The weapon with the talking and original name “Bulldog” - a revolver that gained popularity at the beginning of the twentieth century, is a pocket model. Its name is associated with the English analogue of Bulldog British from the company "Weblay". The first model was released in 1872, after which it underwent a lot of modifications and was copied by arms companies around the world.
Production Features
The weapon in question was produced under various names ("Constable", "Kobold" and others). The gun was made by the armourers of Europe and America. Its purpose is very wide. "Bulldog" - a revolver that was used for self-defense by civilians, was armed with the police, army and navy.
Mass production of this type of weapon was carried out by such well-known companies as Iver Johnson, Forehand and Woodsfor, Harrington and Richardson, Clement, Lepage and others. Often "Bulldog" is called any revolver with a shortened barrel. At the same time, it can significantly differ structurally and externally from classic modifications. This can be seen on some modifications of American pistols with a charging drum.
The classic definition of this pistol says that it includes a large linear caliber, a short barrel. Bullets fly directly from the drum, which makes it very effective at close range, but with a rather low kill and aiming at long distances.
Distinctive design features
Revolver "Bulldog", the device of which is mostly inherited from "Webel No. 2", has the following distinctive features:
- a handle with a frame and a barrel is a single element;
- barrel length is not more than six centimeters, with the exception of some elongated variations;
- preference is given to large calibers, although there are versions in almost all indicators of cartridge size;
- trigger part is a double-action mechanism with an open trigger;
- the shortened handle resembles a beak of a parrot;
- a ramrod acts as an extractor, which is masked inside the axis of the drum;
- loading the gun - alternately;
- the drum window is located on the right side, unlocks down.
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 has developed a number of revolving pistols since the mid-nineteenth century. Manufacturers patented the first capsule models in 1853. Within a few years, the famous 44-caliber Bulldog revolver appeared, whose full name sounded like Webley No.1. The British Bulldog.
The performance characteristics of this modification are presented below:
- Type - a revolver with a solid frame.
- Length (total / trunk) - 159/64 mm.
- Caliber - 11.2 mm.
- Weight excluding the weight of cartridges - 0.45 kg.
- The capacity of the drum is five charges.
The first "Bulldog" - a revolver chambered for a central battle cartridge of caliber 442, was released in 1878. Then there were versions for the 450th ammunition and the option for the charge of annular ignition. All surfaces of the drum-type magazine had a smooth base. In 1880, an analogue was created for the 32nd caliber.
Second series
The following modifications of the weapon in question are known as Webbley No. 2. A Bulldog was produced, a revolver, a photo of which is available below, from 1879 to 1914. The gun was a compact short-barreled device, charged through a drum door and equipped with a shortened handle in the form of a “bird's head”.
Starting instances were five charges, belonged to the caliber 442. Later versions were produced under 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 gun. Brands of manufacturers were not put on revolvers, and it was often possible to distinguish a fake from the original only because of the absence of British marking. Given that the modifications had minor external and structural differences, it can be assumed that many different gunsmiths took part in the development and production of this revolver.
Revolver Boxer Bulldog: device
This name is applicable to the American models of the weapon in question. For example, the company Forehand and Woodsworth from Massachusetts produced three modifications of this revolver. These include:
- 32-caliber pistol for seven charges.
- Six-shot version under the 32nd cartridge.
- Five-charger 44 caliber.
All models were equipped with a solid frame, trigger mechanism with double descent, charged through the window of the drum and had alternate removal of cartridges. The handle was also made in the classic "bird" style. Marking was applied to the top of the frame.
Also worth noting is the line of revolvers from the American firm Johnson, Bai and Company. Five-shot pistols (32.38 and 44 caliber) were produced here. This "Bulldog" - a revolver without extractor type, which had a solid frame, a single trigger and an open trigger.
Interesting facts from history
It has been historically proven that the assassination attempt against American President Garfield in 1881 was carried out using the Bulldog revolver. The performer was Charles Guitot, who had mental disabilities. He specifically purchased a pistol in an expensive design, with ivory inserts. The ill-fated revolver was kept in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution and went missing at the beginning of the 20th century.
Another interesting fact is that deliveries of short-barreled revolvers to Germany were banned in the 19th century. Manufacturers circumvented this limitation in a simple way. In the country imported specimens with long trunks equipped with a front sight in the middle. The client could easily shorten the barrel independently.
"Bulldog": a traumatic revolver
This variation has become popular recently as a weapon for self-defense. Outwardly, it has a classic look, models with rubber bullets or a gas charge have been developed. The main characteristics of the injury "Bulldog":
- Type - foreign-made revolver.
- Used cartridge (caliber) - 9 millimeters.
- The capacity of the drum is five charges.
- The shape is smooth and streamlined.
- The basis is a steel body and a barrel.
- Handle - with rubberized elements.
The revolver has an excellent design, compactness, is equipped with a security system, it can be charged using the trigger or self-cocking. The model is in demand due to the small size and effectiveness of action at close range.
P.S
It can be noted that the short-barrel revolver “Bulldog” is a rather effective melee weapon. At the same time, the gun is easy to carry in your pocket or purse. These characteristics, coupled with high-quality finish and beautiful design, have served to develop its popularity in Europe and the United States both among civilians and in police and army units.
Now combat modifications are mainly used as museum or memorial exhibits, since the release of suitable cartridges has practically ceased. Nevertheless, you can feel the power and beauty of the pistol in question in a pneumatic or traumatic design.