The Charter Arms Target Mag Pug .357 Mag 4.2” 5rd Stainless bridges the gap between a compact carry revolver and a range-ready target piece. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this five-shot stainless steel revolver delivers the punch you need for personal defense with the precision you want on the range. The 4.2” barrel and adjustable rear sights give you the accuracy to place shots exactly where they count, while the full rubber grip ensures you stay in control during high-recoil drills.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Target Mag Pug |
| Material | Stainless Steel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Brushed Stainless |
| Weight | 23 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 4.2” Barrel with Adjustable Rear Sights — Why it matters: You get a longer sight radius for precise shot placement at defensive distances, without the bulk of a full-size revolver. The adjustable rear sight lets you dial in your preferred load.
- Exposed Standard Hammer — Why it matters: Single-action mode gives you a crisp, light trigger pull for those tight groups at the range, while double-action keeps you ready for rapid follow-up shots in a self-defense scenario.
- Full Rubber Grip — Why it matters: The rubber wrap fills your hand consistently, reducing felt recoil from .357 Magnum loads so you stay on target for fast, accurate strings.
- Five-Round Cylinder — Why it matters: A compact cylinder keeps the overall profile slim for concealed carry or nightstand storage, while still offering enough capacity for most defensive encounters.
- 23-Ounce All-Stainless Construction — Why it matters: The weight tames muzzle flip from hot loads, but it’s light enough to carry all day without dragging your belt down.
Who It’s For
This revolver fits the CCW holder who wants a .357 Magnum for its terminal performance but refuses to sacrifice accuracy. It’s also ideal for the home defender who prefers a revolver’s manual of arms over a semi-auto — no safeties, no slide manipulation, just point and shoot. If you’re a shooter who practices regularly and demands a revolver that can keep up with your accuracy standards, the Target Mag Pug is your tool.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Adjustable rear sights are rare on compact revolvers — you get real sight customization here.
- Pro: The 4.2” barrel gives you velocity gains over snub-nosed .357s, pushing defensive rounds faster.
- Con: The five-round capacity is lower than many modern semi-auto pistols. You’ll need to make every shot count and carry speedloaders for extended engagements.
Comparison: Charter Arms Target Mag Pug vs. Ruger SP101 vs. Smith & Wesson Model 60
| Feature | Charter Arms Target Mag Pug | Ruger SP101 .357 4.2” | Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 3” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 23 oz | 27 oz | 24 oz |
| Barrel Length | 4.2” | 4.2” | 3” |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Sights | Adjustable rear, red ramp front | Adjustable rear, fiber optic front | Fixed rear, pinned front |
| Grip | Full rubber | Rubber with insert | Wood or rubber (varies) |
| Price | $444.61 | $719.00 | $849.00 |
FAQ
Can this revolver handle +P .38 Special loads?
Yes. Per Charter Arms specs, the Target Mag Pug is rated for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition. You can safely run +P loads for practice or carry without issues.
Is the trigger smooth in double-action mode?
Out of the box, the double-action pull is serviceable for defensive use — consistent and predictable. Many shooters find it smooths out after a few hundred rounds. Single-action breaks clean at around 4-5 pounds.
What holsters fit this 4.2” model?
Most holsters designed for the Ruger SP101 with a 4.2” barrel will fit, but always check the specific model. We recommend leather or Kydex custom-molded for the Charter Arms frame for the best retention and draw.
Ready to Add This Revolver to Your Battery?
Order the Charter Arms Target Mag Pug .357 Mag 4.2” 5rd Stainless today. It ships to all 50 states, usually within 1-2 business days. You have 30 days to return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Checkout is secure and fast.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Browse more defensive revolvers in our Revolver Collection or check out Self-Defense Ammo to pair with this piece.
Last updated: April 2026
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