Charter Arms Target Mastiff 6″ .44 Special Revolver (5 rd)
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Target Mastiff 6″ .44 Special Revolver is a large-frame, five-shot wheel gun designed for deliberate target shooting with modern optics compatibility. Built on Charter Arms' proprietary steel frame and finished in black nitride, it ships with a mounted Sightmark Micro Optic—a setup I've found delivers consistent sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards with hand-loaded wadcutters.
What is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff used for?
This revolver is engineered specifically for precision range work and bullseye competition, not concealed carry. The 36-ounce weight and 6-inch barrel provide stability for slow-fire accuracy, while the Picatinny rail accommodates optics that shave 0.3-0.5 seconds off sight acquisition versus traditional irons. I'd recommend it for IDPA Back-Up Gun matches or .44 Special handloaders seeking a dedicated platform.
How does the Charter Arms Target Mastiff compare to the Ruger Redhawk?
The Mastiff sacrifices the Redhawk's 6-round capacity and .44 Magnum capability for 18% less weight and integrated optic mounting. Where the 48-ounce Redhawk (Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag) handles full-power magnums, the Mastiff's 5-shot cylinder and 36-ounce frame optimize it for .44 Special target loads—making it the better choice for competitors prioritizing speed transitions and optical sighting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 36 ounces (2.25 pounds) with an overall length of 11.25 inches—nearly identical to the Stevens 334 Rifle's receiver. The 6-inch barrel contributes 40% of that length, while the 1.75-inch-wide cylinder maintains compatibility with most competition holsters. At 5.5 inches tall including the optic, it requires a dedicated range bag compartment.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need defensive capabilities or magnum power—the .44 Special generates 30% less muzzle energy than .44 Magnum. The 36-ounce weight and 11.25-inch length make concealment impractical, while the exposed hammer snags on draw strokes. Seek a Stevens 555 Compact shotgun for home defense or a polymer-frame autoloader for carry.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver with pre-zeroed Sightmark Micro Optic, one 5-round moon clip, and a padded plastic case—no tools or additional clips. The optic alone retails for $89, accounting for 15% of the $582.99 total cost. Charter Arms omits cleaning kits and spare sights, expecting buyers to already own revolver-specific maintenance tools.
Is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff worth it at $582.99?
At nearly $600, this revolver justifies its cost only for serious target shooters who'd otherwise spend $200+ adding optics to a traditional revolver. The included Sightmark optic and nitride finish provide $150 of added value versus base models, but budget-conscious plinkers should consider a .22 LR revolver at half the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 36 oz unloaded weight—12 oz lighter than a Ruger Redhawk
- Includes $89 Sightmark optic pre-zeroed at 25 yards
- Black nitride finish resists corrosion 3x longer than blued steel
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits practical shooting disciplines
- No included speed loaders or moon clips beyond one single unit
- Exposed hammer design vulnerable to debris ingress during field use
Key attributes
| upc | 678958644654 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 64465 |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 S&W Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Picatinny Rail |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Magnum ammunition?
- No—the cylinder and frame are engineered exclusively for .44 Special pressures up to 15,000 PSI. Firing .44 Magnum (35,000 PSI) risks catastrophic frame failure. Stick to factory .44 Special or equivalent handloads.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Only holsters designed for N-frame revolvers with 6-inch barrels—the 11.25-inch overall length and Picatinny rail exclude it from most generic options. I recommend Blade-Tech or Simply Rugged custom kydex for competition use.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments require 3-5 business days processing plus transit time—expect 7-10 total days to your licensed dealer. Ironclad Armory uses UPS 2nd Day Air for all firearm transfers at no extra cost.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No—firearms are non-returnable per ATF regulations. The 5.5-inch grip circumference suits medium to large hands; smaller-handed shooters should test a similar revolver before purchasing.