Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Mag 6in Stainless 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction provides corrosion resistance and durability, weighing 43.5 oz for recoil management.
- 6-inch barrel creates an 11.25-inch sight radius for superior long-range sight alignment.
- Full hammer block safety system meets modern revolver safety standards for secure carry.
- .357 Magnum chambering allows use of both .357 and lower-recoil .38 Special ammunition.
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity is half that of many modern service pistols, limiting its utility in defensive scenarios.
- No factory provision for optic mounting—requires costly aftermarket gunsmithing for a red dot.
- 43.5-ounce weight and 11.25-inch length make it unsuitable for concealed or discreet carry.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Mag 6in Stainless 5rd? It is a large-frame, five-shot revolver designed specifically as a dedicated target and high-precision .357 Magnum platform, not as a carry gun or duty weapon. This stainless steel revolver features a 6-inch barrel providing an 11.25-inch sight radius for deliberate, accurate shooting, and it utilizes a classic double-action design with an exposed hammer and rubber combat grip. Built on a durable steel frame, its entire mechanical profile is optimized for stability, sight alignment, and managing the full pressure range of .357 Magnum ammunition, from mild .38 Special target loads to maximum-power hunting rounds.
What is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Mag 6in Stainless 5rd used for?
This revolver is used specifically for target shooting, long-range metallic silhouette competition, and as a specialized hunting sidearm where precision with a powerful cartridge is required. Its 6-inch barrel length and 11.25-inch overall length create an ideal sight radius for accurate shot placement at distances from 25 to over 100 yards, which is where the .357 Magnum's flat trajectory is most effective. The five-round cylinder and full-size grip profile promote a consistent, two-handed hold that minimizes flinch and maximizes follow-through, making it a poor choice for concealed carry but excellent for deliberate range work.
How does the Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Mag 6in Stainless 5rd compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in?
The Target Mastiff is better for close-to-mid-range precision with a handgun cartridge and simpler manual of arms, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is objectively superior for accuracy and terminal ballistics beyond 100 yards. This revolver fires a .357 Magnum projectile, which typically delivers around 650 ft-lbs of muzzle energy; the .308 Winchester from the Stevens 334 exceeds 2,600 ft-lbs, making it a far more powerful and capable choice for hunting medium to large game. The comparison highlights that the Mastiff's niche is handgun-format precision and portability within the constraints of a 6-inch barrel, whereas a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 is a dedicated, long-range ballistic tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 43.5 ounces (2.72 pounds or 1,233 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 11.25 inches and a cylinder width of approximately 1.65 inches. That weight, concentrated in the steel frame and 6-inch barrel, provides significant inertia to dampen recoil, especially when shooting full-power .357 Magnum loads that can produce over 12 foot-pounds of free recoil energy. The dimensions, particularly the 11.25-inch sight radius, are the primary mechanical contributors to its target accuracy, giving the shooter a long, stable plane for aligning front and rear sights.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a concealed carry weapon, a home-defense handgun for quick deployment, or a first firearm for a novice shooter. The 43.5-ounce weight and 11.25-inch length make it impractical to carry concealed, and its 5-round capacity is half that of many modern semi-automatic pistols designed for defensive use. Furthermore, the substantial recoil and muzzle blast from full-power .357 Magnum ammunition, combined with the revolver's heavier trigger pull in double-action mode, require significant shooter experience and technique to master safely and effectively.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, a basic cable lock, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty documentation. You will not find a cleaning kit, additional speed loaders, a holster, or any spare parts, which is standard for most factory-shipped revolvers in this price segment. The included documentation covers the operation of the full hammer block safety system and basic field-stripping instructions for maintenance.
Is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Mag 6in Stainless 5rd worth it at $594.99?
At $594.99, it is worth it specifically for the shooter who wants a no-frills, durable .357 Magnum platform optimized for range accuracy and who values the mechanical simplicity of a double-action revolver over a semi-automatic. You are paying for the stainless steel construction, the purpose-built large frame, and the long barrel that maximizes the cartridge's ballistic potential, not for features like optics mounting or high capacity. Compared to investing in a precision-oriented bolt-action rifle system like a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, this revolver represents a different and more portable type of precision tool, justified if your discipline requires a handgun format.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958735659 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 73565 |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Picatinny Rail |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering is fully compatible with lower-pressure .38 Special ammunition for reduced recoil and cost-effective target practice. You can safely fire any .38 Special or .38 Special +P load in this cylinder without adapters. This versatility is a key feature, allowing you to train with affordable .38 Special rounds and then switch to full-power .357 Magnum for hunting or competition.
- Does this work with standard .357 Magnum speed loaders?
- It works with most 5-round .357 Magnum speed loaders designed for large-frame revolvers, specifically models from HKS and Safariland. The cylinder's cut and the frame's clearance are standard for this class of revolver. For the fastest reloads, I recommend testing compatibility with the HKS 587-A model, which is a common fit.
- Can I mount an optic or red dot sight on it?
- No, the revolver does not come from the factory with any optics mounting system, such as a drilled and tapped frame or a Picatinny rail. The top strap is solid, designed solely for the integrated iron sights. Adding an optic would require specialized gunsmithing to mill the frame, which can cost $200-$400 and may void the factory warranty.
- How long does shipping take for an online firearm purchase?
- Standard processing and shipping to your chosen FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. The actual transfer must be completed in person at the licensed dealer, which involves a federal NICS background check that can be instant or take up to 3 business days.
- Does it fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?
- It will fit many holsters designed for a 6-inch barrel, large-frame .357 Magnum revolver, like those for the Ruger GP100 or Smith & Wesson 686 with a 6-inch barrel. The critical measurements are the 11.25-inch overall length and 1.65-inch cylinder width. For a secure fit, look for holsters specifically listed as compatible with the Charter Arms "Large Frame" series.