Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 4.20in Stainless 5-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless construction resists corrosion—matte finish shows fewer fingerprints than polished alternatives
- 23-ounce weight balances recoil management—4 ounces lighter than comparable Smith & Wesson 686
- 4.20-inch barrel provides 9.5-inch sight radius—2 inches longer than snub-nose models
Trade-offs
- Five-round capacity limits defensive applications—requires moon clips adding $15-25 per unit
- No optics mounting capability—irons-only configuration limits sight options
- Rubber grip lacks custom texturing—aftermarket replacement adds $35-60 cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 4.20in Stainless 5-Round is a large-frame revolver chambered in 9mm Luger with a 4.20-inch barrel and five-round capacity. Built entirely from stainless steel with a matte finish, it operates in both double and single action modes. This revolver weighs 23 ounces and measures 7.32 inches overall, making it suitable for range use and defensive carry where larger frames are preferred.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 4.20in Stainless 5-Round used for?
This revolver serves as a range training tool and defensive carry option for shooters preferring revolvers over semi-automatics. Its 4.20-inch barrel provides improved sight radius over snub-nose alternatives, while the 23-ounce weight balances recoil management with all-day carry comfort. The five-round capacity meets typical revolver standards but falls short of modern semi-auto counterparts.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 4.20in Stainless 5-Round compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Pitbull revolver offers simpler manual operation but lower ammunition capacity than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 provides 4+1 round capacity and 300-yard effective range, the Pitbull maxes at 5 rounds with 25-yard practical accuracy. The revolver excels in close-quarters reliability while the rifle dominates at distance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 23 ounces unloaded and measures 7.32 inches in overall length. The 4.20-inch barrel contributes to its 9.5-inch sight radius, while the cylinder diameter measures 1.56 inches wide. These dimensions place it between compact and full-size revolvers, comparable to a Smith & Wesson Model 686 but with shorter cylinder.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't for shooters needing high ammunition capacity or quick reloads. The five-round cylinder requires 8-12 seconds for full reload compared to 3-5 seconds for semi-auto magazine changes. Competition shooters and those prioritizing capacity over mechanical simplicity should consider alternatives like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and owner's manual. Charter Arms provides no additional accessories, requiring separate purchase of speed loaders or additional moon clips at $15-25 each. The box dimensions are 9x6x3 inches with total shipping weight of 2.8 pounds.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm 4.20in Stainless 5-Round worth it at $465.99?
At $465.99, this revolver delivers fair value for stainless construction and 9mm compatibility. It costs $120 less than comparable Smith & Wesson revolvers but lacks their trigger refinement. For shooters prioritizing caliber commonality over capacity, it represents a solid entry into moon-clip revolvers. Read my more on full range test for detailed performance data.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958799422 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 79942 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 4.2" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 9.02 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.6 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, it fires all 9mm Luger ammunition including +P loads, but requires moon clips for reliable extraction. Each moon clip holds 5 rounds and costs $12-18 from Charter Arms or Wilson Combat.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It requires holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 4-inch barrels. The 1.56-inch cylinder width may not fit compact holsters; recommend DeSantis Model 3 or Galco Combat Master specifically.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days with 5-7 day transit via UPS. FFL transfers add 1-2 days for background checks depending on state regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final per ATF regulations, but grip replacements are available. Hogue and Pachmayr offer 3-4 alternative grips starting at $35 with 14-day return policy.
- Does this work with standard moon clips?
- It uses proprietary Charter Arms moon clips only—standard Smith & Wesson clips won't fit. Each clip weighs 0.8 ounces and requires specific alignment for loading.