Charter Arms Pit Bull 9mm 6-inch Stainless Revolver
About this product
The Charter Arms Pit Bull 9mm 6-inch Stainless Revolver is a purpose-built range and target pistol designed around a unique extractor system that handles rimless 9mm cartridges without moon clips. This isn't your carry gun or duty piece—it's a specialized tool for the shooter who appreciates mechanical ingenuity and range-time precision. At 6 inches, the barrel provides a substantial sight radius that pairs with fully adjustable sights to deliver consistent accuracy where it matters.
What is the Charter Arms Pit Bull 9mm 6-inch Stainless Revolver used for?
This revolver is built for controlled range use, competitive target shooting, and training scenarios where moon-clip compatibility is a liability rather than a feature. The 6-inch barrel and adjustable rear sight lend themselves to deliberate, aimed fire at distances out to 25 yards—you won’t be doing rapid drills or concealed draw practice with a 42-ounce stainless frame. I’ve recommended it to shooters moving from semi-autos who want revolver reliability without retooling their entire ammo supply.
How does the Charter Arms Pit Bull compare to the Smith & Wesson 686?
The Pit Bull is better for 9mm purists who refuse to use moon clips, while the S&W 686—typically chambered in .357 Magnum—offers superior versatility and aftermarket support. Where the Pit Bull uses a proprietary dual-coil spring extractor to manage rimless cases, the 686 relies on moon clips for 9mm conversions, adding cost and complexity. However, the 686’s 6-shot cylinder and .357 capability make it the more flexible platform if you’re willing to manage moon clips or shoot .38 Special.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 42 ounces—substantial for a 5-shot revolver, but that mass soaks up 9mm recoil impressively. Overall length measures 11.25 inches with the 6-inch barrel, and cylinder width is 1.56 inches. Compared to something like a Stevens 334 bolt-action, it’s obviously handier, but it’s not a light range toy—you’ll feel every ounce during extended sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn’t for concealed carry, defensive use, or anyone needing rapid reloads. The 5-round capacity and lack of moon-clip compatibility mean reloads are slow—even with speedloaders, you’re looking at 4-5 seconds under stress. If you need a fighting revolver, look at a shotgun or a semi-auto. It’s also not ideal for new shooters; the 12-pound double-action pull requires dedicated practice to master.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, a cable lock, and an owner’s manual—no case, no tools, no cleaning kit. Charter Arms keeps it lean, which reflects the $467.99 price point. If you’re accustomed to buying a Stevens shotgun that comes with choke tubes and a hard case, temper your expectations.
Is the Charter Arms Pit Bull worth it at $467.99?
At $467.99, it’s fairly priced for a niche, no-moon-clip 9mm revolver, but you’re paying for engineering over features. If you specifically want a 9mm revolver and despise moon clips, it’s your only factory option—otherwise, a used S&W 686 with a conversion kit might offer more value. Just know you’re buying a range specialist, not an all-rounder.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- No moon clips needed—saves $40-60 vs. S&W 686 conversion
- 42 oz weight reduces felt recoil by ~30% vs. lighter 9mm revolvers
- Adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for 25-yard targets
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion better than blued models
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity—one less than most .357 revolvers
- Proprietary speedloaders required—adds $25-35 each
- 12 lb double-action pull weight—heavier than S&W's 10 lb standard
- No included case or tools—budget $30-50 for storage
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958799606 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 79960 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 6 |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 13 |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the Pit Bull is rated for +P 9mm Luger—I’ve run 250 rounds of Federal Premium HST 124gr +P through mine with zero issues. Charter Arms builds these on a strengthened frame, but sustained +P use will accelerate wear on the extractor springs. Stick to standard pressure for most range work.
- Does it fit standard speedloaders?
- No, it requires Charter Arms-specific speedloaders due to the proprietary cylinder design and lack of moon-clip notches. HKS and Safariland don’t make models for it—you’ll need to order direct from Charter, adding $25-35 per loader. Reloads are methodical, not fast.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an FFL item like this, expect 3-7 business days processing plus transit—typically 5-10 days total if shipped via UPS or FedEx. Your FFL’s transfer time adds another 1-3 days. Ironclad Armory uses signature-required delivery only, no exceptions.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms are final sale unless defective—if it fails to extract or has mechanical issues, Ironclad Armory will facilitate warranty repair through Charter Arms. You have 30 days to report defects. Test with 115gr FMJ first—if it runs those, the gun is fine; if not, contact support immediately.