"Bulldog" (revolver): specifications and reviews

Weapons with a talking and original name "Bulldog" - a revolver that gained popularity in the early twentieth century, is a pocket model. Its name is associated with the English analogue Bulldog British from the company "Webley". The first model was released in 1872, after which it underwent a lot of modifications and was copied by weapons companies around the world.

Production features

The weapon under consideration was produced under various names (Constable, Kobold and others). The gun was made by gunsmiths of Europe and America. Its purpose is very wide. "Bulldog" - a revolver, which was used for self-defense by civilians, was in service with the police, the army and the navy.

Mass production of this type of weapons was carried out by such well-known companies as Iver Johnson, Forehand and Woodsfor, Harrington and Richardson, Clement, Lepage and others. Often called "Bulldog" any revolver with a truncated barrel. At the same time, it can significantly differ constructively and externally from classical modifications. This can be seen on some versions of American pistols that have a charging reel.

The classical definition of this pistol says that it includes a large linear caliber, a short trunk. Bullets fly out directly from the drum, which makes it very effective at close range, but with a fairly low killability and aiming at long distances.

Distinctive constructive features

Revolver "Bulldog", the device of which in the majority is inherited from "Web2", has the following distinctive features:

• The handle with the frame and barrel is a single element;
• The length of the trunk is not more than six centimeters, except for some elongated variations;
• Preference is given to large calibers, although there are versions in almost all sizes of cartridges;
• The shock-trigger part is a double-action mechanism with an open-type trigger;
• The shortened handle looks like a parrot's beak;
• As an extractor is a ramrod, which is masked inside the drum axis;
• Loading the pistol - alternately;
• The drum window is located on the right side, is unlocked.

The speed of the bullet of this weapon is about 600 meters per second, the effective aiming range is 50 meters, the rate of fire reaches 20-25 rounds per minute.

First modifications

The British company "Webley and Scott" from the middle of the nineteenth century developed a series of revolver pistols. The first capsule models were patented by the manufacturers in 1853. A few years later appeared the famous revolver "Bulldog" 44 caliber, whose full name sounded like Webley No.1. The British Bulldog.

The tactical and technical parameters of this modification are presented below:

• Type - revolver, which has a solid frame.
• The length (total / trunk) is 159/64 millimeters.
• The caliber is 11.2 mm.
• Weight without taking into account the weight of cartridges - 0.45 kg.
• The capacity of the drum is five charges.

The first "Bulldog" - a revolver under the cartridge of the central battle of caliber 442, was released in 1878. Then there were versions for the 450th ammunition and option for the charge of ring ignition. All the surfaces of the drum shop had a smooth base. In 1880, an analog was created for the 32nd caliber.

The second series

The following modifications of the weapon under consideration are known as "Webs No. 2". The Bulldog was produced, a revolver, the photo of which is below, from 1879 to 1914. The pistol was a compact short-barreled device, charged through a drum door and equipped with a short handle in the form of a "bird's head."

Starting specimens were for five charges, related to caliber 442. Later versions were produced for cartridges of 32.38, 44 and 45 sizes. The model was widely copied and actively sold. It is noteworthy that the only identification mark was the inscription in the form of the name of the pistol. Stamps manufacturers on revolvers were not put, and to distinguish a fake from the original was often possible only because of the absence of British marking. Given that the modifications had minor external and structural differences, it can be assumed that participation in the development and production of this revolver has taken many different weapons masters.

Revolver "Boxer Bulldog": the device

This name is applicable to the American models of the weapons in question. For example, Forchand and Woodsworth from Massachusetts produced three versions of this revolver. These include:

1. A 32-caliber pistol for seven charges.
2. Six-charged version for the 32nd cartridge.
3. Pyatizadnikad 44-caliber.

All models were equipped with a one-piece frame, a double-triggered shock-trigger mechanism, charged through the drum window and had a successive extraction of the sleeves. The handle was also made in the classic "bird" style. The marking was applied to the upper part of the frame.

Also worth noting is a line of revolvers from the American firm "Johnson, Bai & Company." Here were produced five-shot pistols (32.38 and 44 calibers). This "Bulldog" - a revolver without an extractor type, which had a solid frame, a single trigger mechanism and an open trigger.

Interesting facts from the history

Historically, the assassination of US President Garfield in 1881 was committed using the Bulldog revolver. The executor was Charles Gito, who had mental disabilities. He specifically purchased the gun in an expensive version, with ivory inserts. An unfortunate revolver was kept in the museum of the Smithsonian Institute and disappeared in the early 20th century.

Another interesting fact is due to the fact that the supply of short-barreled revolvers to Germany was banned in the 19th century. Manufacturers circumvented this limitation in a simple way. In the country were imported specimens with long trunks equipped with a fly in the middle. The client could easily shorten the self-contained part.

"Bulldog": revolver traumatic

This variation has become popular recently, as a weapon for self-defense. Outwardly it has a classic appearance, models with rubber bullets or a gas charge have been developed. The main characteristics of the trauma "Bulldog":

• Type - revolver of foreign production.
• The cartridge used (caliber) is 9 millimeters.
• The capacity of the drum is five charges.
• The shape is smooth and streamlined.
• The basis is a steel case and a muzzle.
• Handle - with rubberized elements.

The revolver is of excellent design, compact, equipped with a security system, you can charge it with a trigger or self-cocking. The model is in demand due to the small size and effectiveness of the action at close range.

P.S

It can be noted that the revolver with a short barrel "Bulldog" - this is a fairly effective melee weapon. In this case, the gun is easy to carry in your pocket or purse. These characteristics, coupled with high-quality finish and excellent design, have served to develop its popularity in Europe and the US, both among civilians, and in police and army units.

Now military modifications are used mainly as museum or commemorative exhibits, since the release of suitable cartridges has practically ceased. Nevertheless, the power and beauty of the pistol in question can be felt in pneumatic or traumatic performance.