Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag Revolver

The .357 Magnum cartridge has a long history in Tennessee, from the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau to the back roads of West Tennessee, as a reliable choice for those who need a compact defensive tool that doesn’t compromise on terminal performance. The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag Revolver fits naturally into that tradition, offering a robust stainless steel frame and a 2.2-inch barrel that makes it a practical companion for concealed carry in warmer climates or a secure nightstand option in a Nashville apartment. For the Tennessee shooter who values a straightforward, no-nonsense revolver that chambers a powerful round without the bulk of a full-size frame, this model merits a close look.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Charter Arms Mag Pug is a 5-shot double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, built on a compact frame that prioritizes concealability and ease of carry. It is designed for the individual who wants a defensive handgun that is simple to operate, reliable under stress, and capable of firing both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. This revolver is suited for concealed carry permit holders in Tennessee who need a firearm that fits comfortably in an inside-the-waistband holster or a jacket pocket. It also appeals to home defense users who prefer a revolver’s manual of arms—point, pull the trigger, repeat—over a semi-automatic pistol’s slide manipulation and magazine changes. While not primarily a hunting or competition revolver, the Mag Pug can serve as a backup sidearm for hunters in the Tennessee woods or as a range tool for practicing defensive shooting skills.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special +P and standard .38 Special)
• Capacity: 5-round cylinder
• Barrel Length: 2.2 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 6.8 inches
• Weight: Approximately 21 ounces (unloaded)
• Finish: Stainless steel (matte brushed)
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Grips: Rubberized combat-style grips with finger grooves
• Sights: Fixed front sight (ramp style) and fixed rear sight (integral notch)
• Action: Double-action (trigger cocks and releases hammer) with exposed hammer for single-action use
• Safety: Transfer bar mechanism (prevents firing unless trigger is fully depressed)
• Cylinder Release: Push-button style on the left side of the frame

Feature Deep-Dive

The Mag Pug’s 2.2-inch barrel is a deliberate design choice for a concealed carry revolver. A shorter barrel reduces overall length and makes the firearm easier to draw from a holster or pocket, while still providing enough barrel length to achieve reliable velocity with defensive .357 Magnum loads. Charter Arms chambers the cylinder to accept .357 Magnum cartridges, which generate higher muzzle energy than .38 Special rounds, but the revolver also functions reliably with .38 Special ammunition, giving the user flexibility in choosing recoil levels and cost of practice ammunition. The 5-round capacity is standard for a revolver of this size, and the cylinder is fluted to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity.

The stainless steel finish on this model is brushed and matte, reducing glare and resisting corrosion from humidity or sweat—practical for Tennessee’s humid summers. The frame is machined from a single piece of stainless steel, and the barrel is threaded and torqued into the frame, a construction method that contributes to the revolver’s durability. The rubberized grips are contoured with finger grooves to provide a secure hold, even with the heavier recoil of .357 Magnum loads, and they fit most hand sizes without being overly bulky. The exposed hammer allows the user to manually cock the revolver for a lighter, single-action trigger pull when precision is needed, while the double-action trigger pull is smooth and consistent for defensive use.

Charter Arms incorporates a transfer bar safety system, which is a mechanical block that sits between the hammer and the firing pin. When the trigger is not pulled, the hammer rests directly on the transfer bar, not on the firing pin, preventing the revolver from discharging if dropped or if the hammer is struck. This is a standard safety feature on modern revolvers, and it makes the Mag Pug suitable for carry without a manual safety lever. The cylinder release is a push-button located on the left side of the frame, positioned for easy access with the shooting hand’s thumb, and the cylinder swings out to the left for loading and unloading.

The fixed sights on the Mag Pug are low-profile and snag-resistant, which is important for a concealed carry revolver. The front sight is a serrated ramp that provides a clear reference point, and the rear sight is a simple notch milled into the top strap of the frame. While not adjustable for windage or elevation, these sights are zeroed at the factory for typical defensive distances of 7 to 15 yards, which covers most self-defense scenarios. The overall weight of 21 ounces makes the revolver light enough for comfortable all-day carry but heavy enough to mitigate some of the recoil from .357 Magnum ammunition, striking a balance between portability and shootability.

Ideal Use Cases

• Concealed Carry: The compact dimensions and 21-ounce weight make the Mag Pug suitable for inside-the-waistband, ankle, or pocket holsters. It works well for permit holders in Tennessee who need a revolver that does not print heavily under a t-shirt or light jacket.
• Home Defense: A revolver’s simple operation—no safeties to disengage, no slide to rack—makes it a reliable choice for a nightstand gun. Loaded with .357 Magnum hollow points, the Mag Pug offers significant stopping power in a compact package.
• Backup or Trail Gun: Hunters or hikers in Tennessee can carry the Mag Pug as a secondary firearm for protection against two-legged or four-legged threats. Its stainless finish resists rust from rain or sweat, and the .357 Magnum cartridge is effective against medium-sized animals.
• Range Practice: Using .38 Special ammunition, the Mag Pug becomes a mild-recoiling revolver suitable for practicing double-action trigger control and sight alignment at indoor or outdoor ranges.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: The revolver fires .357 Magnum cartridges and will also safely cycle .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Do not use .38 Short Colt or .38 Long Colt cartridges. Standard pressure .38 Special is recommended for practice to reduce wear and recoil.
• Holsters: The Mag Pug fits holsters designed for Charter Arms Bulldog or Undercover models with similar barrel lengths (2.0 to 2.5 inches). Many leather and Kydex holsters from brands like DeSantis, Galco, and CrossBreed are available. Always verify fit with the specific holster manufacturer.
• Speedloaders and Moon Clips: Speedloaders for 5-shot Charter Arms revolvers (such as those from HKS or Safariland) work with the Mag Pug. The revolver does not use moon clips; cartridges are loaded directly into the cylinder chambers.
• Grips: Aftermarket grips from companies like Hogue or VZ Grips are available for Charter Arms small-frame revolvers, though the factory rubber grips are serviceable for most users.
• Sights: The fixed sights are not user-replaceable. If you need adjustable sights, consider a different model. The Mag Pug is designed for defensive use at typical engagement distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you ship this revolver to a Tennessee address?
A: Yes, we ship to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders in Tennessee. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. You must select a receiving FFL dealer during checkout. We will ship the Mag Pug to that dealer, and you complete the background check and transfer there.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
A: After you place your order, we will contact your chosen FFL dealer to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. We ship the revolver via a common carrier to the dealer. Once it arrives, you visit the dealer, present a valid Tennessee ID, complete ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer then transfers the revolver to you. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price.

Q: What .357 Magnum ammunition is safe to use in this revolver?
A: The Mag Pug is designed for factory-loaded .357 Magnum ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as Federal, Remington, Winchester, Hornady, and Speer. We recommend using jacketed hollow point or soft point ammunition for defensive use. Avoid handloads or reloads unless you are certain of the pressure specifications, as over-pressure ammunition can damage the revolver or cause injury.

Q: What warranty covers the Charter Arms Mag Pug?
A: Charter Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the revolver for its service life, but it does not cover damage from misuse, improper ammunition, unauthorized modifications, or normal wear. If you have a warranty issue, contact Charter Arms directly with proof of purchase. We recommend retaining your receipt from tn-guns.com.

Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for change of mind or cosmetic preferences. If the revolver arrives with a manufacturing defect or is not in the condition described, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and Charter Arms to resolve the issue, which may include repair or replacement under warranty. We do not charge restocking fees for manufacturer-defect returns.

The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag Revolver is a straightforward, durable option for Tennessee residents who need a compact revolver for daily carry or home defense. It is built to handle a potent cartridge in a package that does not demand a bulky holster or a heavy belt. We ship to FFL dealers across Tennessee, from Memphis to Knoxville, and our team can help you coordinate the transfer with your preferred local shop. If you have questions about this model or the ordering process, contact us through tn-guns.com.