The Charter Arms Target Mastiff 6″ .44 Special Revolver (5 rd) is a purpose-built heavy-frame wheelgun that brings serious accuracy to the range without the punishing recoil of a .44 Magnum. Chambered in the classic .44 S&W Special, this five-shooter features a 6″ barrel, a full black nitride finish, and comes factory-equipped with a Sightmark Micro Optic mounted on an integrated Picatinny rail. It’s a dedicated target revolver that balances old-school handling with modern sighting technology—exactly what collectors and bullseye shooters have been asking for.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Target Mastiff |
| Material | Steel frame, barrel, and cylinder; black rubber grip |
| Compatibility | .44 S&W Special (5-round capacity) |
| Finish | Black nitride (barrel, cylinder, frame) |
| Weight | Approx. 38 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Factory-Mounted Sightmark Micro Optic – Why it matters: This revolver ships with a red dot already installed on a milled Picatinny rail, so you don’t need to buy or mount optics separately. It speeds up target acquisition and gives you a crisp aiming point for consistent groups.
- 6″ Barrel with Full Underlug – Why it matters: The longer barrel increases sight radius for precision shooting and adds weight forward to tame muzzle rise. You get steadier hold and tighter shot placement, especially with .44 Special loads.
- Black Nitride Finish Inside and Out – Why it matters: Nitride hardens the metal surface and resists corrosion better than bluing. Even after a long range session in humid conditions, this revolver wipes clean and won’t show wear quickly.
- Exposed Hammer for Single-Action Precision – Why it matters: You can thumb-cock the hammer for a light, crisp trigger pull—ideal for slow-fire target work. The double-action mode stays available for rapid follow-ups if you want it.
- Full-Size Black Rubber Grip – Why it matters: The grip fills your hand and absorbs recoil, letting you shoot .44 Special all afternoon without fatigue. It also provides a consistent hold for repeatable accuracy.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for target shooters and collectors who appreciate a heavy-frame .44 Special that’s set up for precision right out of the box. If you’re a gun show regular who likes rare calibers and factory optics, or a range shooter who wants a low-recoil alternative to .44 Mag, the Target Mastiff fits your bench. It also appeals to handloaders who enjoy the versatility of .44 Special—mild to warm loads—all in a five-shot package that’s a conversation starter.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Factory-installed red dot saves you money and setup time; .44 Special is a joy to shoot compared to Magnum; nitride finish is tough and low-maintenance; exposed hammer gives you both SA and DA options; price point under $600 is rare for a purpose-built target revolver.
- Cons: The integrated optic rail limits aftermarket sight options—you’re committed to the Sightmark or a similar micro dot. Also, five-round capacity means more frequent reloads during timed stages, though that’s standard for .44 Special wheelguns.
Comparison
| Feature | Charter Arms Target Mastiff .44 Spl | Ruger GP100 .357 Mag | S&W Model 629 .44 Mag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .44 S&W Special | .357 Magnum | .44 Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 6″ | 4.2″ / 6″ | 6.5″ |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Weight | ~38 oz | ~40 oz | ~45 oz |
| Factory Optic Ready | Yes (Sightmark included) | No (drilled/tapped only) | No (drilled/tapped) |
| Price | $560.69 | ~$800 | ~$1,100 |
| Finish | Black nitride | Stainless | Stainless |
The Target Mastiff undercuts both competitors on price and comes with a mounted optic. The GP100 is a tank but lacks factory dot support. The 629 is a magnum beast—great for hunting, but overkill for target paper. For dedicated range work in .44 Special, the Mastiff wins on value and convenience.
FAQ
What is the barrel length of the Charter Arms Target Mastiff?
The barrel is 6″ long, measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. This length provides an optimal sight radius for target shooting while keeping the revolver balanced.
Is the Sightmark Micro Optic removable?
Yes, the optic mounts to an integrated Picatinny rail via a standard clamp. You can remove it with a hex key if you prefer iron sights, or swap it for another micro dot that fits the rail.
Can I shoot .44 Magnum through this revolver?
No. The Target Mastiff is chambered strictly for .44 S&W Special. Firing .44 Magnum would be unsafe due to higher pressure. Stick with .44 Special loads only.
What is the finish on this revolver?
It features a black nitride finish on the barrel, cylinder, and frame. According to Charter Arms specs, this finish enhances surface hardness and corrosion resistance compared to traditional bluing.
Does this revolver come with a case or accessories?
It ships with the mounted Sightmark Micro Optic and a black rubber grip. No hard case is included, but it arrives in a factory box with basic documentation.
Get Yours Today
The Charter Arms Target Mastiff 6″ .44 Special Revolver (5 rd) delivers a rare factory-optics package in a classic caliber. Whether you’re punching paper at the range or adding a unique piece to your collection, this revolver is ready to shoot. Order now for nationwide delivery.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Explore more: Revolvers | .44 Special | Charter Arms
Last updated: April 2026




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