The Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 4.2″ 5rd Stainless Revolver is a large-frame wheelgun built for shooters who need reliable .40 S&W stopping power in a package that doesn’t require a manual safety or a slide to rack. Chambered in .40 S&W with a 4.2-inch barrel and five-round cylinder, this revolver uses a dual coil spring extractor system to handle rimless cartridges without moon clips. It’s a double/single-action stainless steel revolver designed for straightforward operation at the range, for everyday carry, or as a duty backup.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Pitbull .40 S&W 4.2″ |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .40 S&W ammunition only |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | Approximately 28 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Dual Coil Spring Extractor: Why it matters — This system lets you load, retain, and eject rimless .40 S&W cartridges without moon clips, saving you time at the range and ensuring reliable extraction under stress.
- 4.2-Inch Barrel: Why it matters — Balances velocity and concealability, giving you a full-power .40 S&W load while keeping the overall length short enough for IWB or OWB carry.
- Double/Single-Action Trigger: Why it matters — You can fire rapidly in double-action for defensive use, then switch to a crisp single-action pull for precision shots at the range.
- Matte Stainless Finish: Why it matters — Resists rust and corrosion from sweat or humidity, so this revolver holds up to daily carry and harsh weather without losing its grip or appearance.
- Five-Round Cylinder: Why it matters — Keeps the frame compact for carry while still giving you enough capacity for most self-defense scenarios — reloads are fast with the dual coil system.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the concealed carrier who wants .40 S&W power without the complexity of a semi-auto. It’s also a smart choice for home defense buyers who prefer a revolver’s point-and-shoot simplicity. If you’re a shooter who trains regularly and needs a stainless steel revolver that handles rimless ammo cleanly, the Pitbull fits your setup.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: No moon clips needed — the dual coil system works with standard .40 S&W rounds.
- Pro: Matte stainless finish holds up to sweat and rain better than blued steel.
- Con: The five-round capacity is lower than many modern semi-autos — you’ll want to carry a speed strip or reload pouch.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Charter Arms Pitbull .40 | Smith & Wesson Model 640 .357 | Ruger LCR .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Weight | ~28 oz | ~25 oz | ~17 oz |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Moon Clip Required? | No | Yes (for .38 Spl) | No |
| MSRP | $488.85 | ~$700 | ~$600 |
The Pitbull gives you a price advantage and the unique ability to shoot rimless .40 S&W without moon clips. According to Charter Arms specs, the dual coil spring assembly is a proprietary design that sets this revolver apart from traditional .357 options.
FAQ
Does the Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W require moon clips?
No. The dual coil spring extractor system holds the rimless .40 S&W cartridges securely in the cylinder without moon clips. This speeds up reloads and eliminates the need to carry extra clips.
Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?
Yes. The 4.2-inch barrel and 28-ounce weight make it manageable for IWB or OWB carry with a quality holster. The matte stainless finish also resists sweat corrosion.
What is the trigger pull weight on this revolver?
Per manufacturer specs, the double-action pull is approximately 10-12 lbs and the single-action pull is around 4-5 lbs. This gives you a heavy but predictable DA stroke for defense and a lighter SA for accuracy work.
Ready to Add the Pitbull to Your Collection?
This Charter Arms Pitbull .40 S&W 4.2″ 5rd Stainless Revolver ships fast and backed by a 30-day return policy. Order now for dependable .40 S&W performance in a rugged stainless steel revolver.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
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Last updated: April 2026
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