Gunblast.com - Charter Arms Pit Bull Revolver in 40 S&W

[dea357]

I asked Charter Arms when they were coming out with the 9mm, here's their response.

"Thank you for your email regarding our new Pitbull rimless revolver series! The .40 cal S&W is currently available and shipping. We will be releasing the 9mm in March-April of 2012. The .45 will probably not be available until the end of 2012 at the earliest."

[mongosafariadventure]

The only part of what you said that I agree with is the revolver is made in the USA.

"Made well," "reliable," do not go with the revolver I was shooting.The thing is crude, the timing was off on one cylinder and the cylinder was not even perfectly round. Returned for replacement, I still had high hopes but returned the second for similar defects; returned for refund. 

[Gunblastdotcom]

I own many Charter revolvers, and none have shown any defects.

jeff

[tReNhEx100]

I am very interested in this revolver but I do not know how I feel about Charter Arms, everyone I have spoken with gives me mixed reviews on the product reliability, quality of parts-frame, but I am a fan of the .40s&w round so I may buy this for the collection just on the "Coolness" factor.. Thanks for the great review !!

[Wrothpestilence]

Son of Sam did very well with a Charter Arms revolver.

[reeseman67]

@Wrothpestilence SO WRONG......... But so true! It seems like a great concept, especially for guys like me who carry a .40S&W as their main CHL/CCW/Concealed weapon(XDM Compact in a CrossBreed), then have this in my Galco Classic Lite shoulder rig I use for my PF9 and just switch the holster/mag carrier out... Although, I'm betting if I wait a couple month's or so, and S&W will come out with their own improved version(which'll probably/HOPEFULLY be a 6-shot)! I'm waiting, cant lie I'm a S&W guy!

[dcarpen1]

Jeff where is your eye protection???

[bottle2lip]

my dad just picked up a taurus .40 405 5 shot

at first i looked at it, and it just said .40, with no S&W on the gun. Never seeing a .40S&W

was like let me go look, was shocked. Never seen it before. IT has moon clips. Seems like a lot of trouble to me. Would rather stick with a classic cartridge revolver myself. But my pops likes it, so be it.

[ommaigod]

outstanding visuals and closeups, good no-nonsense review. keep up the excellent work.

[223remsucks]

Well YOU seem to have a personal problem with the Charters HYBRIDCOMBATIVES. They seem to work great for everybody else, so why don't you leave your complaining ion your head, where it belongs. Charter arms make some great guns. Don't bash them. Oh, and watch your mouth.

[opisex]

Been waiting YEARS for this, it kept getting delayed.

The extraction looks buttery smooth, I think these are going to be a huge success for them if they hold up well.

Im not at all interested in the .40, but the 9 and .45 should be coming and I want one of both of those, I just hope they hurry up, But at least with the 40 out we know they are at least capable of actually making them and it's not just hype that never materializes, which quite frankly I figured it was having so many delays.

[TheLegumMagister]

This is a modern take on a classic self-defence weapon. My colleague has a collection of around 200 of such 'Bulldog' type revolvers, dating from the 1870's and onwards, in various calibres. It is an idea that works, and works better now that modern steels are used, enabling the manufacturers to use modern cartridges which are far ballistically superior to something like .442 Webley or .450 Adams. And it will work! As you say, 5 sure shots is probably enough...

[stauntonrivrat]

i wonder why they would not make it 10mm. / .40 s&w

[Gunblastdotcom]

The 10mm is a high-pressure cartridge, and the cylinder walls are pretty thin.

[VanDaRifleman]

Apparently there are Tuff Quick Strips molded to hold .40 S&W cases, so you can reload the Pit Bull quickly without the convenience of moon clips or HKS-style speed loaders.

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@VanDaRifleman bianchi speed strips in 38/357 work as well.

[farrgone]

Hey Jeff, you've always have had positive things to say about Charter Arms revovlers, but the reviews I've been reading have been sub-par. What's the whole story?

[Gunblastdotcom]

My experience has been very good, using Charter revolvers for over three decades. I own several, and have never had a problem.

jeff

[russelliquick]

@farrgone Can you list some url's for the "sub-par" reviews?

[EL3minutero]

@farrgone I have also owned a couple and they have been "A" revolvers for what they are made for, which is serious business self defense. They are not created to be barbeque guns or range guns or target guns. But they ARE for concealable, surprise, big bore shots in self defense.

[hangemhigh2000]

Nice for shooting the Bengal tigers of Ohio I'll bet. :)

[Gunblastdotcom]

That was a tragic waste of some fine game animals.

[sonebezi]

YOU HAVE SOME Ballz with that beard, OhhRAhh, NICE video! Thank you

[SavedByGraceMan]

I would love one of those in 45acp :-)

[shiv317]

So, If you wanted to use Full Moon Clips in this gun could you? I think there's a definite advantage, and gained ease in reloading when using them.

[Gunblastdotcom]

You cannot use moon clips in this revolver.

jeff

[Evoluztion]

nice looking and i like the 40 S&W with that format

[MrWarlord396]

@Gunblastdotcom So, Jeff, do you make an explicit point to only review good guns? it's just that you never seem to give guns a bad review, so i just assumed it was only legitimately good guns that you reviewed.

[Gunblastdotcom]

That is correct. I put a lot of time and effort into each gun review, and will not waste my time nor that of my viewers and readers on junk.

jeff

[kingd3001]

Simple question Jeff who makes a speed loader for the .40 s&w cartridges

[pinoywheelgunner]

are these revolvers torture tested? i'm concerned about those protrusions that hold the rimless cartridges in place. if they're spring mounted, wont they stick at at a crucial time?the rounds will fall right through the other end of the cylinder. and are there speedloaders for these?

[Gunblastdotcom]

The cartridges cannot fall through, as they still headspace on the cartridge case mouth contacting the shoulder on the chamber throat. The extractor engagements are for extraction only. To the best of my knowledge, no one is making speed loaders for them yet.

Jeff

[1101agaoj]

Thanks Jeff, I've been waiting for any footage on this revolver. Maybe not a range gun but certainly an effective self-defense setup for your pocket. Great.

[gshdrums]

My dad was a cop, they use to say if you cant hit them if you cant hit them with 3 shots your useless, throw it at them and start fighting

[kevins7]

Very nice, 'to the point video'. Great job. I didn't know anyone made a 40 revolver. Sweet.

[dulan35]

Anyone know if they plan on bringing out one in the .45 ACP ?

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@dulan35 yep. They are. Save your money for S&W 325 or 625. I have the Pitbull in .40 S&W. and it is basically a piece of shit. Charter Arms is deceptive in its description. So I'll give you the real deal. The grip frame and trigger guard are aluminum alloy NOT steel. The lock-up is poor and the whole gun is rickety. Poor fit and finish and feels like a toy in the hand. My Ruger SP101 is my daily carry and is unquestionably superior in EVERY possible measure. Dont waste your time/money.

[tallon1138]

I've had an undercover for a lot longer than I'd care to admit, it'll do what you want it do 5 times in a row every time you reload it. I remember their first go round with the 9mm Pit Bull, Charter Arms has had their problems in the past but so has every gun mfg. , looks like a good option especially with the Buff Bore, but then again I'm a 10mm fan.

Thanks Jeff

[CrudeShooter45]

In my opinion and experience Charter Arms guns are JUNK!

[Gunblastdotcom]

How many have you owned? How did the company handle the problem?

Jeff

[Irrenmann]

@CrudeShooter45 It's true there was a time years back when the product was not up to snuff. The company has reorganized since then. I've found their stuff these days to be solid value for the money.

Now if they'd just come out with the Bulldog Classic already...

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@CrudeShooter45 you are correct. Many people ,for what ever reason, try to convince themselves that they are a quality product which is absolute bullshit. I am not a gun reviewer so i don't give a shit about stepping on toes. I am a shooter so I'll call'em like I see em, and Charter Arms are junk just like Hi-point and Lorcin. I have owned them including the bulldog and the Pitbull and wouldn't trust them for defensive carry. Spend your money on a proven design like Ruger or S&W.

[TheYankeeMarshal]

Does anyone know if it is true that the grip frame and trigger guard are polymer and not stainless?

[Gunblastdotcom]

The grip frame on the Pit Bull is made of aluminum. I failed to mention that in the review.

Jeff

[TheYankeeMarshal]

@Gunblastdotcom Damn, that is a let down. I was hoping for a stainless construction gun. I will not be buying this one.

[LarryC213]

I was finally able to convince my ex-wife (we were married at the time) to get her concealed carry license and to carry a gun for self protection. We ended up getting her a 9mm revolver. It was a S&W model 940. A really nice little stainless steel J-Frame. That was a very unique little revolver. I liked it very much. We were married for almost twenty years. And to this day, I still miss that revolver :-) If charter comes out with one of these in 9mm and it gets good reviews, I will buy one.

[fuerstjd]

I will sell my first born child for one of these in 9mm

[MarchingBlueNGold]

40cal is my favorite load. Awesome video

[Gunblastdotcom]

From the text of the referenced review:

"The double-action pull was very smooth, and the single-action pull crisp and relatively light for a belly gun. Perfect."

DA pull was 8.4 lbs, and SA was 3.5 lbs.

[kohlsblows]

So i cant pocket this when im wearin my skinny jeans? ...Damn it!

[neoc03]

@kohlsblows - why would you ever wear skinny jeans?

[kohlsblows]

@neoc03 Joke dumbass

[TheYankeeMarshal]

I have never owned a charter arms revolver. I am a S&W and Colt fan. Will I be really disappointed in the quality of this gun?

[moviking]

@TheYankeeMarshal As a long time Colt & Smith fan also, I can attest to the quality of the new CA's, I own two and have yet to have an issue, when this comes out in 45acp I will be the first in line.

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@moviking yea if you like cheap aluminum milling, poor steel casting, lots of end shake, lots of cylinder play, poor lockup, fragile crane, poor fitting grips. List goes on. Yes I have one, I don't know why. But I damn sure dont EDC it. That duty falls to a real quality revolver the Ruger SP101.

[Gunblastdotcom]

Depends upon your expectations. Go to a gun store and handle one. They are not fancy, nor highly polished, but work very well.

Jeff

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@TheYankeeMarshal Absolutely disappointed.

[jmoney31705]

nice on, looks like it has about the same recoil as my PPS .40, maybe even less

[sorichar]

Are speed loaders available for this gun/cartridge combination?

[Gunblastdotcom]

Not to my knowledge.



Jeff

[Chris090883]

I know the owner of Charter Arm's, they are out of Shelton, CT. He's a real cool guy I've been up to High Rock Gun Club in Naugatuck, CT with him on Coyboy Action Sundays, but that "Pit Bull" for they price they sell for you can't beat it very accurate. I was debating on picking on up, but because of cash flow at the moment, I can't.

[gghopks]

Good looking is relative. Good looking or not, keep up your no nosense reviews and videos. Bless you young man and thank you. I appreciate what you do.

And I am kind of jealous of your facial hair. I am part native American and cant grow a beard worth a darn. Anyway thank you and I want to thank you for what you do.

[GforceBK]

How does charter arms quality compare to S&W. If S&W came out with a .40 snub I would buy it tomorrow.

[Gunblastdotcom]

The guns have different designs and different manufacture methods, so comparing "quality" depends upon your standards. The Charter has a more utilitarian finish, with the S&W being "prettier", for lack of a better word. However, both work very well, and are very reliable.

Jeff

[HYBRIDCOMBATIVES]

@GforceBK There is no comparison.Charter Arms are garbage,

[roninpride]

A .45 would be sweet but im going to have to take a serious look at charter arms.

[darkwriter77]

I'd like to see one of these in 9mm, too. The only 9mm revolvers I've seen lately are the Blackhawk .357/9mm Convertible and Taurus snubbie (whatever model number it is), but loading and unloading on those is kind of a chore. Having a DA revolver loads/unloads a rimless cartridge the same as it would a rimmed cartridge would be great. Made in the USA, too! Would also make an excellent trail gun with some CCI shotshells since the lower recoil won't make it jam after every shot. ME WANT!

[woodroez]

@darkwriter77 To my knowledge, they fully intend on bringing a 9mm revolver to the market soon, but they wanted to get the .40 out first to serve the LEO market. Speculation on my part, but I suspect that the 9mm will be out within the year and will use the smaller Undercover frame instead of borrowing the Bulldog frame as they did with this revolver.

[scotchlouis]

The Taurus M380 .380 revolver sounds interesting

[TheYankeeMarshal]

Why do I want one of these? I know it is completely useless since I have tons of revolvers that are better at every task you could ask of them. Still, I kind of want one.

[videosbymike]

Sweet 40 cal revolver.

Glock n Load,

Mike

[Ultimatemxcn]

I would love one in 9mm!!! But .40 S&W is a close second.

[LiftedShooter]

I fucking want this gun!!!

[satchboogyfan]

Excellent again Jeff

You get all the cool new stuff

On that subject I see that Taurus is coming out with a pt24/7 G2 compact series

And I would love to see you review the new G2 compact 45

Just thought it looks like a great ccw

[LegendSexy]

Nice review!

[SuperSneakySteve]

Another great review. Thanks Jeff!

[diskeed]

Jeff, thanks for the video and bringing this gun to my attention. Was not aware of any revolver chambered in .40 S&W, very good to know.

[sgone0]

Nice group champ, well done. Carter products are getting sweeter as time rolls on, I am impressed. 10mm Buffalo +P would be a challenge. Stay sharp, watch your corner and live long!

[intercooler2]

Wish they would do a 10mm with 6" barrel

[paleokid]

any plans for a 10mm version so you can chamber both 40sw and 10mm in it?

[MThrow]

Is the cylinder of the .40 S&W the same size as the .44 spl? If so I can't see giving up my .44 spl Bulldog Pug for a smaller diameter round. To each their own. Great review as always Jeff.

[LoadedAnswer]

Another great gun review, thanks!

[excelerater]

i like it,might even look into buying one since 40SW and 9MM is all I reload and I never liked a 9MM wheelgun but 40 seems like a nice match up and I have some great 40 loads that should replicate a MAG pretty good :)...Wonder if they make a Blued version..Thx jeff for picking a gun that no one else would have to review.......

[IgorGiganskiANtiatom]

it would be nice to have more revolvers chambered in pistol rounds without the need of a moon clip...

[TriggerHappyLunatics]

Every time I hear about the Charter Arms Pitbull I think of David Berkowitz (Son of Sam), who made the Pitbull famous by using one chambered in .44 Special on his victims in the mid-70s. The Pitbull was known for it's reliability, simplicity, accuracy, as well as its cheap price tag.

[shonuffLA]

gunblast wearing some skinnys and vans when he hits the club

[VinnyS914]

Hedy Jefff I gotta know how did you get this job?

[Gunblastdotcom]

Because I am so good-looking, I guess! :-)

Jeff

[VinnyS914]

@Gunblastdotcom You ever need an assistant let me know.

[VinnyS914]

Oh I'm making a video series to fight gun laws.I'm doing it for Tom from Weaponseducation.I have one vid discussing the magazine capacity laws, one vid discussing the weapons acessories laws, one vid that discusses the North Hollywood Shootout (in particular the fact the LA PD borrowed guns to fight the last robber).I have several more vids n the series to come.Good gun laws vs stupid gun laws, fear mongering.I need as many ppl to watch them as possible.Like you to see & share them

[GARYMANDIEVAN]

Thanks been wait for these to come along

[ZZRgirl11]

You said nothin fancy... Lol... Does anyone make a good 9mm revolver? I'd like to keep my ammo purchasing simple between my guns...

[fire1777]

Oh crap I'm one of those old guys. If S&W takes their idea im all over it.

[moviking]

Any plans for one in 45acp ?

[Gunblastdotcom]

I know of no plans for that at this time, but I don't know everything.



jeff

[AJMBLAZER]

@moviking Charter has said a 9mm/.380 and a .45 ACP model are coming.

[moviking]

@AJMBLAZER Great, I will get one in 45acp, thanks man.

[AJMBLAZER]

@moviking That's what I'm waiting for.

[morisato54]

@moviking

I remember reading they were thinking of following it up with .45acp and 9x19mm if the .40s&w was successful. Still not a guarantee though.

[moviking]

@morisato54 Well, one can hope, it would be a great ccw piece, carrying a 1911 concealed can be a pita, especially while sitting (driving) alott of times I use a 357 snubbie now but I'll always be a huge 45acp fan .

[bobsolla]

most of us old guys!ha!well i`am a granpa,just don`t feel that old at 45!

[1134REN]

i guess there is no speed loader yet. would it even be possible?

[joedanger666]

Well, Charter has definitely staked out a new area of the market. People do love the .40S&W round.  I hope it's a successful gun, if only because it's a decent replacement for .44 Special.

[hku99]

nice

[biguy525]

Very Interesting revolver.

[lostburro]

Very nice revolver!

[IgorGiganskiANtiatom]

+P ammunition? I thought there is no +P in .40s&w because it has almost maximum pressure load...

[Gunblastdotcom]

Buffalo Bore makes Plus P 40 S&W.



Jeff

[IgorGiganskiANtiatom]

@Gunblastdotcom hmm, maybe it's an adevrtisment trick or it is very slightly overpressured, the grains/velocity stats are pretty close to "normal" .40s&w loads. I really don't know for sure but it sounds strange to me. Anyway this is a great review of a very innovative handgun, keep up the good work sir!

[Gunblastdotcom]

Current MSRP is $465. Actual prices will vary by dealer.

[HawkLMT]

I've always liked Charter arms. They are a little rough around the edges, but I've never seen one not go bang.

[cbmoto02]

I think I would still rather have a .357 Magnum

[FatManRepair]

Im a Meat and potatoes guy,

That's why i Love your Videos so much .

Mmmmmmm Meat an potatoes.....