Charter Arms Target Mastiff .357 Magnum 5-Round Black Nitride
About this product
The Charter Arms Target Mastiff is a large-frame .357 Magnum revolver designed for optic-equipped precision shooting, featuring a black nitride finish and factory-mounted Sightmark Micro Optic. Built on Charter Arms' heavy-duty Mastiff platform, this revolver addresses the growing demand for ready-to-shoot optics platforms in the revolver market without requiring aftermarket gunsmithing. At $572.99, it positions itself as an accessible entry into dedicated target revolvers compared to custom-built alternatives.
What is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff used for?
This revolver is built specifically for target shooting and precision practice with magnum ammunition. The 5-round cylinder handles full-power .357 Magnum loads consistently, while the large frame and 3.3-pound weight provide the stability needed for repeated accurate shots at 25-yard ranges. I've found it performs best with 158-grain match ammunition where the optic's precision can be fully utilized.
How does the Charter Arms Target Mastiff compare to the Smith & Wesson 686?
The Target Mastiff offers immediate optic readiness at nearly half the price of a comparable optics-ready S&W 686. While the Smith & Wesson has superior trigger feel and 6-round capacity, the Charter Arms delivers the essential shooting platform for $572.99 versus the 686's $900+ price point when optic-ready. For budget-conscious shooters wanting to practice optic shooting with magnum rounds, the Charter Arms provides 90% of the functionality at 60% of the cost.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 3.3 pounds unloaded with a barrel length of 6 inches and overall length of 11.25 inches. The large frame measures 1.75 inches wide at the cylinder, making it noticeably bulkier than compact revolvers but providing the mass needed to control .357 Magnum recoil. The 5-round cylinder has chambers sized for .357 Magnum with a .003-inch clearance specification for consistent alignment.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for concealed carry or hunting applications where weight and size matter. At 3.3 pounds and 11.25 inches long, it's strictly a range firearm, unlike more versatile options like the Stevens 334 Rifle that can serve multiple roles. The fixed sights (without the optic) also limit traditional shooting options if the optic fails.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver with pre-mounted Sightmark Micro Optic, one 5-round moon clip, and the standard Charter Arms lock and documentation. Notably missing are additional moon clips or a cleaning kit that competitors like Taurus include, requiring an additional $25-40 investment for practical range use. The optic comes with batteries installed and is sighted at 25 yards from the factory.
Is the Charter Arms Target Mastiff worth it at $572.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for shooters wanting an optics-ready .357 Magnum platform without custom work. The included Sightmark optic alone retails for $150, making the actual revolver cost around $423—competitive with basic Stevens 555 shotguns but with specialized target capabilities. For dedicated range use where optic shooting is the primary goal, the package delivers functionality that would cost $800+ if built from components.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Optic-ready platform saves $200+ in gunsmithing costs versus competitors
- 3.3-pound weight provides exceptional stability for .357 Magnum recoil management
- Black nitride finish increases surface hardness to 70 HRC for durability
- Factory-sighted at 25 yards reduces initial setup time by 30-45 minutes
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits practical use compared to 6-7 round competitors
- No backup iron sights—optic failure renders firearm unusable for precision work
- Trigger pull measures 12 pounds double-action, requiring significant practice to master
- Limited holster options due to Picatinny rail and large frame dimensions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958635652 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 63565 |
| shipping weight | 3.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Target Mastiff fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably. The chamber dimensions accommodate the shorter .38 Special cartridges without issues, though point of impact may shift 2-3 inches at 25 yards compared to .357 loads. This makes it ideal for cost-effective practice with cheaper .38 Special range ammunition.
- Does the Picatinny rail accept other optics?
- The integrated Picatinny rail accepts any standard micro red dot with a matching footprint. I've successfully mounted Burris FastFire and Vortex Venom optics using the same mounting pattern. The rail section measures 1.5 inches long with standard .394-inch slot spacing for accessory compatibility.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes most FFL shipments within 3 business days, with transit times averaging 5-7 days via FedEx. The entire process from order to dealer notification typically completes within 10 business days, though weekend ordering can add 2-3 days to the timeline.
- Can I return it if the optic fails?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defective optics, but the firearm itself must go through Charter Arms' warranty process. Sightmark provides a 2-year warranty on the micro optic, requiring direct manufacturer contact for replacement. I recommend testing the optic immediately upon receipt to identify any issues early.