The Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 2.3″ 5rd Revolver is a stainless-steel compact revolver built for urban carry and home defense. Chambered in .40 S&W, it uses a patented dual-coil spring extractor system that lets you load, retain, and eject rimless cartridges without moon clips. With a 2.3-inch barrel and five-shot cylinder, the Pitbull delivers reliable stopping power in a package that conceals easily under a jacket or IWB holster. Price: $450.76.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Pitbull .40 S&W 2.3″ 5rd Revolver |
| Material | Stainless steel (frame, barrel, cylinder) |
| Compatibility | .40 S&W rimless cartridges (no moon clips required) |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | Approx. 21 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Patented Dual-Coil Spring Extractor — WHY IT MATTERS: You can fire .40 S&W rimless rounds without moon clips, reducing reload time and eliminating extra gear that can get lost or bent in a pocket or range bag.
- 2.3-Inch Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The short barrel keeps the revolver compact for concealed carry in an urban environment, while still delivering enough velocity for defensive loads at close range.
- 5-Round Cylinder — WHY IT MATTERS: Five rounds of .40 S&W give you a solid balance of capacity and concealability, ideal for apartment dwellers who need a backup gun or primary home-defense piece.
- Full Black Rubber Grip — WHY IT MATTERS: The rubber texture absorbs recoil and provides a secure hold even with sweaty hands, critical in a high-stress self-defense situation in tight quarters.
- Matte Stainless Finish — WHY IT MATTERS: Corrosion-resistant and low-glare, this finish stands up to daily carry against sweat, humidity, and rain without rusting or reflecting light that could give away your position.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the urban CCW holder who wants a simple, reliable firearm that doesn’t require moon clips or magazine management. It’s also for apartment dwellers who need a compact defensive revolver that can be stored in a nightstand drawer or quick-access safe and still deliver .40 S&W stopping power. If you prefer revolvers over semi-autos for their manual-of-arms simplicity, the Pitbull is a solid choice.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: No moon clips needed, stainless steel build for durability, rubber grip improves control, compact enough for ankle or IWB carry, affordable price point under $500.
- Cons: The 2.3-inch barrel limits sight radius compared to longer-barreled revolvers, making precise shots at 15+ yards more challenging. Additionally, the cylinder release can be stiff out of the box — a break-in period of 50-100 rounds typically smooths it out.
Comparison: Charter Arms Pitbull vs. Smith & Wesson Model 642 vs. Ruger LCR
| Feature | Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W | Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Spl | Ruger LCR .38 Spl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .38 Special +P | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.3″ | 1.875″ | 1.875″ |
| Weight | ~21 oz | ~15 oz | ~13.5 oz |
| Moon Clip Required? | No (patented extractor) | No (rimmed cartridge) | No (rimmed cartridge) |
| Finish | Matte stainless | Stainless (Model 642) | Hardcoat anodized aluminum |
| Price | $450.76 | ~$500–$550 | ~$450–$500 |
Note: The S&W 642 and Ruger LCR are both .38 Special, which has less recoil and lower energy than .40 S&W. The Pitbull delivers more power but at the cost of slightly more weight and recoil. For urban self-defense where over-penetration is a concern, .38 Spl may be preferred; for stopping power, .40 S&W wins.
FAQ
Does the Charter Arms Pitbull require moon clips for .40 S&W?
No. The Pitbull uses a patented dual-coil spring extractor system that grabs the rimless case rim directly. You load the rounds into the cylinder normally, and the extractor holds them in place and ejects them when you push the ejector rod. No moon clips needed.
Is the Pitbull .40 S&W suitable for concealed carry?
Yes. At roughly 21 ounces and with a 2.3-inch barrel, it’s compact enough for IWB, ankle, or pocket carry (in a suitable holster). The rubber grip and stainless finish make it durable for daily carry in an urban environment.
Can I use +P ammunition in the Pitbull?
Per Charter Arms specs, the Pitbull is rated for standard-pressure .40 S&W ammunition only. Using +P loads may accelerate wear on the cylinder and frame. Stick to standard-pressure defensive loads for reliable function and safety.
How do I clean the dual-coil extractor system?
Field strip the cylinder from the frame (remove the cylinder pin and lift out the cylinder assembly). Use a soft brush and solvent to clean around the extractor star and coils. Wipe dry and lightly lubricate with gun oil. Avoid over-oiling, as it can attract debris.
What holsters fit the Charter Arms Pitbull 2.3″?
Most holsters designed for 2-inch snub-nose revolvers will work, but check for fit with the Pitbull’s cylinder diameter and barrel length. Brands like DeSantis, Galco, and CrossBreed offer models that accommodate the Pitbull. A custom kydex holster is also an option for a precise fit.
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Last updated: April 2026
According to industry data, revolvers account for approximately 12% of the US handgun market, with compact models like the Pitbull gaining traction among urban CCW holders who prioritize simplicity over magazine capacity.
Browse related categories: Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Home Defense
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