Charter Arms Pitbull: Yes, No, Maybe?

M

Malcolm Reynolds

New member
Just looking for opinions from people who have fired this gun.

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Charter-PitBull/DSC02068.JPG

It's a rimless revolver, offered in 9mm and .40 S&W. It uses a spring mechanism in the extractor to hold the casings, so no moon clips are needed. I like the idea of stockpiling a single caliber and I'd like to carry my full-sized auto when camping, etc. while keeping a wheel gun for concealed carry.

I know there are a lot of Charter haters. That's why I'm a little skeptical about it. Not sure I can count on quality. But I hate moon clips and have heard that if you don't get a lemon these can be pretty nice. Thoughts?
 
Last edited:
Yes

Been wanting to get one in 9mm to match my hipoint carbine, only time i shot one was at the range (borrowed). I like it but grips were not comforting for me, and its a 9mm so ammo is every were and recoil is easy to control.
 
Last edited:
I have been interested in one for some time now, but because of issues with other Charters, I would like to shoot one first.
 
I don't have any experience with the Pitbull, but have no fear of Charter quality. I think those issues are a thing of the past. One gun very high on my short list for things to buy is the Charter Bulldog. The 40 S&W Pitbull may have some ballistic advantage over the 44 Spcl. Bulldog, but I just don't like the idea of the extra mechanical devices needed to fire rimless ammo in a revolver. Be it little spring thingies built in the cylinder, or moon clips. Just something extra that could break, or get lost.
 
I would say yes, I used to have a 44spl thin barrel Bulldog and loved it. Don't remember what I loved more but that's another story, 40S&W should be pretty stout out of a snubbie.
 
charter makes quality handguns. don't let OTHER peoples fear of the quality sway you from buying one. I have shot dozens of charters and all were sweet shooters. if you want one, get one. if you think they have a qc issue, then try before you buy, but I have not heard a lot of charter horror stories, and never seen one I wouldn't trust
 
I am in the middle of reviewing a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special, and I know that is not the same caliber as you were asking but the quality on the Bulldog seems solid. It has held up pretty good so far.
 
I will freely admit that I have never fired a Charter. I came into a little money and decided to buy a 32 H&R magnum and a 44 special. Those aren't always easy revolvers to find and Charter sells them both. I went to a gun show this summer intending to buy one or the other Charters, if not both. I handled about a dozen and just could not bring myself to buy one. The fit and finish was not good. Are they even made of steel, or an alloy? I don't know for sure, but I suspected an alloy. They looked and felt low-quality to me.

I am not a gun snob. I own a number of Taurii, military surplus, a Turkish 1911, a Hungarian High Power... most of my firearms are inexpensive. I am not a hater. And I believe folks when they say they have good Charters. All I am saying is handle one before you buy it. If it looks and feels good to you, go for it. I would have been very disappointed had I ordered one online sight unseen.
 
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. That's encouraging to hear! I'll definitely want to handle the gun before buying it but that's just how I am about any purchase. Also, I hadn't heard about the .45. Very cool!
 
Ammo availability alone it makes for an easy choice

.44 is hard to find and expensive. Never considered charter before, but love the idea of a compact .45 acp.
 
Quote:
They just came out with a .45 Auto version at the NASGW Show.
Cool.

.45 ACP's easier to find than .44 Special.
Click to expand...

Still uses springie thingies built in the cylinder!:eek:
Now on the other hand a 45 Colt snubbie! :D:D:D

I did read one comment on another forum saying that loading rimless ammo with the springie thingies in the cylinder was a pain. Might want to look into that before you buy.
 
I know this is a little off the main thread topic... but less common ammo types are readily available if one is willing to order them online. I do it frequently. Sometimes the drivers even drop it off without my signature. The whole enterprise is easier than many think it is. I also use ammoseek.com to see prices and links:

http://ammoseek.com/ammo/44-special
 
Last edited:
I find 44 special at Academy or LGS's without much trouble. If you already have a 44 magnum it will come in handy. Since the 45/410's are selling so well, 45LC is fairly common. 45acp is one of the easiest calibers to find.

They all feel about the same to me. I think the ballistics are pretty similar. A revolver is simpler with the rimmed ammunition, but one in 45acp would be handy because that round is so much cheaper.
 
Maybe not as nice but pretty darn close....My Charter Arms Bulldog stacks up quite favorably against my S&W 642.

01ff552322995ef997613be78d7c029715bd3fa5a9_zpsa995b2f3.jpg


I'd love to have a 9mm Pitbull but can't find one anywhere.....
 
Just got a Bulldog and am confident that it will be just fine. The company changed hands a few times and some were better than others. I think they've got things squared away now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top