Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 5-Shot Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Ejects rimless .45 ACP without moon clips—saves $25-40 on clip systems
- Weighs 22 oz—14 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 625
- Stainless steel construction—withstands daily carry corrosion
- 3-inch barrel—balances concealment with ballistic efficiency
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity—1 round less than typical .357 revolvers
- Non-threaded barrel—no suppressor compatibility without gunsmithing
- Fixed sights—limits precision beyond 25 yards
- Dual-coil extractor requires cleaning every 500 rounds—adds maintenance step
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 5-Shot Revolver is a stainless steel revolver engineered specifically for rimless .45 ACP cartridges without requiring moon clips. Built on an extra-large steel frame with a patented dual-coil extractor system, it delivers reliable ejection while maintaining a compact 22-ounce profile suitable for everyday carry. This revolver bridges the gap between traditional wheelgun reliability and modern semi-auto cartridge performance.
What is the Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 5-Shot Revolver used for?
The Pitbull serves primarily as a concealed carry or backup weapon for shooters who prefer revolver reliability with .45 ACP stopping power. Its 5-round capacity and 22-ounce weight make it ideal for deep concealment or ankle carry, while the stainless construction handles daily sweat exposure without corrosion. I recommend it for law enforcement backups or urban carriers who prioritize mechanical simplicity over round count.
How does the Charter Arms Pitbull compare to the Smith & Wesson 625?
The Pitbull eliminates moon clip dependency entirely, whereas the S&W 625 requires clips for reliable ejection of .45 ACP rounds. At 22 ounces, the Pitbull is 14 ounces lighter than the 36-ounce 625, making it far more practical for all-day carry. However, the 625 holds 6 rounds versus the Pitbull's 5, and its smoother double-action trigger better suits competition use.
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 3-inch barrel. Cylinder width is 1.56 inches, fitting most standard holsters designed for medium-frame revolvers. The black rubber grip adds 1.3 inches to the backstrap, accommodating most hand sizes without custom modifications.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't for high-volume shooters or those seeking modular accessories. The non-threaded barrel prevents suppressor use, and the fixed sights limit precision beyond 25 yards. Compared to our Stevens 334 .308 rifle platform, the Pitbull lacks long-range capability or customization options.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a cable lock—no spare grips or speed loaders included. The factory packaging includes a manual detailing the dual-coil extractor maintenance, which requires cleaning every 500 rounds to prevent carbon buildup affecting ejection.
Is the Charter Arms Pitbull worth it at $480.99?
At $480.99, it's fairly priced for a specialized .45 ACP revolver that eliminates moon clip hassles. For comparison, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun costs $150 more but serves entirely different purposes. Buy this if you need moon-clip-free .45 ACP reliability; avoid if you want higher capacity or accessory rails.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958745207 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 74520 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.4000 |
| model | Pitbull |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights | Fixed Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45 ACP ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles any factory 230-grain .45 ACP round without modification. Avoid +P loads exceeding 850 fps, as they accelerate wear on the dual-coil extractor system. I recommend Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot for defensive use.
- Does it fit in a Glock 21 holster?
- No, the 1.56-inch cylinder width requires a dedicated revolver holster. I use DeSantis Speed Scabbard model 011 for OWB carry—it accommodates the 3-inch barrel perfectly. Kydex options from Vedder Holsters also work with proper molding.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments take 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority. Our warehouse processes orders within 24 hours, but allow an extra day for FFL verification. Expedited shipping cuts this to 2 days for an additional $35.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if unfired, but cycling issues require manufacturer warranty service. Charter Arms provides a lifetime repair policy—ship directly to them in Shelton, CT with proof of purchase. They typically turn around repairs in 10 business days.