CHARTER ARMS PITBULL RIMLESS REVOLVER
Posted May 25, 2023
For those of us who frequent the shooting range, the Charter Arms Pitbull Rimless Revolver is an exciting development in the world of firearms. You’ve seen the classic look of the revolver, but with modern components and the convenience of a rimless cartridge. Attempting to bridge the gap between revolvers and semi-auto pistols, the Pitbull is an intriguing firearm worthy of an in-depth assessment.
To appreciate the Pitbull, we must start from the beginning. Although Charter Arms has been around since 1964, their pistols are relatively new, having been initially released in 2013. The original Pitbull was a .44 Special, but since then other challengers have appeared, such as the 9mm Luger variant with which we are concerned here. From its first appearance, this 7-shot revolver caught the interest of shooters.
The first thing that separates the Pitbull from other revolvers is its unique frame design. Instead of separate chambers of varying sizes sculpted out of the frame, the Pitbull employs a rimless cartridge-shaped integral bathtub that runs along the backstrap. Each chamber is raceway-cut to accommodate the rimless pistol cartridges. This innovation eliminates the need for the extractor, star, and ejector systems found in traditional revolver designs. As a result, the gun is smaller than most competing models while still retaining the same bite on the hard plastic grip.
This design also contributes to the gun’s unwieldy heft of about 29 ounces fully loaded. It also explains why the gun only fits one cartridge in the chamber at a time: the long, single-piece frame simply doesn’t have room for additional rounds. Despite its heft, the Pitbull doesn’t feel heavier than most other revolvers; instead, it is balanced and feels natural in the hand, thanks to its ergonomic grips.
Moving onto the internals, we find an unconventional design. The frame is made from aluminum alloy, which results in a rugged construction but less weight. Inside, the hammer is made from stainless steel, providing good strength without increasing the heft before the shot. The internals are arranged along a traditional single-action and double-action system. The lockup is also straightforward, employing a collapsible camming system and a rebound spring that is tension-mounted to ensure reliability.
The Pitbull’s trigger pull is not as consistent as other revolvers. Double-action pull is long and creamy, with little stacking to provide an enjoyable experience. Single-action pull is clean, but somewhat heavy with some grit at the break. This can be improved with advanced shooter techniques and some after-market parts. The gun is also equipped with a generous barrel and forcing cone. This helps to reduce muzzle jump while also promoting accuracy and consistent shots.
On the outside, the Pitbull is designed with simplicity in mind. It is finished with a matte black finish for extra protection, and features comfortable, ergonomic grip panels. The sights are huge and easy to use; the front is a large tangent-style sight rib, and the rear is a groove-cut. A Picatinny rail is included for optional accessories, unlike other revolvers which must be modified to accept one.
When it comes to rounds, the Pitbull is compatible with a wide variety of ammunition. It is at home with traditional handgun rounds such as 9mm Luger, .38 Special, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, as well as rimless cartridges such as the 9mm Makarov, .357 Magnum, and .22 WMR. This makes the Pitbull an ideal choice for self-defense as well as recreational target shooting, something that many revolvers (especially smaller models) don’t offer. However, the gun does not feature a trigger block safety, so it is important to take extra precautions when dealing with the gun in loaded condition.
Overall, the Charter Arms Pitbull Rimless Revolver is a very capable firearm. Its design is innovative and efficient, enabling it to handle a wide variety of ammunition and remain relatively lightweight. Its trigger system is good, but can be improved with after-market components. Its sights are typical of revolvers, but the Picatinny rail is a welcome addition. Finally, its lockup is strong and reliable. Taken together, these features make the Pitbull a great choice for both personal protection and recreational shooting. If you are in the market for an efficient, accurate, and reliable revolver, the Pitbull is a great choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact design is easy to carry and conceal
- Light trigger pull for a smooth and crisp shooting experience
- 5-round capacity is higher than many revolvers
- Both .40 S&W and 9mm Parabellums are available
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability
Cons
- Hammerless, so you are unable to cock the hammer back for single-action shooting
- Small frame accommodates only five rounds
- Limited firing velocity allows rimless Casings to stick in the barrel on occasion
- Manual extraction with spent shells requires a supplied tool or key
- Some have experienced reliability issues during extended use.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable, simple, and affordable revolver for everyday carry in general, or for self-defense in particular, may find the Charter Arms Pitbull Rimless Revolver to be a good option. Those who are specifically looking for accuracy needs or extremely light weight should look elsewhere since the Pitbull is not intended to meet either of those standards. Additionally, those who are not confident with shoots shouldnot buy this, as the Pitbull has a double action trigger that offers a more challenging trigger press.
Comparisons
| Action | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAO | .40 S&W | 8 rounds | 2” |
| DA/SA | .357 Mag | 5 rounds | 2” |
| SA | .38+P | 5 rounds | 1.875” |
| DAO | .357 Mag | 5 rounds | 1.87” |
| DA/SA | .357 Mag | 6 rounds | 2” |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .40 S&W
•Barrel Length: 2''
•Capacity: 5 Rounds
•Weight Unloaded: 18 oz.
•Construction: Stainless Steel
•Finish: Brushed Stainless
•Grips: Rubber Monogrip
•Sights: Fixed
•Height: 3.9''
•Width: 1.3''
•Action: Double Action Only (DAO)
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters: Whether you want a belt holster, shoulder holster, pocket holster, or other type of holster, there are a great number of options available for your Charter Arms Pitbull Rimless Revolver.
- Speedloaders: You can find speedloaders that are designed specifically for your revolver to help you reload it quickly and safely.
- Grips: Grips come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can provide added comfort and security while shooting.
- Lasers: A laser sight is an excellent accessory for a revolver and can be helpful when shooting in low light conditions.
- Lights: A light mounted to your revolver can be a game-changer for home defense or law enforcement applications.
- Ammo: Make sure you have plenty of ammo for practice and defensive scenarios. Look for quality defensive ammunition for your revolver.
Accuracy
The CHARTER ARMS PITBULL RIMLESS REVOLVER generally offers solid accuracy, given the nature of the design. It offers a steady, consistent trigger pull and a short-stroke trigger mechanism that helps increase accuracy. The grooved barrel assists with a consistent lock-up for added accuracy as well. Generally, the accuracy of the Pitbull Rimless Revolver is known to land excellent groups at close range (10 yards or less). On the other hand, at distances greater than 25 yards, accuracy could suffer, as the sight system is not really designed to assist at those ranges. Overall, the Pitbull Rimless is a great choice for defense and short-range target shooting where unmatched accuracy is an absolute must.
