The Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W is a compact 5-round revolver built for shooters who want serious stopping power in a practical, carry-friendly package. This isn't your standard rimmed-cartridge revolver—Charter Arms engineered the Pitbull specifically to chamber the .40 S&W, a centerfire cartridge that typically requires moon clips in traditional revolvers. The Pitbull eliminates that hassle with a patented dual coil spring system integrated into the extractor, letting you load and eject .40 rounds as naturally as you would in any revolver designed around rimmed ammunition.

At 20 ounces with a 2.3-inch barrel, the Pitbull strikes a balance between shootability and concealability. The matte stainless steel finish resists corrosion without the glare of a polished surface, and the full rubber grip provides secure purchase whether you're running it from the hip, appendix, or nightstand. The standard hammer gives you both single-action and double-action capability, so you can fire deliberate, aimed shots or quick defensive rounds as the situation demands.

If you've wanted a .40 revolver without the fumbling of moon clips, or you simply prefer the simplicity and reliability of a six-shot revolver in a modern defensive caliber, the Pitbull delivers. It's built on Charter Arms' straightforward, proven platform—no frills, just solid engineering for hunters, defensive shooters, and anyone serious about a compact, no-excuses sidearm.

Key Features

• Chambers .40 S&W without requiring moon clips—patented extractor design handles rimless cartridges seamlessly
• 5-round capacity in a compact profile ideal for carry or backup duty
• Matte stainless steel finish for corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance
• Full rubber grip for secure handling in all conditions
• Single-action and double-action fire modes for flexibility in the field
• 2.3-inch barrel balances control and concealability

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need moon clips for the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W?

No. The Pitbull uses a patented dual coil spring system in the extractor that allows you to load and eject .40 S&W rounds directly—no moon clips required. This is the key innovation that makes rimless .40 ammunition work smoothly in a revolver.

What makes this revolver different from a standard .40 revolver?

Most revolvers chamber rimmed cartridges and require moon clips to secure rimless rounds like .40 S&W. The Charter Arms Pitbull's unique extractor design handles the .40's rimless case naturally, giving you the simplicity and reliability of a traditional revolver without the extra step of loading clips.

Is the Pitbull suitable for concealed carry or home defense?

At 20 ounces with a 2.3-inch barrel, the Pitbull is compact enough for carry or nightstand use. Its .40 S&W chambering provides serious defensive capability in a package that doesn't sacrifice shootability for concealability.

Can I fire this revolver in both single-action and double-action modes?

Yes. The standard hammer allows you to cock the gun for single-action fire (lighter, crisper trigger) or use the double-action trigger for faster follow-up shots without manually cocking.