Charter Arms Target Mastiff Revolver 357 Mag. 3 in BlackNitride 5 shot w/ Optic

The Charter Arms Target Mastiff Revolver .357 Mag. 3 in BlackNitride 5 shot w/ Optic is a rugged, purpose-built wheelgun that blends old-school revolver muscle with modern sighting technology. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it packs a 5-shot cylinder into a large frame with a 3-inch barrel, all wrapped in a tough black nitride finish. The factory-installed Picatinny rail and Sightmark Micro Optic turn this into a precision target tool right out of the box—no gunsmithing required. At $572.35, it’s a serious value for shooters who want a ready-to-run revolver with an optic already dialed in.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Target Mastiff
Material	Steel frame and barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Black Nitride
Weight	Approx. 32 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Integrated Picatinny Rail & Sightmark Micro Optic – Why it matters: Most snub-nose revolvers leave you iron-sight only; this one arrives with a proven red dot already mounted and zeroed, cutting your setup time to zero.
• 3-Inch Barrel with Full Underlug – Why it matters: That extra inch over a 2-inch snubby gives you a longer sight radius and more muzzle weight to tame .357 recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate.
• Black Nitride Finish – Why it matters: It’s not just for looks—nitride hardens the surface to resist holster wear, sweat, and corrosion, so this revolver stays looking sharp even after range sessions and carry.
• Full-Sized Grip with Standard Hammer – Why it matters: The grip fills your hand for better control, and the exposed hammer lets you shoot single-action for precision or double-action for speed—your choice.
• 5-Shot Capacity in .357 Magnum – Why it matters: Five rounds of .357 is a potent defensive load, but this revolver also shoots .38 Special +P for lighter recoil practice, giving you versatility in one package.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants a factory-optics-ready wheelgun without the aftermarket hassle. It’s also ideal for the target shooter who appreciates a 3-inch barrel’s balance between concealability and accuracy, and for anyone who wants a .357 that can double as a home-defense piece with a red dot for fast sight acquisition.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Factory-mounted Sightmark optic saves you $100+ on a gunsmith install.
• Pro: Black nitride finish is tougher than blued steel and won’t rust as easily.
• Pro: 3-inch barrel is a sweet spot—more accurate than a 2-inch, more portable than a 4-inch.
• Con: The optic is non-removable without tools; if you prefer irons only, you’ll need to swap the rail mount.
• Con: 5-shot capacity is lower than modern semi-autos, though typical for a compact revolver.

Comparison

Feature	Charter Arms Target Mastiff	Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus	Ruger GP100
Caliber	.357 Mag	.357 Mag	.357 Mag
Capacity	5	7	6
Barrel Length	3 in	3 in	3 in
Optic Ready	Yes (Sightmark included)	No (requires aftermarket)	No (requires aftermarket)
Finish	Black Nitride	Stainless	Stainless
Price	$572.35	$800–$900	$750–$850

FAQ

Does the Sightmark Micro Optic come pre-zeroed from the factory?

According to Charter Arms specs, the optic is mounted and factory-tested for basic zero at 15 yards. You may need to fine-tune windage and elevation for your preferred load, but it’s close enough for immediate range use.

Can I remove the Picatinny rail and use standard iron sights?

The rail is attached via two screws; you can remove it, but the revolver does not come with factory iron sights. You’d need to install aftermarket sights or use the optic as your primary aiming system.

Does this revolver shoot .38 Special +P ammo?

Yes, it chambers and fires .38 Special +P without issue. The .357 Magnum cylinder is longer, so .38 Special rounds will seat properly and extract cleanly.

What is the warranty on the Charter Arms Target Mastiff?

Charter Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and barrel against defects. The Sightmark optic carries its own separate warranty—typically one year from the date of purchase.

Is this revolver legal in all 50 states?

Yes, it meets federal and state regulations for revolvers. Some states have magazine capacity or roster restrictions—check your local laws. We ship to all 50 states where legal.

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Related Categories
Revolvers | Charter Arms | Firearm Optics

Last updated: April 2026