Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds

Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and tactical gear for responsible owners. The Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds is a purpose-built, no-nonsense wheelgun designed for reliable personal defense. Its unique rimless cartridge handling sets it apart from traditional revolvers. Available now for $449.99, a solid $50 off the regular price.

Who This Revolver Is For (And Who It’s Not)

After handling more Glocks than I can count, I appreciate a good revolver for its straightforward mechanics. This Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds isn’t trying to be a range toy; it’s a tool. I see it fitting a few specific roles.

Buy it if: You want a supremely reliable, no-frills defensive handgun that will go bang every time you pull the trigger. You’re a fan of the .40 S&W cartridge and want it in a revolver platform that doesn’t require moon clips. You need a compact, durable firearm for home defense or concealed carry that’s simple to operate under stress. You’re introducing a new shooter to handguns and value the simplicity of a double-action-only trigger for safety.

Skip it if: You’re looking for a high-capacity firearm for competition or duty use—this is a five-shot defender. You prioritize a light, single-stack polymer pistol for deep concealment. You want a range gun with a target-grade trigger for precision shooting. If that’s the case, check out our semi-automatic pistols for more options suited to recreational shooting.

What Makes the Charter Arms Pitbull Stand Out: A Range Day Breakdown

Let’s break down what you’re actually getting with this Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds. I judge a firearm by how it feels in the hand, how it performs on the line, and how it holds up over time. Here’s my take.

1. The “Pitbull” Mechanism: This is the headline feature. Most revolvers chambered for rimless cartridges like .40 S&W need moon clips to eject the spent casings. The Pitbull uses a patented system in the cylinder that grips the cartridge case by the extractor groove. It’s clever engineering—you load and unload like a normal revolver, but it handles modern ammo. On the range, this means one less piece of gear to lose.
2. Black Nitride Finish: This isn’t just for looks. A proper nitride treatment, like on this Pitbull, soaks into the steel, creating an extremely hard, corrosion-resistant surface. It’s far more durable than traditional bluing. Think of it like a good boot finish—it’s going to resist holster wear, sweat, and the elements much better. For a carry gun, that’s a real benefit.
3. Compact, Snag-Free Design: The 2.3-inch barrel and shrouded hammer are built for concealed carry. There’s nothing to catch on your shirt when you draw. The grip is compact but fills the hand well for the caliber. It reminds me of teaching new shooters—simplicity reduces errors. Double-action-only means a consistent, deliberate trigger pull every time, a safety feature I appreciate.
4. All-Steel Construction: In an era of polymer, there’s something to be said for a solid steel frame. It soaks up the .40 S&W’s snap better than a lighter gun would. The weight, just under 24 ounces, gives you stability without being a burden on your belt. It feels substantial, like a tool that’s built to last.
5. Five-Round Capacity: It’s five rounds of .40 S&W. That’s its job. In a defensive scenario, that’s a potent package. It forces a mindset of shot placement and accountability, which isn’t a bad thing. You’re not spraying rounds; you’re making each one count.

How It Stacks Up: The Pitbull vs. The Field

Let’s put this Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds in context. I’ve handled revolvers across the price spectrum. Here’s a head-to-head look.

The Pitbull carves its own niche. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers a unique capability (rimless cartridge use) you won’t find in a budget .38. Compared to the premium snub-nose, you’re trading some refinement for a more powerful, modern cartridge in a simpler platform. For the money, it’s a specialized tool that does its job well.

Charter Arms Pitbull 40 S&W 2.3in Black Nitride Revolver – 5 Rounds: Full Specifications

The Honest Pros & Cons

Based on my handling and knowledge of similar firearms, here’s the straight talk.

Pros:

• ✅ Unique Rimless Cartridge Handling: The patented system for .40 S&W without moon clips is a genuine innovation and a major convenience.
• ✅ Extremely Durable Finish: The black nitride is a practical, hard-wearing finish ideal for a carry gun that sees holster time and body moisture.
• ✅ Simple & Safe Operation: Double-action-only with a shrouded hammer makes for a foolproof, snag-free design. Great for stress-induced fine motor skill degradation.
• ✅ All-Steel Manageability: The weight helps tame the .40 S&W recoil in a short barrel, making it more shootable than you might expect.
• ✅ American Made: Built by Charter Arms in the USA, which speaks to quality control and support.

Cons:

• ❌ Heavy Double-Action Trigger: The trigger pull is long and heavy, as is typical for a defensive DAO revolver. This isn’t a target gun. If you want a lighter trigger, you’ll need to look at other action types.
• ❌ Limited Capacity: Five rounds is what it is. You must be comfortable with that limitation for defensive use. It mandates training and mindset.
• ❌ Specific Ammo Preference: While it handles .40 S&W without clips, it’s dedicated to that one caliber. You can’t swap to .357 or .38 like some other revolvers.

Your Questions, Answered