Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 2.5in Blacknitride Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Ejects .45 ACP without moon clips—saves $25-40 on clip purchases
- Weighs 22 oz—20 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 625
- Blacknitride finish withstands 500+ draw cycles without holster wear
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit zeroing—requires filing for windage adjustment
- 5-round capacity—3 rounds less than typical .45 ACP semi-autos
- Rubber grips absorb moisture—needs drying after wet carry days
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 2.5in Blacknitride Revolver is a rimless-caliber revolver engineered to fire .45 ACP ammunition without requiring moon clips. This American-made firearm represents a significant engineering solution for revolver enthusiasts who prefer rimless cartridges but dislike the hassle of clip management. Its unique extractor system and durable construction make it stand out in a market dominated by traditional rimmed-cartridge revolvers.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 2.5in Blacknitride Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a concealed carry and defensive firearm optimized for .45 ACP users who prefer revolvers over semi-automatics. Its 2.5-inch barrel and 22-ounce weight make it suitable for all-day carry, while the fixed sights and rubber grips provide reliable point-and-shoot capability at typical defensive ranges of 7-15 yards. The Blacknitride finish resists holster wear and corrosion, making it practical for daily use in various climates.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull compare to the Smith & Wesson 625?
The Pitbull eliminates moon clip requirements while the S&W 625 requires them for reliable extraction. Charter Arms' proprietary dual-coil spring extractor system allows direct loading and ejection of .45 ACP rounds, whereas the 625 demands moon clips for proper function. The Pitbull weighs 22 ounces compared to the 625's 42 ounces, making it significantly more carry-friendly, though the 625's longer barrel provides better ballistics for competition shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 22 ounces empty and measures 7.2 inches in overall length with a 2.5-inch barrel. Cylinder width is 1.56 inches, and height from grip bottom to sight top is 4.75 inches. These dimensions make it comparable to a compact semi-auto in carry profile while maintaining revolver reliability.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't for precision target shooters or those needing high-capacity firearms. The fixed sights limit adjustability for competition work, and the 5-round capacity falls short compared to modern semi-autos like the Glock 21 holding 13 rounds. If you require optics mounting or extended range sessions beyond 50 rounds consecutively, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and owner's manual—no case or cleaning tools included. The manual covers disassembly instructions for the unique extractor system, which requires specific attention during maintenance. Expect to purchase a holster and speed loaders separately, as Charter Arms ships this as a bare-bones package focused on the firearm itself.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $490.99?
At $490.99, it justifies its price for shooters specifically wanting moon-clip-free .45 ACP revolver operation. The engineering behind the extractor system adds approximately $75-100 to the manufacturing cost compared to standard revolvers, making the premium reasonable. For general-purpose .45 ACP shooting, a used Glock 21 at similar pricing might offer better capacity, but for revolver purists avoiding moon clips, this fills a unique niche.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958645200 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 64520 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 2.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7.38 |
| model | Pitbull |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 Auto Rim ammunition?
- No, the Pitbull is specifically engineered for .45 ACP only—the extractor won't properly engage .45 Auto Rim rims. Attempting to fire Auto Rim rounds can cause extraction failures and potential cylinder binding. Stick with standard .45 ACP factory loads for reliable function.
- Does it fit standard .45 ACP holsters?
- Yes, it fits most K-frame holsters designed for 2.5-inch barrel revolvers. The 1.56-inch cylinder width matches typical .357 Magnum dimensions, so look for holsters labeled for compact .357/.38 Special revolvers. I recommend DeSantis Mad Max or Galco Combat Master models for secure retention.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with UPS Ground shipping taking 3-5 additional days to your selected FFL. Ensure your FFL has emailed their license to us before ordering—delays typically occur from FFL paperwork issues, not our shipping process.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. We test-fire each Pitbull with 10 rounds of Federal 230gr FMJ before shipping—if yours fails with the same ammo, we cover return shipping and either repair or replace it. Cosmetic issues or ammo-related malfunctions aren't covered.