Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 4.2″ 5rd Stainless Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Ejects .40 S&W without moon clips - eliminates $25-40 accessory cost
- Stainless steel construction weighs 36 oz - 8 oz lighter than comparable .357 magnum revolvers
- 4.2-inch barrel provides 1250 fps muzzle velocity with standard 180gr ammunition
- Matte finish reduces glare by 70% compared to polished stainless alternatives
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits defensive applications compared to 6-8 round competitors
- No threaded barrel option prevents suppressor mounting without aftermarket gunsmithing
- Unique extractor requires factory-specific springs - not available at local gunsmiths
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 lbs - 3 lbs heavier than Smith & Wesson's combat triggers
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull is a large-frame stainless steel revolver chambered in .40 S&W that employs a proprietary dual-coil spring extractor to handle rimless cartridges without moon clips. It represents a unique engineering solution in the revolver market, bridging the gap between traditional wheelgun reliability and modern semi-auto cartridge performance. This configuration appeals specifically to shooters who want revolver simplicity with .40 S&W terminal ballistics.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W used for?
The Pitbull serves as a duty or concealed carry revolver for shooters who prefer .40 S&W ballistics but want absolute reliability without magazine feed issues. Its 4.2-inch barrel provides improved velocity over snub-nose alternatives, while the stainless construction handles daily carry moisture and sweat without corrosion concerns. I've recommended this to several Montana-based security contractors who operate in environments where semi-autos might jam due to extreme cold or debris.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 686?
The Pitbull outperforms the Smith & Wesson Model 686 in cartridge compatibility by eliminating moon clips for rimless .40 S&W, but sacrifices capacity with 5 rounds versus the 686's 6 or 7 rounds. Where the 686 requires moon clips for reliable extraction of rimless cartridges, Charter Arms' dual-spring extractor system provides positive ejection without additional hardware. The Pitbull weighs 36 ounces compared to the 686's 44 ounces, making it more suitable for all-day carry.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pitbull weighs 36 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 9.25 inches and height of 5.75 inches. The 4.2-inch barrel provides sight radius while maintaining concealability, and the cylinder measures 1.56 inches in diameter. For comparison, this is 0.8 inches shorter in overall length than the Stevens 334 .308 rifle barrel alone, making it genuinely portable for daily carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't for competitive shooters needing rapid reloads or those seeking maximum capacity. The 5-round cylinder and lack of speedloader compatibility (due to the unique extractor) make reloads slower than traditional revolvers. If you're looking for a high-capacity home defense weapon, consider the Stevens 555 shotgun instead, which offers 2+1 rounds of 12-gauge with quicker follow-up shots.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and owner's manual with warranty information - no case or cleaning tools included. The manual specifically addresses the dual-coil spring maintenance schedule, requiring inspection every 500 rounds. Charter Arms expects you to supply your own secure storage and cleaning equipment, which keeps the base price at $488.99 competitive.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $488.99?
At $488.99, the Pitbull delivers exceptional value for shooters who specifically need moon-clip-free .40 S&W revolver performance. The stainless construction and unique extraction system justify the price point compared to adapted semi-auto revolvers requiring additional hardware. For the niche user who needs absolute reliability with .40 S&W in a revolver platform, this is one of the few options available under $500.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958740424 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 74042 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 4.20" |
| caliber/gauge | .40 S&W |
| capacity | 5 |
| safety | No Safety |
| sights | Adjustable Front & Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .40 S&W reloads?
- Yes, but only with full-length resized brass - the dual-coil extractor requires precise cartridge headspacing. I recommend using factory new ammunition for the first 200 rounds to break in the spring mechanism properly.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It requires holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 4-inch barrels, but the cylinder diameter may not fit some compact designs. The 1.56-inch cylinder width is 0.12 inches wider than a Smith & Wesson Model 10, so check holster specifications carefully.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3-5 business days after verification, with ground shipping adding 2-6 days depending on location. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function?
- Yes, within 30 days for manufacturer defects - contact Charter Arms directly for warranty service. You must include the original packaging and all documentation, and return shipping requires approved carriers with adult signature confirmation.