CHARTER ARMS PROFESSIONAL II – .357 Mag 3″ Black/Walnut
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About this product
What is the Charter Arms Professional II .357 Mag 3″ Black/Walnut?
The Charter Arms Professional II is a medium-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that prioritizes rugged reliability and straightforward mechanics over modularity. Finished in Blacknitride+ with contoured walnut grips, it's designed for shooters who prefer traditional wheelguns without optics cuts or aftermarket complexity.
What is the Charter Arms Professional II used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a duty or field sidearm where reliability trumps round count. I’ve seen it perform best in environments where holster wear and moisture are concerns—ranch work, backup hunting sidearms, or vehicles where autoloaders might jam. The exposed hammer allows deliberate single-action shots, but the 6-round capacity limits it against higher-capacity semis like the Stevens 334 Rifle in defensive scenarios.
How does the Charter Arms Professional II compare to a Smith & Wesson 686?
The Professional II undercuts the Smith & Wesson 686 by nearly 12 ounces in weight and $300 in cost, making it a leaner carry option. Where the 686 excels with its drilled-and-tapped frame for optics and smoother double-action pull, the Charter focuses on corrosion resistance and a slimmer profile—better for all-weather carry but worse for customization.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 28 ounces with an overall length of 7.8 inches and barrel length of 3 inches. The cylinder holds 6 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, and the grip circumference measures 5.2 inches around—compact enough for medium hands but potentially tight for large gloves.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you require optics readiness or high ammunition capacity. The fixed sights and lack of drilling mean no red dots, and 6 rounds won’t compete with semi-autos like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clay or tactical use. It’s a purist’s tool, not a platform for upgrades.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with one 6-round cylinder, a cable lock, and owner’s manual—no spare grips or tools. Charter Arms excludes cleaning kits or extra sight options, reflecting its no-frills approach to packaging.
Is the Charter Arms Professional II worth it at $496.99?
At $496.99, it’s competitively priced against entry-level .357 revolvers but lacks features like a threaded barrel or optics cuts. If you need a corrosion-resistant, simple mechanical sidearm and prioritize carry weight under 30 ounces, it justifies the cost. If you want modernization potential, spend elsewhere.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28 oz unloaded — 12 oz lighter than a Smith & Wesson 686
- Blacknitride+ finish resists corrosion at 500+ hours salt spray testing
- 3-inch barrel maintains 1,250 fps with .357 Magnum 125gr loads
Trade-offs
- Not drilled or tapped — no optics mounting without $200+ gunsmith work
- Fixed sights only — no elevation or windage adjustment post-zeroing
- 6-round capacity limits tactical use against 15+ round semiautos
Key attributes
| upc | 678958635263 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 63526 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride+ |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 7.88 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Green LitePipe Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- No, the Professional II uses proprietary grip frames that don't accept aftermarket Crimson Trace models without modification. Charter Arms offers no factory laser options for this series, requiring custom fitting by a gunsmith at approximately $120-200.
- Does it fit standard .357 speed loaders?
- Yes, it accepts HKS and Safariland 6-round speed loaders for .357 Magnum. The cylinder cut is standard at 1.67 inches in diameter, same as most K-frame revolvers.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with transit times averaging 5-7 days via UPS or FedEx. Expect FFL paperwork delays of 1-2 additional days depending on local dealer backlog.
- Can I return it if the grips don't fit my hand?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused firearms, but grip fit isn't grounds for refund—only mechanical defects. Measure your hand against the 5.2-inch circumference before purchasing; aftermarket walnut or rubber options run $60-90.