .380 works.
Dan
protoolman
Service-Sixer
My daughter has the CA Tiffany which is turquoise anodized frame. Basically the same price out the door as a Smith and Wesson air weight J frame. So yes the price actually does tell you all you need to know. Fit and finish is excellent high polish cylinder is nicely done etc. Reliability 100 % so far (6 years moderate use). Compare it randomly to any Smith J frame and I can generally find a flaw in the Smith. My wife shoots a 3" Taurus j frame .38 older model 85 also nicely done no flaws and 100% reliability. I'm pleased with both brands so far.
OP
Well I finally went to the range today. Shooting 21 feet. Off a rest I fired six shots holding center of target, I had one round hit the paper (lower left). Moved my point of aim to the top center of the target (still off a rest) and managed to get four shots on paper one in the black (lower left).. Held top right (actually off the actual target) and got three in the lower black. No idea where the other three went. Did a laser sighting and at 15 feet the laser is actual lower left of the point of aim by about 8 inches I have contacted Charter Arms. Since there is no sight adjustment these are totally unacceptable results.
Contacted Charter Arms said send it back. May be 4 - 6 weeks before I receive it back..
Contacted Charter Arms said send it back. May be 4 - 6 weeks before I receive it back..
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