Ruger SP101(.357) vs. Charter Arms Bulldog (44spl)

March 9, 2010

Plusses, minuses. Looking for a concealable rugged revolver. Any advice would be appreciated.

I_Like_Pie · March 9, 2010

Weight is the biggest factor...there is quite a bit of difference (actually own both). Other folks will chime in with some more choice (cough) opinions.

Westwindmike · March 9, 2010

The Charter Arms is light and powerful. The SP101 is heavy and powerful. Now the SP101 in .44 spl would really be something.

I've owned the Charter. It was great to carry. Wish it had a dehorned hammer though.

Oh Shoot · March 9, 2010

I honestly don't know how well the Charter will stand up to lots of shooting, but you can shoot full power .357 with the SP101 day in day out.

- OS

March 9, 2010

I bought my 3" Sp101 a couple months ago..and I absolutely love the thing. I bought it to be my primary concealment piece, and it does it very well. Ive put on some NICE Hogue laminated rosewood grips, and am about to install a red Hi-Viz type front sight from Gemini Customs. This is a well made gun, outta stand up to A LOT of use. After firing around 200 or so rounds, and a lot of dry firing, the trigger is very nice. The gun is VERY easy to field strip for a thourogh cleaning. About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters. I mean, Ive searched hi and low, and finally got a gorgeous belt slide leather holster from Don Hume. Ive carried this a lot lately, and its just awesome. Also-for some reason unknown to me, its like a huge secret what gear fits the SP101, like holsters and speedloaders. FYI- Ive got two Safariland Comp1 speedloaders, and although NOT advertised as for the Ruger, they work GREAT! These are far superior to the HK style loaders, imo.

Im bobbing the hammer soon, and Ill have the perfect carry gun. Ive shot Charters, and I wouldnt trade my Ruger for 3 Charters. They are not bad guns, but the Ruger is superior. You may want to look at the 2", but at least try the 3", I think youll like it.

Bulldog44 · March 9, 2010

I have carried the SP 101 for many years,they are well made revolvers and should last a life time.As for holsters, I use a crossbreed supertuck for IWB and a Bianchi leather holster for OWB carry.

I also have owned Charter revolvers and to me the Ruger is much better quality.

Shima · March 9, 2010

I had a Ruger SP101 .357 and it was a great revolver. You can't go wrong with it. You just have to have a good holster because it is a tank. It is tough as nails. A Hogue grip makes it much more comfortable to shoot, but it's a great gun.

daddyo · March 9, 2010

I bought my 3" Sp101 a couple months ago..and I absolutely love the thing. I bought it to be my primary concealment piece, and it does it very well. Ive put on some NICE Hogue laminated rosewood grips, and am about to install a red Hi-Viz type front sight from Gemini Customs. This is a well made gun, outta stand up to A LOT of use. After firing around 200 or so rounds, and a lot of dry firing, the trigger is very nice. The gun is VERY easy to field strip for a thourogh cleaning. About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters. I mean, Ive searched hi and low, and finally got a gorgeous belt slide leather holster from Don Hume. Ive carried this a lot lately, and its just awesome. Also-for some reason unknown to me, its like a huge secret what gear fits the SP101, like holsters and speedloaders. FYI- Ive got two Safariland Comp1 speedloaders, and although NOT advertised as for the Ruger, they work GREAT! These are far superior to the HK style loaders, imo.
Im bobbing the hammer soon, and Ill have the perfect carry gun. Ive shot Charters, and I wouldnt trade my Ruger for 3 Charters. They are not bad guns, but the Ruger is superior. You may want to look at the 2", but at least try the 3", I think youll like it.

Take a look at Simply Rugged Holsters (http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/index.html). I bought one of their Silver Dollar Pancake holsters for my 2-1/4" SP101 and it is well made and comfortable, plus they are only $45. I have one of the Don Hume IWB's for it, but I like the SR holster much better and it conceals just as well.

Edited March 9, 2010 by DaddyO

March 9, 2010

Thanks guys. Was leaning towards the Ruger but like the idea of a 44spl. Still, sounds like the SP101 will get a first look.

Edited March 9, 2010 by RGL01

Oh Shoot · March 9, 2010

... About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters....

Methinks you didn't conduct very comprehensive research....see others' responses...there are MANY options for a 3" SP101.

My man David Bullard makes a nice IWB, here's mine in 2 1/4, but he also has same for your 3 1/16" barrrel:

- OS

March 9, 2010

Ain't no more rugged revolver than the SP 101. The 3 inch is great but the 2-1/4 is the most concealable. Charters are fine but I never liked the rough triggers on them. JMHO

March 10, 2010

OhShoot-

I didnt say there werent NONE, I said said there was an ALMOST complete lack of holsters for the 3" model. Yes, I looked for hours, actually. And more people make them for the 2" than the three. Check out all the major players, and youll see what Im talking about. Ill bet it would take you awhile to find 3 more besides whats listed here and my Don Hume.

Oh, BTW DaddyO- thanks for the info in Simply Rugged. Didnt see nothing I liked, tho.

nightrunner · March 10, 2010

I really like the .44spl but not so much charter. and the only other concealable .44spl I know of is S&W Night Guard but the MSRP on those are about $1k

Hgunner · March 10, 2010

I don't know if Charter has improved there quality or not, but if they are still

on par with there mid 90's quality I'd rather have a sharp stick or a rock.

You generally get what you pay for.

graycrait · March 10, 2010

Durability and reliability go to Ruger SP series. I work on revolvers ever now and then for friends. I've had most of the current brands apart and some not so current. In fact I am waiting for some parts for a Charter Police Undercover. There is no comparison in reliability and durability - the Ruger wins hands down. I traded for this Charter just to see how it does, and have shot other Charters, esp. the .44Spl. I would not pay cash for a Charter and after this last one I will steer clear of any others.

Oh Shoot · March 10, 2010

OhShoot-
I didnt say there werent NONE, I said said there was an ALMOST complete lack of holsters for the 3" model. Yes, I looked for hours, actually. And more people make them for the 2" than the three. Check out all the major players, and youll see what Im talking about. Ill bet it would take you awhile to find 3 more besides whats listed here and my Don Hume.

Easy, listed in thread: Crossbreed, Hume, Bullard, Bianchi

Ross Leather

Comp-Tac

TT Gunleather

Dale Fricke

Galco

Just a few of the beau coup.

You can also just go through a couple of the many combined holster makers lists like:

Azrael’s Custom Leather

B&D Concealment Holsters

Bandera Gunleather

Barber Leatherworks

Bell Charter Oak Holsters

Brommeland Gunleather

Bullman Gun Leather

Buy Brown Holsters

C Rusty Sherrick Leather Works

Center of Mass Holsters

gould and goodrich holsters

Gradfather Oak Custom Carry

Grahams Custom Leather

Grassburr Leather Works, Inc

Gunworks

Haugen Handgun Lather

Jagwear Concealment Holsters

JSHolsters

JW O'Rourk Leather Products

Kolbeson Leatherworks

Kramer Leather

Kytac

Leather Creek Holsters

Lightning Arms Sports

Little Bear Holsters

Little Feather Leather

Master of Concealment

Nick Matthews Holsters

Nosser GunLeather

PagerPal

Pale Horse Leather

Pistol Packaging, Inc

PistolGear

PistolWear

Pocket Concealment Systems

R.O. Gunleather Holsters

Rafter S Gunleather

Raven Concealment Systems

Ray's Holsters

Rick Waltner Holsters

Simply Rugged Holsters

Survival Sheath Systems

TacPro

Tagua GunLeather

Talon Tactical (Kydex)

Tauris Holsters

Tennessee Holster Company

edit: this list quite out of date, just one I had on puter.

Most all gun sites have a similar one somewhere, thought we had a sticky on TGO, but guess not.

- OS

Edited March 10, 2010 by OhShoot

Oh Shoot · March 10, 2010

...oops, double tap

March 10, 2010

Oh Shoot-

You are CLEARLY a superior human being. Your VAST knowledge of all things guns far surpasses all here.

I suppose youve searched EVERY one of the websites youve listed,and EACH of them make a holster for a 3" Ruger SP101. Ill tell you what.

Ill bet you a crisp, new $100 bill your wrong. FURTHER, Ill bet you the MAJORITY of the sites you listed DO NOT make a holster for this gun. So, next time..BEFORE you "double tap" ME, know what the hell your talking about.

You seem to have a need to show superiority. I have no problem with someone showing me where Ive erred, or was wrong. But you can take the "double tap" comment and shove it up your ass.

Oh Shoot · March 10, 2010

...
You seem to have a need to show superiority. I have no problem with someone showing me where Ive erred, or was wrong. But you can take the "double tap" comment and shove it up your ass.

Okay.

Thanks for the constructive criticism.

- OS

nightrunner · March 10, 2010

Straight Shooter, take a couple

the "oops, double tap" means that the forum software posted his exact response twice in a row. You know like double tapping the "post quick reply" button

seriously calm the frick down.

Jasongar8 · March 11, 2010

seriously calm the frick down.

+1 to this. And I will add, if you do not calm down and change your attitude real quick you will not be around TGO very long!

March 11, 2010

I'm just curious as to what he thought double-tap meant....

Shima · March 11, 2010

PM was sent.

March 11, 2010

Ok, I think the general consensus is that the Ruger is preferred over the Charter Arms and if you look hard enough you CAN find a holster for it.

Ruger SP101(.357) vs. Charter Arms Bulldog (44spl)

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