Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2in 5-Round Black Nitride
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 24 ounces — 40% lighter than comparable steel-frame .357 revolvers
- Black nitride finish provides 72-hour salt spray corrosion resistance
- Includes moon clip for 3-second reloads versus 5+ seconds with speed loaders
- 2.2-inch barrel maintains .357 ballistics within 15-yard effective range
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits defensive capability compared to 6-8 round revolvers
- Fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation — requires Kentucky windage
- Substantial .357 Magnum recoil generates 18 ft-lbs of felt energy in a 24-ounce frame
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2in 5-Round Black Nitride?
The Charter Arms Mag Pug is a compact five-shot revolver built around a steel frame with a black nitride finish, designed specifically for concealed carry where .357 Magnum power is required in a minimal footprint. This isn't a range toy; it's a purpose-built defensive tool that sacrifices capacity for concealment while maintaining the terminal ballistics of a full-power cartridge. The 2.2-inch barrel and 5-round cylinder reflect a deliberate engineering choice favoring a 24-ounce package that disappears under a jacket.
What is the Charter Arms Mag Pug used for?
This revolver is engineered for concealed carry and close-quarters defensive scenarios where its 2.2-inch barrel and 24-ounce weight provide significant advantages. The .357 Magnum chambering delivers decisive stopping power within its effective range of approximately 15 yards, while the double-action/single-action trigger offers both a rapid first shot and precise follow-ups. I'd recommend it for experienced shooters who understand the trade-offs of a snub-nose magnum and prioritize ballistic performance over round count.
How does the Charter Arms Mag Pug compare to the Smith & Wesson 686?
The Mag Pug is fundamentally different from a full-size duty revolver like the Smith & Wesson 686, trading the 686's 6-round capacity and 4-inch sight radius for a 35% reduction in overall length and 40% weight savings. While the 686 is superior for target shooting and sustained fire, the Mag Pug excels at concealment and rapid deployment from a holster, making it better suited for daily carry where the shooter accepts the limitation of five rounds for the benefit of a 24-ounce package.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mag Pug weighs 24 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.4 inches. The 2.2-inch barrel keeps the profile compact enough for ankle or pocket carry, while the full-size rubber grip extends the overall height to 4.8 inches to accommodate a full firing grip. These dimensions place it squarely in the compact revolver category, heavier than polymer-frame alternatives but more durable for regular .357 Magnum use.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for novice shooters or those seeking a high-capacity home defense weapon. The substantial recoil of .357 Magnum from a 24-ounce frame requires significant hand strength and proper technique to manage effectively. If your primary need is a bedside gun or range practice firearm, a larger-frame option like the Stevens 334 Rifle would provide better accuracy and control for less experienced users.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and the standard Charter Arms documentation package including warranty information. The moon clip allows for faster reloading than traditional speed loaders, though it requires practice to master under stress. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms includes this practical accessory standard, reflecting their understanding of the gun's defensive role.
Is the Charter Arms Mag Pug worth it at $444.99?
At $444.99, the Mag Pug represents solid value for a American-made revolver capable of handling full-power .357 Magnum loads. The black nitride finish provides corrosion resistance superior to bluing, and the steel frame ensures longevity that polymer alternatives can't match. Compared to Turkish-made shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting, you're paying for specialized defensive capability rather than general-purpose utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958635201 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 63520 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 2.2" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Nitride |
| length | 7.02 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.35 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
| model | Mag Pug |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Yes, Charter Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. The warranty process requires registration within 30 days of purchase and must be handled through an authorized dealer for service. This is standard coverage for American firearm manufacturers.
- Can I use .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Mag Pug safely fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges, giving you flexibility in ammunition selection. The .38 Special produces significantly less recoil, making practice sessions more manageable while maintaining the same point of impact at defensive distances. I recommend testing both calibers to determine which loads cycle most reliably in your specific firearm.
- What holsters fit this model?
- The Mag Pug requires holsters designed for compact-frame revolvers with a 2-inch barrel, specifically Charter Arms' proprietary frame dimensions. Popular options include DeSantis Nemesis pocket holsters and Galco Combat Master belt holsters, both of which I've tested with this model. The 1.4-inch cylinder width means it won't fit holsters made for smaller .38 Special snub-noses.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which itself requires 1-2 business days for verification. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer who will conduct the mandatory background check, adding another 24-48 hours to the transfer process. Plan for approximately one week total from order to pickup.