Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in quality firearms. The Charter Arms Police Bulldog 38 Special is a reliable used trade-in revolver with a rich service history. Built for durability with a classic design. Available now for $299 with same-day shipping from our Kansas facility.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 3″ |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued (shows holster wear) |
| Grip | Original rubber |
| Action | Double/Single |
| Weight | 21 oz |
| Condition | Used – Good (see photos) |
| SKU | CA-PBD38-TI |
Why This Police Trade-In Stands Out
The Charter Arms Bulldog has served law enforcement for decades. This particular example shows honest wear but maintains tight lockup and crisp trigger pull. Compared to new production revolvers at twice the price, these trade-ins offer exceptional value for:
- Home defense
- Backcountry carry
- First-time revolver owners
- Collectors of police firearms
| Feature | Charter Arms Police Bulldog | Taurus 856 (New) | Smith & Wesson Model 10 (Used) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $429 | $599+ |
| Condition | Used – Good | New | Used – Varies |
| Weight | 21 oz | 22 oz | 30-36 oz |
| Finish | Blued (worn) | Blued/Stainless | Blued (often refinished) |
| Holster Options | Common police patterns | Limited | Limited |
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Proven duty reliability
- ✅ Lighter than comparable steel-frame revolvers
- ✅ Smooth trigger from years of use
- ✅ Compatible with common .38 Special ammo
- ✅ Historic police provenance
- ❌ Shows holster wear (not collector-grade)
- ❌ Limited to standard pressure .38 Special (not +P rated)
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You want a no-nonsense defensive revolver that’s already broken in, or need an affordable entry into police trade-ins.
Skip it if: You require pristine collector condition or need +P ammunition capability. See our new revolvers for alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Charter Arms revolvers online?
Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com) offers police trade-ins with FFL transfer support.
What’s included with this revolver?
Gun only – no box or papers. We test fire all trade-ins.
How’s the timing and lockup?
All our trade-ins meet functional standards – tight cylinder lockup with no endshake.
Can I shoot +P ammo?
Not recommended in this older model. Stick to standard pressure .38 Special.
What holsters fit?
Most leather holsters for 3″ K-frame revolvers will work.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Handguns | Full Shop
As a Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, I stand behind every police trade-in we sell. Each Charter Arms Bulldog is hand-inspected in Wichita before shipping.
Last updated: April 2026
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