Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 2.5in Blacknitride Revolver

The Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP 2.5in Blacknitride Revolver is a rimless-caliber wheelgun that finally lets you run .45 ACP without the hassle of moon clips. This is not a gimmick—it’s a purpose-built carry revolver with a dual-coil spring extractor that grabs rimless cases for clean insertion and positive ejection. If you’ve ever fumbled with moon clips at a match or on the range, you’ll appreciate what Charter Arms engineered here. It ships with fixed sights, a tough Blacknitride finish, and rubber finger-grooved grips that lock your hand in place. Per Charter Arms specs, the cylinder is machined specifically for .45 ACP headspacing, so you get reliable ignition every time. This is the revolver for shooters who want a snub-nose that packs a .45 punch without the extra bulk of a full-frame semi-auto.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Pitbull
Material	Steel frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 ACP (rimless cartridges, no moon clips required)
Finish	Blacknitride (Nitride)
Weight	Approximately 22 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Dual-Coil Spring Extractor – WHY IT MATTERS: This is the heart of the Pitbull. Two springs grab the rimless .45 ACP case head, allowing you to load and eject without moon clips. That means faster reloads and no extra gear to lose.
• 2.5-inch Barrel with Blacknitride Finish – WHY IT MATTERS: The short barrel keeps this revolver compact for concealed carry, while the Blacknitride finish adds corrosion resistance and reduces glare. You get a low-maintenance finish that holds up to daily sweat and holster wear.
• Fixed Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed. The front blade and rear notch are set for a 25-yard zero, giving you a consistent sight picture every time you draw. Perfect for defensive ranges.
• Rubber Finger-Grooved Grips – WHY IT MATTERS: These grips fill your hand and absorb recoil from the .45 ACP. The finger grooves index your grip instantly, so you don’t have to shift after the first shot.
• Double/Single Action Trigger – WHY IT MATTERS: You can shoot double-action for a fast first shot or cock the hammer for a lighter single-action pull. This gives you control over trigger weight depending on the situation.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a modern twist on a classic platform. It’s also for the concealed carrier who likes the simplicity of a wheelgun but wants the commonality of .45 ACP ammo. If you shoot .45 ACP in a 1911 or a Glock 21, you can stock one ammo can for both. The Pitbull is also ideal for shooters who dislike moon clips—the extractor design eliminates that pain point entirely.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: No moon clips needed, compact 2.5-inch barrel, rugged Blacknitride finish, reliable rimless cartridge extraction, affordable price point under $600.
• Cons: Fixed sights limit elevation adjustments for different loads. Also, the 5-shot cylinder gives you less capacity than a comparable semi-auto, but that’s the nature of a snub-nose revolver.

Comparison: Charter Arms Pitbull vs. Ruger LCR .38 Special vs. Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special

Feature	Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP	Ruger LCR .38 Special	Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special
Caliber	.45 ACP	.38 Special	.38 Special
Barrel Length	2.5 in	1.875 in	1.875 in
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Moon Clips Required?	No (dual-spring extractor)	Yes (for .38, but not needed with rimmed cases)	Yes (for .38, but not needed with rimmed cases)
Weight	~22 oz	~13.5 oz	~15 oz
Finish	Blacknitride	Hardcoat anodized aluminum	Stainless steel

FAQ

Does the Charter Arms Pitbull require moon clips for .45 ACP?

No. The Pitbull uses a dual-coil spring extractor that grabs the rimless case head. You load rounds directly into the cylinder and eject spent cases without moon clips.

Is the Pitbull safe to carry with a round under the hammer?

Yes, the revolver has a transfer bar safety that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. It’s safe to carry with all five chambers loaded.

Can I use +P ammunition in the Pitbull?

Charter Arms does not recommend +P ammunition in the Pitbull. Stick to standard-pressure .45 ACP for reliability and to avoid excessive wear on the extractor springs.

What holsters fit the Pitbull with the 2.5-inch barrel?

Most holsters designed for 2.5-inch barrel revolvers will work, but we recommend holsters specifically molded for the Charter Arms Pitbull. Check our holster category for options.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships within 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day return policy
• ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment

Explore more in our revolvers and concealed carry categories. Also check out .45 ACP ammo to feed your new Pitbull.

Last updated: April 2026