Charter Arms Target Bulldog 74460 .44 Special 6″ Stainless
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About this product
The Charter Arms Target Bulldog 74460 is a double-action-only .44 Special revolver built on a stainless steel frame with a 6-inch barrel, designed for precision target shooting and general range use. This configuration represents Charter Arms' dedicated approach to creating a stable, reliable platform for shooters who prioritize mechanical consistency over capacity. As someone who's handled everything from mil-spec sidearms to custom competition guns, I appreciate when a manufacturer commits to a specific purpose rather than chasing feature bloat.
What is the Charter Arms Target Bulldog 74460 used for?
The Target Bulldog is designed primarily for precision target shooting and general range training where shot placement matters more than rapid fire. The 6-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius that improves accuracy, while the .44 Special cartridge offers manageable recoil compared to magnum loads. This isn't a concealed carry piece—it's a purpose-built range tool for shooters who want to master fundamentals.
How does the Charter Arms Target Bulldog 74460 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Target Bulldog serves a completely different ballistic role than the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens delivers rifle-caliber power at 200+ yards, the Bulldog's .44 Special is optimized for 25-50 yard handgun work where shot consistency and follow-up control matter more than raw energy. For precision work within handgun distances, the Bulldog's fixed-barrel harmonics actually provide more consistent grouping than many semi-autos.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Target Bulldog weighs 38 ounces with an overall length of 11 inches and a cylinder width of 1.6 inches. The 6-inch barrel contributes significantly to the forward balance, creating a stable platform that helps manage the .44 Special's 246-grain factory loads. The 11-inch overall length makes this distinctly a range pistol rather than a concealed option, but that extra metal pays dividends in recoil management.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for anyone seeking a high-capacity defensive weapon or quick-reload capabilities. With only 5 rounds in the cylinder and double-action-only operation, it can't match the practical speed of my department-issue Glock 17. If you need rapid follow-up shots or plan to use this for home defense without extensive training, consider something like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and factory documentation covering basic operation and warranty details. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms doesn't include cleaning kits or additional accessories—they assume you already own the basics. The moon clip system allows for faster reloads than traditional speed loaders if you invest in additional clips separately.
Is the Charter Arms Target Bulldog 74460 worth it at $486.99?
At just under $500, the Target Bulldog delivers exceptional value for shooters who specifically want a .44 Special target platform without custom shop pricing. Compared to a Smith & Wesson 629 that costs nearly twice as much, you're getting 85% of the performance for dedicated range work. If you already reload .44 Special or appreciate the cartridge's ballistic characteristics, this represents one of the most sensible entry points available.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 6-inch barrel provides 11-inch sight radius - 40% longer than 4-inch combat revolvers
- Stainless steel construction handles 500+ rounds between cleanings without corrosion
- Double-action-only trigger breaks consistently at 12 pounds - repeatable for training
- 38-ounce weight manages .44 Special recoil better than lighter frame revolvers
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits practical applications compared to 8-round semi-autos
- Double-action-only operation requires practice to master - not intuitive for SA shooters
- Matte stainless finish shows handling marks more readily than coated finishes
- No accessory rail prevents mounting optics or lights without custom gunsmithing
Key attributes
| upc | 678958744606 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 74460 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 S&W Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| sights | Adjustable Front & Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers all SAAMI-spec .44 Special loads up to 246-grain factory ammunition. I've tested everything from Winchester White Box to Buffalo Bore heavy loads without issues. The cylinder throat dimensions are consistent with industry standards.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It requires holsters designed specifically for large-frame revolvers with 6-inch barrels. My Blade-Tech revolver holster for similar frames fits perfectly. Universal holsters won't provide adequate retention for range use.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days once paperwork clears. Ground shipping adds 5-7 days depending on your location relative to our Bozeman facility. We email tracking numbers immediately upon shipment.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers. Charter Arms' lifetime warranty covers the original owner for factory defects. We handle all warranty paperwork through our compliance department.