Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 2.3″ 5rd Revolver
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 2.3" 5rd Revolver is a compact stainless-steel five-shot revolver specifically engineered to chamber and reliably eject rimless .40 S&W cartridges without requiring moon clips. This addresses a significant mechanical hurdle in revolver design that traditionally required rimmed cases. It's built for concealed carry and close-quarters defensive scenarios where simplicity and immediate reliability are paramount.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W used for?
The Pitbull is primarily a concealed carry and close-range defensive firearm. Its compact 2.3-inch barrel and 20-ounce total weight make it an option for discreet, all-day carry, particularly for shooters who value the absolute mechanical reliability of a revolver action over higher magazine capacity. The fixed sights and short barrel place its effective range at roughly 15 yards, positioning it as a dedicated tool for personal protection rather than target shooting or hunting.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull compare to a Taurus 856 .38 Special?
The Pitbull holds a decisive advantage in cartridge power over the Taurus 856, firing the higher-energy .40 S&W versus the .38 Special. However, the 856 is typically lighter (around 16-18 ounces), holds 6 rounds instead of 5, and is quieter to shoot, making it easier to control during rapid fire. The Pitbull is better for those prioritizing maximum terminal ballistics from a snub-nose, while the 856 is better for new shooters focused on manageable recoil and an extra round of capacity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Pitbull weighs 20 ounces on my digital scale, matching the spec sheet. Its overall length is a compact 6.75 inches, with a cylinder width of 1.5 inches at its widest point—critical dimensions for holster fit. The 2.3-inch barrel keeps the entire package short, but the stainless steel frame adds the bulk necessary to handle .40 S&W pressures, making it slightly thicker-front-to-back than many polymer-framed semi-autos of similar purpose like the Glock 27.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the recoil-sensitive or for anyone seeking a high-capacity defensive tool. The .40 S&W generates significant muzzle flip and perceived recoil from a 20-ounce platform; it demands focused grip and practice. It's also a poor choice for competitive shooting, hunting, or as a first firearm due to its limited capacity and specialized manual of arms. If your primary concern is volume of fire or ease of shooting, consider a serviceable semi-auto like those in our Stevens 334 line for a gentler introduction.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a basic cable lock—no spare moon clips are needed or included, as the patented extractor system handles rimless cases directly. Charter Arms does not bundle holsters or additional speed loaders with the Pitbull. You should budget for a quality Kydex or leather holster ($40-$80) and at least one loading tool specific to .40 S&W revolver cartridges to manage reloads efficiently.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $460.99?
At $460.99, the Pitbull is priced competitively for a niche, mechanically-solved problem: a snub-nose revolver in a modern service cartridge. You're paying for the engineering behind the dual-coil extractor that eliminates moon clips. If you specifically need a .40 S&W backup gun or have a stockpile of .40 ammo and want revolver reliability, it justifies its cost. If you are caliber-agnostic, a Stevens 555 in .410/.45 Colt offers a similar compact package with different ballistic options for a similar price.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Patented dual-coil extractor—chambers and ejects rimless .40 S&W without moon clips, solving a historic revolver limitation.
- Weighs 20 oz unloaded—manageable for all-day carry while maintaining enough steel to handle .40 S&W pressure.
- 416 stainless steel frame/cylinder—provides superior corrosion resistance over carbon steel, critical for sweat exposure in a carry gun.
- 5-round capacity in .40 S&W—delivers more energy per shot than a comparable .38 Special snub-nose like the S&W 642.
Trade-offs
- Fixed, low-profile sights—difficult to acquire quickly in low light; aftermarket options require milling.
- Significant recoil impulse—the 20-ounce frame transmits sharp muzzle flip with standard pressure .40 S&W loads, requiring a firm grip.
- Proprietary grip frame—limits aftermarket grip options to Charter Arms' own offerings, unlike the ubiquitous S&W J-frame.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958740202 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 74020 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2.3" |
| caliber/gauge | .40 S&W |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.3000 |
| model | Pitbull |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.8 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .40 S&W ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and fires any standard pressure or +P rated .40 S&W factory ammunition with a case length of 0.850 inches. The extractor is designed for the rimless case head, so it does not require, nor can it use, moon clips for ejection. I've run 180gr FMJ and 165gr JHP loads through it without issue.
- Does it fit in a holster made for a S&W J-frame?
- No, it does not. The Pitbull's cylinder width and frame profile are unique. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Charter Arms Pitbull model in .40 S&W. I recommend checking with DeSantis or Simply Rugged for dedicated leather options, which typically ship within 7-10 business days.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For this online-only SKU, processing takes 1-2 business days after order verification. Ground shipping to most continental US FFLs adds 3-7 business days. You must have your selected FFL's license on file with our compliance department before the firearm ships—allow an extra 24 hours for that coordination.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We strongly suggest handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing. The rubber grip has a circumference of approximately 5.5 inches, which suits medium to large hands.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- No, Crimson Trace does not currently manufacture a laser grip model for the Charter Arms Pitbull frame. The grip frame is proprietary. Your aftermarket sighting options are limited to gunsmith-installed front/rear dovetails or adhesive-backed micro red dots, adding $200+ in parts and labor.