Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Magnum 3-inch 5rd Revolver

The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Magnum 3-inch 5rd Revolver is a no-nonsense defensive tool built for shooters who want a compact revolver with real stopping power. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this five-shot snubby pairs a 3-inch barrel with a steel frame finished in black passivate. It ships with a micro red dot optic installed, giving you an optic-ready platform right out of the box. The Mag Pug is designed for concealed carry and home defense where legal, with a combat rubber grip and fixed sights that keep things simple under stress.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Mag Pug .357 Magnum 3-inch 5rd Revolver
Material	Steel frame
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Black passivate
Weight	22 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Integrated Picatinny Rail: Mount optics or accessories directly to the barrel shroud. This means you can run a micro red dot without aftermarket adapters, giving you faster target acquisition in a defensive scenario.
• Micro Red Dot Optic Installed: The revolver ships with a factory-mounted red dot, so you skip the setup and zeroing guesswork. For CCW holders, that red dot can cut your sight picture time in half compared to iron sights.
• Combat Rubber Grip: The black rubber grip soaks up .357 Magnum recoil and keeps your hand locked in place during rapid fire. This matters because a secure grip is the difference between a second shot and a miss.
• Double/Single-Action Trigger: Straightforward DA/SA operation with a smooth trigger pull. In a high-stress situation, you don’t want to fumble with safeties or decockers — this revolver just works.
• Fixed Sights: No adjustable rear sight to snag on clothing or shift out of zero. Fixed sights are a deliberate choice for a carry gun: they’re durable, snag-free, and always ready.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the concealed carrier who wants .357 Magnum power in a compact package without relying on a semi-auto. It’s also ideal for home defense buyers who prefer a revolver’s simplicity — no magazine, no slide manipulation, no safety to forget. If you carry in a pocket holster, ankle rig, or IWB, the 3-inch barrel and five-round cylinder keep the profile manageable.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Optic-ready out of the box — saves you $100+ on milling or mounting plates.
• Pro: Steel frame soaks recoil better than alloy or polymer snubbies.
• Con: Five-round capacity is lower than many modern semi-autos. If you prioritize round count over simplicity, this may not be your primary carry gun.

Comparison

Feature	Charter Arms Mag Pug .357	Smith & Wesson Model 686 3-inch	Ruger SP101 3-inch .357
Capacity	5 rounds	7 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	22 oz	36 oz	27 oz
Optic Ready	Yes (installed)	No (requires gunsmith)	No
Frame Material	Steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Price	$555.30	$950+	$750+

FAQ

What caliber does the Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Magnum 3-inch 5rd Revolver use?

It’s chambered in .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special +P ammunition for reduced recoil practice or carry.

Is the red dot optic removable or replaceable?

Yes, the micro red dot is mounted to the integrated Picatinny rail. You can remove it, swap it for a different optic, or use the iron sights alone.

Can I carry this revolver concealed?

Yes. At 22 oz with a 3-inch barrel, it fits IWB, OWB, pocket, and ankle holsters. The combat rubber grip helps with concealment by reducing printing.

What is the warranty on the Charter Arms Mag Pug?

Charter Arms offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and original parts. Check their website for full terms.

Does this revolver have a safety?

It has a hammer block safety and a transfer bar system. There is no manual thumb safety — the long double-action trigger pull serves as the primary safety.

Buy With Confidence

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

Last updated: April 2026

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