Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2″ Stainless Revolver

About this product

The Charter Arms Mag Pug is a compact, stainless-steel DA/SA revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, designed for carry and defensive use where a short-barreled, durable handgun is required. It's a five-shot, 23-ounce, purpose-built tool, not a target pistol. Its 2.2-inch ported barrel and fully exposed hammer represent a specific, old-school approach to reliability in a small frame.

What is the Charter Arms Mag Pug used for?

This revolver is used for concealed or off-body carry where reliability and simple mechanical function are prioritized over capacity and fast reloads. It's a primary or backup defense gun for scenarios under 15 yards, with the .357 Magnum capability offering significant terminal performance if you're willing to manage the recoil. Its stainless construction specifically suits daily carry in environments that accelerate corrosion on carbon steel.

How does the Charter Arms Mag Pug compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 640?

The Mag Pug is better for shooters seeking a lighter, ported-barrel option at a more accessible price point compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 640 Pro Series. At 23 ounces, the Mag Pug is over 5 ounces lighter than the all-steel, unported S&W J-frame, though that weight reduction increases felt recoil with full-power .357 loads. The Smith & Wesson offers a more refined trigger out of the box and superior aftermarket support, but the Charter Arms delivers the core mechanical package for about 35% less cost, making it a value-driven choice for a dedicated carry gun that will see holster wear.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 23 ounces (652 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 6.5 inches and a cylinder width of 1.4 inches. This makes it comparable in profile to many subcompact polymer pistols, though the cylinder's width and the spurred hammer require specific holster selection to avoid printing. The 2.2-inch barrel, when measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle crown, dictates a significant velocity loss with most .357 Magnum loads, effectively making it a platform better suited to .38 Special +P for most users seeking controllable follow-up shots.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a new shooter seeking a low-recoil, high-capacity first handgun, or for someone whose primary use case is recreational target shooting. The combination of a short sight radius, heavy double-action trigger pull (typically 12-14 lbs), and stout .357 recoil in a light frame creates a steep learning curve. If your needs center on competition, extensive range sessions with hundreds of rounds weekly, or you require modularity for optics and lights, consider a modern polymer striker-fired pistol like those in our review of duty-ready options.

What's in the box?

The factory package includes the revolver, one five-round stainless steel moon clip (promoting faster reloads versus loose rounds), a generic cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Charter Arms does not include a hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard box with foam insert. You will need to purchase appropriate .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition, a quality compact revolver holster, and a means of carrying additional moon clips or speed strips separately.

Is the Charter Arms Mag Pug worth it at $402.99?

At just over four hundred dollars, it represents solid value for a U.S.-made, stainless-steel, .357 Magnum-capable revolver you can actually carry all day. You are paying for the core mechanics and corrosion resistance, not for a polished fit and finish or a smooth, competition-ready trigger. For a shooter who understands and accepts the inherent limitations of a small-frame, five-shot .357—prioritizing绝对的 mechanical simplicity and durability over every other metric—the price is justified. If your budget allows and you want a more refined small-frame .357 for field use, you might compare it to the handling of a Stevens 334 in .308 for a different kind of powerful, compact tool.