Customer Reviews for Charter Arms Pitbull Stainless 45 ACP Revolver

Amazing This handgun really improves the versatility of the Great 45 ACP. With standard ball ammunition its great for practice as well as serious self defense loading. With the many different Jacketed Hollow Points, makes this handgun a viable big game weapon. Especially when +P variations are utilized. Extraction was very well accomplished. The unique double step star of the ejector is truly innovative.

I got what I expected from the Pitbull. It's not a Colt or a Smith and Wesson in terms of quality. The cylinder lockup leaves a lot to be desired. It was accurate and the recoil wasn't bad. A thicker grip would be a good upgrade. Some reviewers have complained about the effort it takes to load the cartridges into the chambers, due to the patented detents that allow the loading of .45 acp. It isn't as bad as loading a stiff magazine by hand. Some rounds go in easily, while others require a little angling and effort. All in all a good weapon, especially as a backup piece to a .45 semi-auto. The ability to share ammunition between a semi-auto and this revolver is a big plus. As usual, Bud's service and prices were excellent.

Ok so just shot this sucker for the first time today. Very happy with my purchase! The only ammo I tried that it didn't like was the polymer ARX stuff for some reason. All the hardball and Federal HP I shot through it was flawless and to point of aim at about 10 yards. One thing to add is on the gun I received there is no pitbull dog on the barrel. Just says PITBULL across the left side. No big deal but maybe Charter decided to change the appearance and thought you all would like to know if you plan on purchasing if that matters to you. Bud's was great as usual and love the gun. Would definitely buy it again.

Fantastic. What more can I say. Everything I was looking for in a 45 wheel gun. Accurate right out of the box

When I shot this, I only had 10 rounds of Federal 230 grain FMJ so this isn’t an exhaustive review. The SA trigger is quite manageable. I didn’t fire it DA mode. The point of impact at 7 yards seems left and low compared to the semi auto 45 I was shooting from the same bench with the same ammo. Of course the POI will probably improve some with more use plus the sights are entirely fixed as advertised. The finish in this SS model was entirely acceptable and I didn’t experience the sharp edges I’ve read about in some reviews. Both the lockup and the cylinder clearance were very precise and secure. The loading and extraction system functioned as expected but loading required toggling the cartridge to get it started into the cylinder. The reason I gave 4 stars is because the action became quite stiff when I shot the second full cylinder and then it loosened as it cooled down; more use should resolve this issue I hope. I shot with leather gloves and the recoil was moderate; the rubber grip undoubtedly helped. I don’t plan to use P in this revolver. Overall I think this is a great choice for personal defense or as a backup for hunting. I have no holster for it yet.

Excellent revolver. This is the only revolver shooting .45 acp without moon clips. A fine home defense arm. Highly recommended. This is my second purchase of this firearm.

This is my second purchase from Bud's. The transaction was spot on and the shipping is fast. Excellent experience.
Sid Hooper

I have not fired it yet but the idea of having 45ACP as a backup gives me great confidence.

Needed this for concealed carry re qualification. Fits the bill, only problem, it's a little hard on reloading!

Love this little dynamo. I would love it more if it was easier to load the cartridges into the cylinder.

This is a great gun, excellent quality. I always wanted a 45ACP revolver. What makes this one stand out is that there are no moon clips required. You will enjoy this.

Pros, Dead on at 25 yards Easy to carry on a owh Cons Light primer strikes using Federal Critical Defense, Blazer and others. Worst on double action. Starting having this issues immediately. Going back to factory. You pay between $450 and $500 for a gun it needs to shoot. After reading reviews{a little late}, I'm not the only ones that is experiencing these issues. I wanted to love this gun but I will not recommended this weapon. As many of these models having these issues it should have been addressed in the factory. Buds service was excellent. I had the weapon in my hand within 7 working days. Great staff in the Lex store.

Interesting piece and fun to shoot. Lots of rough edges and grips are disappointing. But it works and can shoot 45 without moon clips.

Service was excellent as usual. Gun itself was what expected, solid. Haven't live fired yet but dry fired quite a lot. Got a few sharp edges but not a deal breaker.

Just wow! No problems! Charter Arms I am so impressed with this PITBULL! Not only is it on target it functions flawlessly! Thanks buds for shipping so fast. This is one firearm you will not regret purchasing!

I like the design and caliber of this pistol. Rubber grip provides a nice snug feel. A nice solid heft yet still very concealable. I don't like the sharp edge on the trigger guard. After about 30 shots my finger was bleeding from the recoil. I also feel that the finish on this pistol lacks a quality appearance. There are nooks and edges on the pistol with rough edges and, what appear to be, grinding or filing marks.

I have Always been a big Fan of short barreled revolvers... ( Snubbies ) and after reading about the Charter Arms PitBull in the American Handgunner magazine, I was determined to get me one. Boy oh Boy was that a Great decision. I Love this gun. And so did a couple of my friends. So much that they purchased one for themselves. 2 of my son's wanna keep borrowing it after I let them shoot it. But they need to Buy their own. It's light weight, has decent accuracy, reasonable recoil, a beauty to look at, wonderful balance. Seriously check one out for yourself.

Great gun for the money with the power of a .45 that I desire. Put 50 rounds down the barrel the first day with no problems. Shooting at an 8 inch steel target with good accuracy at 25 feet.

The idea of a 2.5" revolver chambered in 45acp just appeals to me. This one has been on my radar for a while and I finally "pulled the trigger" on it. The finish is rough with some very sharp edges - it is definitely not a S&W or a Ruger, but its function is spot on. I have fired around 200 rounds through it and I am very pleased with the results. I shot 200gr LSWC, 230gr ball, 200 gr Hornady XTP, and 185gr Berry's FP through it and all shot well. The CA Pitbull does not use moon clips. It has a mechanism that locks the round in the cylinder. It takes some practice to load and a fast reload is out of the question. Ejecting the fired rounds is the same as any other revolver - no problems there. The single action trigger was very good, but the double action trigger needs a little improvement - not bad, but not great. I would rate it a 4 out of 5 - deducting 1 point for the finish. It would make a great CCW if you wanted to carry a large bore revolver. It is lightweight (20 oz - empty) and shoots the 45acp...

Solid revolver. Good choice for those who have trouble racking a slide.

Gave it a 3 rating lighter metal ( no P ) is not a S&W , however handles 45ACP just fine , so in that area , _ 4 rating _ , ejection ok , double action ok , use both hands and pull hard on trigger , worked ok . Front sights , bit large , take time get use to , rear fixed as stated . Cocked hammer mostly when shooting , worked ok .. Grip would be nice if had ribbed style , havn't found Hogue grips for it , after 50 rounds , gave it a rest , on the hand .. also used for back up when have miss fire's on a semi-auto pistol or rifle , no clip needed , just put round in and fire .. Except for grip , an metal , over all liked it , charter life time warranty . No clips nor moon clips needed , liked it .. in that area . Would Buy Again .. Bud , shipped fine on time , in ok condition on package , Thanks Bud PS: Fired only New Brass Rounds , no reloads , no steel , no aluminum ,, Stay with New Brass Rds

From an overall functionality perspective, I really like my Pitbull in 45acp. The only issue I have is the barrel is threaded about 1/8th of a turn too far making it out of square with the body. I saw a video on Youtube of one that was grossly out of square. It's hard to believe it made it out of their quality assurance process. Mine is not that severe but it is pronounced enough to leave me with somewhat of a level of dissatisfaction.

I wanted this revolver because a .45 revolver is a rarity and I like rarity. It is one of the few on the market today. I was not disappointed. It is a quality firearm and looks good and feels good in the hand. Firing it is a pleasure and attracts attention on the range for sure. The grip is good for the frame size and recoil is strong but controllable. I highly recommend this gun.

The charter Arms Pitbull 45 acp is a excellent gun.Buds shipped out fast went to the range with this gun shot every thing i put in it all my reloads with out any problems. and you dont need moon clips great gun. You can not go wrong with this one.

Comfortable to shoot and good quality. Little bigger than the bulldog. More like a k frame size. Interesting design for the ejector. Not the fastest or smoothest in the world, but figure it will smooth as it gets more rounds through it, could be the operator could use a little smoothing too. Seems to shoot a bit low for me, but so do the bulldogs.