I dehorned everything that needed it and restored the finish.

Reassembly was also no problem.

Next, I need to get some practice ammo, then try shooting it again.

The sharp edges really bug me, though, but that's exactly why I wanted a stainless gun; it's easier to remove them and restore the finish.

Since I deem the dehorning process necessary, and I like to do it my myself, I started by giving the ends of the cylinder flutes small 'black powder bevels' using hand tools and emery cloth. They came out pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Speaking of cylinder flutes, when I shop revolvers that are going to be holstered, that's one 'point' I pay particular attention; I prefer them 'rounded' (i.e., finished), or stainless so I can take care of it myself.

Returning to the Bulldog, I found a PDF manual and exploded view, but I still need a complete takedown guide. Any recommendations?

Also, any other Tips & Tricks?

For example, is regular adjustment of the screw in the center of the breech face necessary? If my Bulldog gives any indication, it would seem so. The cylinder became more difficult to open, so I looked for a solution online and found that advice. I also adjusted it and found the screw is very loose. Is that normal?

I also noticed the assembly pin in front of the trigger walks, but I gather that is 'normal'.

TIA

Only time will tell, I guess...

I've heard "Good, fast, cheap: Pick any two", so I would naturally expect to pay the going rate for really good work.

TIA

I found the L-frame is just enough bigger and heavier that it falls closer to the 'Sporter' Category than does the Bulldog. The Charter is more like the size of a Colt D-frame than it is even an S&W K-frame. Add adjustable sights, and I think you've pretty much arrived in Sporterland.

Which is not a bad thing. Not at all.

It just also raises the prospect of needing to reload for the gun to really enjoy it, and I'm out of that game. I also don't like even that much recoil for very long − more than about five or ten rounds, MAX − so plinking was off the table, too.

The Bulldog's a whole 'nother matter. If I find I can shoot it reasonably fast and accurately at conversational distances, it will have a role: The infamous and storied 'House Gun'.

Otherwise, I'll just sit here playin' with it; after all, I got snap caps and everything.

I noticed they also had a lot of the Federal 200-grain LSWCs, but as much as I like the 'idea' of that load, I've never heard anything very good about it in terms of actual performance.

FWIW, this article on Gunblast had a lot to do with my 'decisions' on the ammo topic:
Feeding the Gunblast Bulldog - A Study in Terminal Ballistics

Somehow, I gather it's familiar to you, too.

I'm thinking basically the same thing as a Mag-Na-Port Backpacker, but with a big, fat, half-moon front sight.

Actually, except for cutting the barrel and sweating off what's left of the front sight, I could pretty much do a Backpacker job on it myself, sans ports of course, and I'd like to; it would be a fun project.

If I do wind up going the commercial route and customizing it, perhaps I'll leave a few items off the Work Order and save them for myself.

If I decide to just touch it up myself, then it will still get at least this much work:
• remove dings and refinish as needed (already more or less completed)
• round edges of hammer spur (minimum)
• bob hammer spur (possible)
• round front and back edges of trigger (also minimum/absolutely necessary)
• 'dehorn' exterior (not much needed, mainly the edges of the trigger guard)

I love doing this stuff, so that might be all it ever gets. We'll just have to see.

Meantime, I've pretty much decided on two things: 'Serious' Ammo & Leather

Ammo

Except for dry fire, the Bulldog is all business, as far as I am concerned; I don't plan on doing much plinking with it.

Since I also like simplicity, I've decided on Speer 200-grain Gold Dot factory ammo as my 'pet load'.

Midway is out of Buffalo Bore, so I went back to the LGS and got all the Gold Dots they had left: Three 20-round boxes. I'd like to have more, of course, but that's really enough for now.

That leaves 'practice' ammo, upon which I still have yet to decide a brand and type. (The current frontrunner is MAGTECH, but I don't know anything about them; it's just what they happen to have on the shelf around here.)

Leather

I just went out and had a HUGE brunch and am pretty full, but I'm still thinkin' about a Sourdough or Silver Dollar Pancake. (Probably in Basic Black...)

(SPG Edit)