Charter Arms Pitbull Handgun 9mm Luger 5rd Capacity 6″ Barrel Stainless
The Charter Arms Pitbull Handgun 9mm Luger 5rd Capacity 6″ Barrel Stainless is a rugged, no-nonsense revolver built for personal protection. Chambered in 9mm, it holds five rounds in a stainless steel frame that weighs 25 oz. — light enough for carry but heavy enough to tame recoil. This is a wheelgun that runs without moon clips, feeds from standard 9mm ammunition, and delivers the reliability you need when seconds count.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Pitbull |
| Material | Stainless Steel Frame and Finish |
| Compatibility | 9mm Luger ammunition (no moon clips required) |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 25 oz. (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 6″ Barrel for Accuracy: The longer sight radius gives you a precise aiming platform. Why it matters: At home-defense distances, that extra inch of barrel translates into tighter groups and better shot placement under stress.
- No-Moon-Clip Cylinder: This revolver loads and ejects 9mm without moon clips. Why it matters: You can use any standard 9mm Luger ammo — FMJ, JHP, +P — without fumbling with thin metal clips during a reload.
- Full-Size Grip: The full rubber grip fills your hand and absorbs recoil. Why it matters: A secure, comfortable hold means faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during practice sessions.
- Stainless Steel Construction: The entire frame and finish are stainless steel. Why it matters: No rust worries in humid conditions or when carried concealed against your body — just wipe it down and keep moving.
- Standard Hammer: Single-action and double-action capability. Why it matters: You can thumb-cock for a light, crisp trigger in a precision shot, or simply pull through in DA mode for speed.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the shooter who values simplicity and mechanical reliability above all else. If you carry a 9mm semi-auto but want a backup that never needs a magazine or spring swap, the Pitbull fits. It also works for home defense where you want a revolver that shares ammo with your primary pistol. Left-handed shooters will appreciate the lack of manual safeties and ambidextrous cylinder release.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Chambered in 9mm for low cost and wide availability; no moon clips required; stainless finish resists corrosion; 6″ barrel aids accuracy; five rounds in a manageable package.
- Cons: The 25 oz. weight is heavier than many polymer-framed 9mm revolvers; the 5-shot capacity is limited compared to semi-autos; the standard hammer can snag on a cover garment if carried concealed without a shroud.
Comparison: Charter Arms Pitbull vs. Smith & Wesson 642 vs. Ruger LCR 9mm
| Feature | Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm | Smith & Wesson 642 (38 Special) | Ruger LCR 9mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | .38 Special +P | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 6″ | 1.875″ | 1.875″ |
| Weight | 25 oz. | 15 oz. | 17.2 oz. |
| Moon Clips Required? | No | N/A (rimmed cartridge) | Yes |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Aluminum Alloy / Stainless | Polymer / Stainless |
| MSRP | $479.03 | ~$470 | ~$620 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm require moon clips?
No. The Pitbull uses a patented extractor system that allows you to load and eject 9mm rounds without any moon clips. Just drop the rounds into the cylinder, close it, and shoot. This is one of its best features for self-defense use.
Can I shoot +P ammunition in this revolver?
Yes, the stainless steel frame and 6″ barrel handle +P loads without issue. Per Charter Arms specs, the Pitbull is rated for +P ammunition. That said, +P will increase recoil and wear on the gun over time, so use standard-pressure 9mm for practice and +P for carry.
Is the 6″ barrel good for concealed carry?
It depends on your build and carry method. The 6″ barrel makes this revolver best suited for open carry, shoulder holsters, or range use. For deep concealment, you’d want a shorter barrel — but the longer barrel gives you a significant accuracy advantage.
What holsters fit the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm with a 6″ barrel?
Because the 6″ barrel is longer than most revolver holsters, look for holsters made specifically for the Pitbull or for similar-frame revolvers with a 6″ barrel. Many leather and Kydex makers offer custom options for this model. Check with manufacturers like Simply Rugged or Desantis for a proper fit.
How does the trigger feel on the Pitbull?
The double-action trigger pull is smooth but heavy — typical for a defensive revolver at around 10–12 lbs. Single-action mode gives you a crisp 4–5 lb. break. The trigger is serviceable out of the box and improves with use.
Why Choose the Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm?
According to recent firearms industry data, revolver sales still account for over 20% of the handgun market — and for good reason. When a semi-auto malfunctions, a revolver keeps running. The Pitbull brings that reliability to the 9mm platform without the hassle of moon clips. One honest drawback: the 5-round capacity is lower than a typical 9mm semi-auto, but for many self-defense scenarios, five well-placed rounds are enough. If you want a revolver that shares ammo with your Glock or SIG, this is your wheelgun.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — we ship to your FFL
✓ Ships 1–2 business days from order confirmation
✓ 30-day returns on unfired, unmodified firearms
✓ Secure checkout with encrypted payment processing
Browse more options: Revolvers | Self-Defense Handguns | 9mm Handguns
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.