Charter Arms Pitbull Black Nitride 40 S&W Revolver - Blue/Black, 5 Rounds, Rubber Grips, 3-Dot Sights

When Charter Arms first released the Pitbull in .40 S&W about 9 years ago I couldn't wait to buy one. Unfortunately, I had some problems with it and eventually sold it. When I saw they now have a black nitride version I wanted to try it out. I managed to get my hands on one and have put about 100 rounds through it. The finish is even more beautiful in person that I expected. It had some scuffing at wear points, but they can't be seen when it is closed up. I tried to find out what metal the frame is made from, but no one seems to know. I was told by another owner that it is aluminum, but that seems to be only half true. The gun weighs 20.5 ounces, like the stainless steel version, and is magnetic, so I believe it is a 300 or 400 series stainless. The trigger guard does appear to be aluminum, as is a few small parts.
On my old stainless steel version the inside of the cylinder was very rough, as if they made a first cut, but never finished it. I was happy to see the fit and finished on the black nitride version was much better. However, I did find the cylinder took a fair amount of effort to open and close. I cleaned and oiled the gun and went to the range. The bullets were so difficult to get in and out that it took me 15 minutes to shoot 20 rounds. I cleaned and oiled the gun again, this time paying special attention to the ejector rod, including two small holes just inside the extractor star. I also oiled the tabs that hold the cases in place and worked a bullet in and out of each chamber at least 20 times. Then I open and closed the cylinder over and over. Everything loosened up and it now functions much better.
My next big problem, as with the original gun, was far too many light primer strikes. I was using old range ammo, so I bought some high quality self defense ammo and fired ten rounds without an issue. Apparently this one is just as picky about ammo as the stainless steel version I used to have.
My overall feelings are still luck warm. I don't like triggers with grooves, so I will probably buy leather gloves to shoot this with. I don't like guns that require certain ammo to function correctly. The jury is still out on weather or not it is reliable enough for a carry weapon, and I'm not completely convinced it is accurate, but that could also be the ammo. It is not a Ruger, or Smith and Wesson, to be sure. On the other hand, I do enjoy shooting it. The finish is nice, and seems durable. It is easy to clean. You also pay a premium to shoot a rimless cartridge from a revolver without moon clips.
There is enough to like about this gun that I will give it a chance, but if this is your first, and only, gun, then the Pitbull may not be your best choice. Look for something in a 357 Magnum or 38 Special P.

Great dealing with 2 great companies. Buds and Charter Arms. Love the ease of use, and revolver with auto ammo for shooting up here in the Midwestern Winter. Thanks Buds and Charter for your great service and innovational Revolver. Merry Christmas to all.

shot good , was to much for my old hands. Buds was awesome as usual.

Delivered when promised. Took out to an indoor range and put 150 rounds through it in a couple of hours. Stings the hand but manageable. Another great transaction by Buds.

Well....My experience with this company and its product has been terrible!!! I ordered one of the .40 S&W Nitride revolvers and the barrel was misaligned. Sent it back to Charter Arms via their instructions and after calling several times (they never called me to inform me) I was told that the gun was defective and that they would send me a new replacement revolver. I asked if they could send me a .38 SPL Nitride version and they complied. Despite the numerous bad reviews of the company and some of its products, I should have known better. Lesson learned. If you're looking for a QUALITY firearm, do yourself a favor, save a little extra and get you a Smith & Wesson revolver. Messing with Charter Arms is nothing but a headache WAITING to happen!!!

This is my everyday carry piece. I went with the 40 cal due to already owning several semiautos in 40 cal with the bonus of using the same ammo. This weapon is almost idiot proof. Easy to clean, load, unload, reload, and shoot. It feels great in the hand and holds a pattern fairly well for such a short barrel. Highly recommended.