Input on Charter Arms .40 S&W "Pit Bull"

Duster340 · Oct 6, 2013

Hey Folks,

Was nosing around the LGS after testing out a batch of handloads for my M&P 40 and happened across a Charter Arms .40 S&W "Pit Bull". Felt & pointed nicely, relatively small and overall a neat little piece. Got me thinking, I like the idea of having a back-up that is the same caliber as my primary carry (M&P 40). The little Pit Bull looks like it could easily be slipped in a jacket pocket or IWB holster. Yes, I am in IL so a mute point for day-to day in my home state, but have a Utah CC license and carry the M&P 40 when traveling, road trips, vacations etc.

I know Charter Arms has had quality issues over the years when different owners lacked QC. But it seems that current USA made products are pretty decent.

That said, anyone have any experience with this particular revolver?

Charter Pit Bill #74020

Thanks all,
Pat

shouldazagged · Oct 6, 2013

I'd guess it's a boisterous little bugger, but looks handy enough. Everything I'm hearing from people who've tried them suggests that Charter's QC has improved a lot.

BubbaBlades · Oct 6, 2013

My Pit Bull is easy to carry and recoil is not much different than 38 Special+p out of a S&W airweight.
I did have a problem with the hammer block in my gun but the Charter Arms (CA) customer service people were 110% helpful in resolving my problem. I feel that the CA fit and finish is not up to S&W standards however the ability to load and eject .40s without moon clips puts CA high on my list for innovations. My gun is more accurate with the heavier (180 gr) bullets.
I liked my Pit Bull so much that I bought a .44 special CA Bulldog to replace my S&W 296.

Mark

Duster340 · Oct 6, 2013

Thanks for the real world feedback BubbaBlades, much appreciated....

Be well,
Pat

BubbaBlades said:
My Pit Bull is easy to carry and recoil is not much different than 38 Special+p out of a S&W airweight.
I did have a problem with the hammer block in my gun but the Charter Arms (CA) customer service people were 110% helpful in resolving my problem. I feel that the CA fit and finish is not up to S&W standards however the ability to load and eject .40s without moon clips puts CA high on my list for innovations. My gun is more accurate with the heavier (180 gr) bullets.
I liked my Pit Bull so much that I bought a .44 special CA Bulldog to replace my S&W 296.

Mark

mc5aw · Oct 6, 2013

Pat ... CA is one of those companies I would readily patronize, but the QC issues are too frequent to be 100% confident in CA products. I've found new CA revolvers to be very hit or miss in terms of QC, thus I would NEVER buy one unseen. If the 40 you handled looks and feels good, then I say go with it. If I could find a new CA .44 Special without QC issues, I'd buy it immediately. One thing I know about CA, is that is customer service is very willing to please, and will work to make things right if there are problems.

Duster340 · Oct 6, 2013

Thanks mc5aw, I know what you mean. With that in mind, I always make it a point to give a new prospect, regardless of brand, a good once over. Always had a hankering for a .44 spcl Bulldog, but like the idea of having a back-up in the same caliber as my primary CC weapon. That said, I would not be surprised if a little .44 spcl finds it's way into my stable.

Pat

mc5aw said:
Pat ... CA is one of those companies I would readily patronize, but the QC issues are too frequent to be 100% confident in CA products. I've found new CA revolvers to be very hit or miss in terms of QC, thus I would NEVER buy one unseen. If the 40 you handled looks and feels good, then I say go with it. If I could find a new CA .44 Special without QC issues, I'd buy it immediately. One thing I know about CA, is that is customer service is very willing to please, and will work to make things right if there are problems.

Hawker Man · Oct 6, 2013

I shot one a few months ago and was not impressed. the owner had just got it back from Charter because he was having problems with the extractor. We shot some Federal 165 grain FMJ ammo, after the first two cylinders extraction became hard and after four cylinders it was very difficult. The owner then shot one cylinder of Wolf ammo and that was it, no more extraction problems, no more extraction period. The gun went home to have the cylinder soaked in oil in hopes of getting those steel cases out.
The gun is also slow to load/reload due to the spring loaded flanges on the extractor, 38 or 357 revolvers load much faster.
I am of the opinion it you want a rimless cartridge in a revolver MOON CLIPS are a very good thing. Charter tried to fix a non-existent problem.
If you decide to purchase one, I hope you have better luck with yours.

Duster340 · Oct 6, 2013

Thanks for the info Hawker Man. Seems like a split decision...

Regards,
Pat

Hawker Man said:
I shot one a few months ago and was not impressed. the owner had just got it back from Charter because he was having problems with the extractor. We shot some Federal 165 grain FMJ ammo, after the first two cylinders extraction became hard and after four cylinders it was very difficult. The owner then shot one cylinder of Wolf ammo and that was it, no more extraction problems, no more extraction period. The gun went home to have the cylinder soaked in oil in hopes of getting those steel cases out.
The gun is also slow to load/reload due to the spring loaded flanges on the extractor, 38 or 357 revolvers load much faster.
I am of the opinion it you want a rimless cartridge in a revolver MOON CLIPS are a very good thing. Charter tried to fix a non-existent problem.
If you decide to purchase one, I hope you have better luck with yours.

mtgianni · Oct 6, 2013

I have wanted to shoot one but have yet to see one. The higher cost on GB and other auction sites holds me back a lot. Since it's inception they have wanted $175-$225 more than I paid for my Target Patriot 4" 327 Fed 2 years ago.

Input on Charter Arms .40 S&W "Pit Bull"

Duster340

Member

shouldazagged

Absent Comrade

BubbaBlades

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Duster340

Member

mc5aw

Member

Duster340

Member

Hawker Man

Member

Duster340

Member

mtgianni

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