Western Bull Dog
J.B. Rongé & Sons · Revolver · Discontinued · 1875
Also known as: Frontier Bulldog, Belgian Bull Dog
Overview
The Western Bull Dog is a Belgian-made solid-frame, double-action pocket revolver produced by J.B. Rongé & Sons of Liège as an improved copy of Philip Webley & Son's British Bull Dog. A compact 5-shot revolver with a 2.5-inch barrel, it was chambered primarily in .44 S&W American (and also accepted .442 Webley and .450 Adams cartridges) and loaded through a hinged gate on the right side with a fixed cartridge-ejector rod. Cheap to buy at around US$3.80, it was sold in large numbers into the United States through Sears-Roebuck and Montgomery Ward mail-order catalogs.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 208 m/s (682 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 271 J (200 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 14 m (15 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44 S&W American · primary — also known as .44 S&W, .44 American, 10.9x24mmR
- .442 Webley — also known as .442 Revolver Centre Fire, .442 R.I.C., .44 Webley, 10.5x17mmR, .442 Kurz
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Fixed Sights, Short Barrel, Concealable, Loading Gate, Cartridge Ejector Rod, Optional Lanyard Ring
Service history
Operators
- American civilian market
Production
Production years: c.1875-1914
Mass-produced inexpensive export revolver; exact totals unrecorded. Undersold the Smith & Wesson Model 3 ($12) at roughly $3.80.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Discontinued: 1914
Notes
One of many trade-named Belgian 'Bull Dog' pocket revolvers exported to the American market; also encountered under the Frontier Bulldog name. Grips were offered in checkered walnut or embossed hard rubber, and some were fitted with a butt lanyard ring.
Background
Retailing for as little as US$3.80 through Sears-Roebuck and Montgomery Ward catalogs against $12 for a Smith & Wesson Model 3, the Belgian Bull Dog copies armed frontier households on a budget until World War I ended their import.