Charter Arms Double Dog Mag Pug & Pitbull .357/9mm 2.2″

If you’ve ever stood at a gun show table staring at a revolver and thought, “Man, I wish this thing could switch between .357 Mag and 9mm without breaking the bank,” then the Charter Arms Double Dog Mag Pug & Pitbull .357/9mm 2.2″ is exactly the piece that makes you grin. This compact combo revolver ships with two cylinders, letting you swap between hard-hitting .357 Magnum and affordable 9mm Lugger in seconds. It’s a five-shot snubby with a ported 2.2-inch barrel, fixed sights, and that classic Charter Arms reliability. Per manufacturer specs, the transfer bar safety keeps things secure whether you’re carrying it concealed or stashing it in a range bag. At $590.43, it’s a rare find that punches way above its price point.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms (per manufacturer specs)
Model	Double Dog Mag Pug & Pitbull
Material	Steel frame, rubber grip
Compatibility	.357 Magnum & 9mm Luger (two included cylinders)
Finish	Matte stainless
Weight	Approx. 22 oz. unloaded
Condition	New

Key Features

• Dual-Cylinder Caliber Swap — Why it matters: You get two complete cylinders in the box, one for .357 Magnum and one for 9mm. That means you can practice cheap with 9mm and carry hot with .357 without buying a second gun.
• Ported 2.2-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: The porting reduces muzzle flip and perceived recoil, keeping you on target faster during rapid follow-up shots. It’s a huge advantage in a snub-nose revolver.
• Five-Shot Capacity with Fixed Sights — Why it matters: Five rounds is plenty for a compact carry piece, and fixed sights are snag-proof. You won’t catch a front sight on your holster when you need it most.
• Transfer Bar Safety System — Why it matters: This internal safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. It’s the same system used on Ruger revolvers, and it makes the Double Dog safe to carry with all five chambers loaded.
• Double/Single Action Trigger — Why it matters: You can shoot it double-action for defensive speed or thumb-cock the hammer for precision single-action work at the range. Versatility that matches the caliber swap.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants a unique, dual-caliber piece that stands out at the show, and for the shooter who wants one platform to train with cheap 9mm and carry with .357. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a “survival” revolver that can eat whatever ammo you find. If you’re a gun show enthusiast who appreciates a little engineering cleverness, this one’s for you.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Two cylinders included, ported barrel reduces recoil, transfer bar safety, compact and lightweight, affordable price for a dual-caliber revolver.
• Cons: The fixed sights are basic and not adjustable, so you’ll need to know your load’s point of aim. Also, switching cylinders requires a hex wrench (included), so it’s not a field-expedient swap.

Comparison: Charter Arms Double Dog vs. Ruger LCRx & Smith & Wesson 642

Feature	Charter Arms Double Dog	Ruger LCRx .357	Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Spl
Caliber Options	.357 Mag & 9mm (2 cylinders)	.357 Mag only	.38 Spl only
Barrel Length	2.2” ported	1.87”	1.875”
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	~22 oz.	~17 oz.	~15 oz.
Price	$590.43	$719.00	$469.00
Safety	Transfer bar	Transfer bar	Internal hammer block

The Ruger LCRx is lighter and has an adjustable rear sight, but you’re locked into .357 only. The Smith 642 is cheaper and iconic, but it’s .38 Special only and has a heavier trigger. The Double Dog gives you two calibers for a middle price, plus a ported barrel that neither competitor offers.

FAQ

Does this revolver come with both cylinders included?

Yes, per the manufacturer specs, the Charter Arms Double Dog Mag Pug & Pitbull ships with two cylinders: one chambered for .357 Magnum and one for 9mm Luger. Both are pre-fit and headspaced from the factory.

How do I switch between .357 and 9mm cylinders?

You’ll need to remove the cylinder pin (it’s a screw-in style), swap the cylinder, and re-tighten. A hex wrench is included in the box. It takes about 30 seconds once you’ve done it a couple times.

Is the 9mm cylinder safe to shoot with standard pressure ammo?

Absolutely. Charter Arms designed the 9mm cylinder to handle standard pressure 9mm loads. Stick to SAAMI-spec ammo and you’re good. Avoid +P+ in the 9mm cylinder for longevity.

What holster fits the Double Dog with its 2.2-inch barrel?

Most holsters made for the Charter Arms Bulldog or Undercover models with a 2-inch barrel will work. The ported barrel doesn’t change the outer dimensions, so look for a standard snub-nose revolver holster.

Can I shoot .38 Special in the .357 cylinder?

Yes, .357 Magnum cylinders will safely chamber and fire .38 Special rounds. Just be aware that the shorter .38 cases may leave carbon rings in the cylinder, so clean it regularly if you switch back to .357.

Ready to Add the Double Dog to Your Collection?

This is a limited-production, dual-caliber revolver that you won’t see at every table. Grab yours now and get two guns in one for under $600.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Browse related categories: Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Charter Arms

Last updated: April 2026