Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 2.2″ Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 2.2" Revolver is a compact, American-made double/single-action revolver engineered specifically to handle rimless 9mm cartridges using a proprietary extractor system. This represents a distinct technical departure from traditional rimmed cartridge revolvers or semi-automatic pistols. For shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity and 9mm ammunition commonality, it occupies a specific niche.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 2.2" Revolver used for?
The Pitbull is primarily intended as a compact, straightforward personal defense weapon for civilian concealed carry or as a truck/ranch gun. Its design eliminates the need for moon clips, offering a simpler manual of arms than other 9mm revolvers but without the magazine capacity of a compact semi-auto like a Glock 43. The 2.2-inch barrel and fixed sights prioritize close-quarters reliability over long-range precision shooting.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 2.2" compare to the SW Governor?
The Pitbull is more mechanically specialized and budget-focused, while the Smith & Wesson Governor is a more versatile and expensive multi-caliber platform. The SW Governor can interchangeably shoot .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and .410 shotgun shells, making it superior for multi-role utility, but it costs roughly 50% more and requires moon clips for its rimless cartridges. The Pitbull's dedicated 9mm-only extractor system is simpler and more reliable for that single caliber.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pitbull weighs approximately 22.5 oz unloaded, with an overall length of 6.75 inches and a cylinder width of 1.43 inches at its widest point. This makes it compact enough for all-day carry, though it's about 3-5 ounces heavier than many polymer-frame micro-compact 9mm pistols of similar barrel length. The height from the base of the grip to the top of the fixed sight is 4.5 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters seeking high capacity, modern ergonomics, or a platform for extensive aftermarket customization. Its 5-round cylinder capacity is half that of many compact semi-autos, and its grip design is utilitarian compared to options like the Stevens 334 Rifle. It is also not ideal for new shooters who haven't mastered the heavier double-action trigger pull of a revolver versus a striker-fired pistol.
What's in the box?
You receive the unloaded revolver, a standard single-coil spring extractor assembly, a plastic cable lock for transport compliance, a basic owner's manual, and a single, empty cardboard cartridge block for storage. Unlike many modern pistols, it does not include a spare magazine, holster, or cleaning kit, so budget an additional $50-100 for essential accessories.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $470.99?
At $470.99, it offers solid value for its specific purpose as a no-nonsense, mechanically simple 9mm revolver made in the USA. The price is competitive against other domestic revolvers but sits above many imported polymer-frame semi-autos with higher capacities. For the shooter who specifically wants a 9mm revolver without moon clips and values straightforward durability over features, it's a reasonable investment. For a more traditional rimmed-cartridge experience, consider a rimfire option for practice, like the Stevens 555 .410.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Unique extractor eliminates need for moon clips — simplifies loading/ejection.
- Weighs 22.5 oz — solid heft for recoil control in a compact frame.
- American-made construction with a lifetime warranty from Charter Arms.
- Shoots ubiquitous 9mm ammo — more affordable practice than .38 Special.
Trade-offs
- 5-round cylinder capacity — half that of many compact semi-auto pistols.
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights limit precision tuning for individual shooters.
- Double-action trigger pull measures a firm 12-14 lbs — requires practice to master.
- Limited holster compatibility — requires model-specific options, not J-frame universals.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958699203 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 69920 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 2.2" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.3500 |
| model | Pitbull |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the Charter Arms Pitbull is rated for standard pressure and +P 9mm Luger ammunition. The cylinder and lockup are built to handle these pressures. I recommend checking for specific pressure ratings in the manual, but it can reliably fire common defensive +P loads like 124-grain Speer Gold Dot.
- Does it fit standard holsters for J-frame revolvers?
- No, it likely will not. While similar in size, the Pitbull's unique cylinder and frame profile typically require a holster designed specifically for this model. I recommend checking with holster makers like DeSantis or Galco for a Pitbull-specific model before purchasing.
- How long does shipping take?
- Processing and shipping for in-stock firearms like this typically take 3-5 business days before the item is ready for pickup at your chosen FFL dealer. Once shipped, ground transit usually adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, but the process is specific. Firearms with verified mechanical defects can be returned directly to Charter Arms under their lifetime warranty within 30 days of purchase. You must initiate the RMA process through us first; do not ship a firearm without an approved return authorization label.
- Does this work with aftermarket sights?
- No, the front and rear sights are fixed and machined as part of the barrel and frame. They are not designed to be swapped for night sights or fiber optics. This is a trade-off for durability and simplicity at this price point.