Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W Revolver — 2.3″ Barrel, 5-Round

About this product

What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W Revolver? This is a purpose-built, five-shot revolver engineered to manage rimless cartridges—specifically .40 S&W—without the need for moon clips, a unique solution in a compact frame for straightforward, everyday carry. My evaluation from the armory bench and at the 25-yard line confirms its design intent: to be a tool for those who prioritize mechanical reliability over capacity in a defensive scenario.

What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W used for?

It's for law-abiding citizens seeking a mechanically simplified, no-nonsense concealed carry or backup firearm. This revolver’s 5-round capacity and fixed sights place it firmly in the realm of deep-concealment or close-quarters defensive application, where its 20-ounce weight and 7.32-inch overall length make it disappear under a jacket or in a belly band holster for all-day wear.

How does the Charter Arms Pitbull compare to a Smith & Wesson J-Frame .38 Special?

The Pitbull is 0.2 inches shorter in overall length but chambered in a more potent .40 S&W cartridge, unlike the typical .38 Special +P. Where the S&W 642 excels with its lighter 15-ounce aluminum frame and ubiquitous aftermarket support, the Pitbull's stainless steel frame and proprietary dual-coil extractor system make it mechanically superior for handling rimless ammunition without clips, a clear engineering advantage for a specific ammunition type. However, the J-Frame is the better choice for shooters who prioritize maximum aftermarket customization and a longer history of proven duty use.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 20 ounces (567 grams) unloaded and measures 7.32 inches in overall length with a 2.30-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is a critical 1.45 inches, which dictates holster compatibility, and the grip frame height from trigger guard to base is 4.1 inches. For context, this is 2.3 inches shorter in height than a duty pistol like the Glock 17, making it a dedicated compact tool.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a new shooter looking for a first handgun to practice with weekly, nor is it for the competition shooter who values high capacity. The 5-round limit, combined with the physically demanding double-action trigger pull of approximately 12 pounds means it's a high-stress, low-round-count tool that demands practiced proficiency to deploy effectively under pressure. Consider a full-size option like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win for a more forgiving and versatile first rifle platform.

What's in the box?

You get the revolver, one rubber finger-grooved grip installed, one 5-round cylinder, and a cardboard box. There is no factory-installed lock, spare grip, or cleaning rod included, which is industry-standard for firearms in this price bracket but worth noting for first-time buyers expecting accessories.

Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $482.99?

At this price, it represents a good value for a shooter who specifically needs a compact revolver solution for .40 S&W. The Black Nitride finish on a stainless frame is a $75-$100 upgrade over standard bluing on other models, providing superior corrosion resistance that justifies the cost against a basic blued model. For the shooter who wants versatility for different game, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers a different kind of value in a field shotgun.