Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2″ 5-Rd Revolver Black

The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2″ 5-Rd Revolver Black is a purpose-built snub-nose for the apartment dweller who doesn’t have room for a long gun but demands full .357 Magnum authority. Chambered in .357 Magnum (also runs .38 Special for practice), this 5-shot revolver packs a ported 2.2-inch barrel to tame muzzle climb in tight hallways. The full finger-grooved grip locks your hand into a repeatable hold, while the spurred hammer lets you stage single-action shots if you have the split-second. Fixed sights keep it snag-free for pocket or waistband carry. At under $400, it’s a no-nonsense backup or primary for close-quarters defense.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Mag Pug
Material	Steel frame, rubber grip
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Finish	Black
Weight	21 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ported 2.2-inch barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: Porting vents gas upward to reduce muzzle rise during rapid fire, crucial for keeping follow-up shots on target in a defensive scenario where every round counts.
• Full finger-grooved rubber grip — WHY IT MATTERS: The grip fills your palm and indexes your hand consistently, preventing the revolver from shifting under recoil and giving you a natural point of aim on the first shot.
• Double- and single-action trigger — WHY IT MATTERS: Double-action lets you fire by just pulling through the heavy trigger stroke for speed; single-action lets you thumb-cock the hammer for a lighter, more precise shot when you have a second to aim.
• Fixed sights — WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustable parts to snag on clothing or get knocked out of zero — the front blade and rear notch are machined into the frame, ready to go out of the box.
• Steel frame with black finish — WHY IT MATTERS: Steel soaks up .357 Magnum recoil better than aluminum or polymer, keeping the gun controllable, while the black finish resists holster wear and corrosion from daily carry.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who lives in a walk-up or apartment and needs something that won’t over-penetrate through drywall but still stops a threat. It’s also for shooters who prefer the simplicity of a wheelgun: no safeties to fumble, no slide to rack, and it fires even if pressed against a body. If you carry in a coat pocket, ankle holster, or belly band, the Mag Pug’s 21-ounce weight and 2.2-inch barrel make it disappear under a jacket.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Ported barrel reduces felt recoil by roughly 15% compared to non-ported snubs of the same weight, per Charter Arms specs — you get faster split times.
• Pro: .357 Magnum + .38 Special compatibility means you can practice cheap with .38 and carry hot .357 loads.
• Con: Fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation — you’ll need to learn your hold-over at 10-15 yards if the gun shoots high or low out of the box.

Comparison: Charter Arms Mag Pug vs. Ruger LCR .357 vs. Smith & Wesson 642

Feature	Charter Arms Mag Pug	Ruger LCR .357	Smith & Wesson 642
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.38 Spl +P
Barrel Length	2.2″ ported	1.875″	1.875″
Weight	21 oz	17.1 oz	15 oz
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Sights	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
Retail Price	$397	$619	$489

The Mag Pug undercuts both competitors by over $90 while giving you a ported barrel and full .357 Magnum power. The LCR is lighter but costs 55% more; the 642 is lighter still but tops out at .38 Special. If you want maximum stopping power on a budget, the Mag Pug wins on cost-per-round.

FAQ

Is the Charter Arms Mag Pug reliable for self-defense?

Yes. Charter Arms has been making revolvers since 1964, and the Mag Pug uses a forged steel frame with a transfer-bar safety system. According to Charter Arms specs, the gun is hand-fitted and test-fired before shipping. Expect it to run with any .357 or .38 factory ammo without issues.

Does the Mag Pug fit in a standard J-frame holster?

Most J-frame holsters will work, but the Mag Pug’s barrel is 2.2 inches versus the typical 1.875 inches. It may protrude slightly from the holster mouth. For a perfect fit, look for holsters specifically molded for the Charter Arms Mag Pug or Bulldog series.

Can I use .38 Special +P in this revolver?

Yes. The Mag Pug is chambered for .357 Magnum, which means it can safely fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P loads. The +P rounds will produce less recoil than .357 but still give you good defensive velocity.

How do I clean the ported barrel?

Use a standard .357 bore brush and solvent. The ports are simply holes drilled into the top of the barrel — run the brush through normally, then wipe the top of the barrel with a patch. Carbon buildup in the ports is minimal if you clean after every range session.

What is the warranty on the Mag Pug?

Charter Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. If you have a manufacturing defect, they’ll repair or replace the revolver. Warranty does not cover abuse, modifications, or normal wear.

Why Buy From Us

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — we ship to your FFL
• ✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order
• ✓ 30-day returns on unused, unfired firearms
• ✓ Secure checkout with encrypted payment

Browse more Revolvers or check our Concealed Carry and Home Defense categories for your next setup.

Last updated: April 2026