When you’re carrying in the rolling hills of Tennessee or keeping a revolver close at hand in your Knoxville home, the Charter Arms 24520 Tiger III offers a practical, no-nonsense option in .45 ACP. This 5-shot revolver, finished in a distinctive green and black tiger stripe pattern, provides a lightweight alternative for those who prefer a wheelgun over a semi-auto for personal defense. Whether you’re dealing with the humidity of a Memphis summer or the cooler evenings in the Smokies, this revolver is built to be there without weighing you down.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Charter Arms 24520 Tiger III is a 5-shot, double-action revolver chambered in .45 ACP. It is designed for individuals who want a reliable firearm for concealed carry, home defense, or as a backup piece for outdoor activities. This revolver is not a competition gun or a long-range hunting tool; it is a close-quarters defensive instrument. It suits the Tennessee shooter who values simplicity and reliability over magazine capacity and tactical accessories. Collectors will also appreciate the unique tiger stripe finish, which sets it apart from standard blued or stainless revolvers. Target shooters can use it for practice at the range, but its primary role is personal protection.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.2 inches (inferred from standard Tiger III models)
- Overall Length: Approximately 7.0 inches
- Weight: Approximately 21 ounces (unloaded)
- Finish: Green and black tiger stripe over stainless steel
- Frame: Stainless steel with a lightweight alloy design
- Sights: Fixed front and rear (standard for this model)
- Action: Double-action only (DAO) or single-action capable depending on configuration
- Grip: Rubberized, contoured for control
- Safety: Transfer bar mechanism
Feature Deep-Dive
The Charter Arms Tiger III series is known for its balance of weight and durability. The green and black tiger stripe finish is applied to the stainless steel components, offering corrosion resistance that is particularly useful in Tennessee’s humid climate. This finish is not just cosmetic; it provides a non-reflective surface that reduces glare in low-light situations, which is a practical advantage for home defense. The revolver’s compact 2.2-inch barrel keeps the overall size small, making it easier to conceal under a light jacket or inside the waistband holster during warmer months.
The .45 ACP chambering is a significant feature. Unlike many small revolvers that use .38 Special or .357 Magnum, this model allows you to use common, readily available .45 ACP ammunition. This is a benefit for shooters who already own a 1911 or other .45 ACP semi-auto, as they can stock a single ammunition type. The revolver’s 5-shot capacity is standard for its size, and the cylinder is designed to handle the pressure of .45 ACP rounds without issue. The extraction system uses a spring-loaded ejector rod, which pushes spent casings out cleanly for quick reloading.
The trigger pull on the Tiger III is consistent with Charter Arms’ design philosophy: it is smooth but not light. The double-action pull is around 9 to 12 pounds, which is typical for a defensive revolver. This heavier pull acts as a safety measure, reducing the chance of an accidental discharge while still allowing for accurate shooting with practice. The revolver also features a transfer bar safety mechanism, meaning the hammer rests on a bar rather than the firing pin until the trigger is fully pulled. This design prevents the gun from firing if dropped, a key safety feature for concealed carry.
The grip is a rubberized unit that fills the hand well for a revolver of this size. It provides a secure hold even with sweaty hands or when wearing gloves. The texture is aggressive enough to prevent slipping but not so rough that it becomes uncomfortable during extended range sessions. The grip also helps absorb some of the recoil from the .45 ACP cartridge, making the revolver more controllable than a similar-sized lightweight .357 Magnum. This is a practical consideration for shooters who may not have a lot of experience with powerful handguns.
Charter Arms has a reputation for building revolvers that are serviceable and straightforward. The Tiger III is no exception. The cylinder release is a push-button style located on the left side of the frame, and it operates smoothly. The fixed sights are adequate for defensive distances—typically 7 to 15 yards—but they are not adjustable. This is a trade-off for the revolver’s compact size and reliability. For home defense or concealed carry, fixed sights are generally sufficient, as the focus is on quick target acquisition rather than precision marksmanship.
Finally, the construction quality of this revolver is solid. The stainless steel barrel and cylinder resist rust and wear, and the tiger stripe finish is applied using a durable coating process. The internal parts are made from hardened steel, and the revolver is assembled in the United States. While it is not a high-end custom piece, it is a reliable tool that performs its intended function without unnecessary complexity. For a Tennessee resident looking for a backup gun or a primary carry revolver, the Tiger III offers a practical blend of features at a reasonable price point.
Ideal Use Cases
- Concealed Carry: The lightweight 21-ounce design and compact 2.2-inch barrel make it easy to carry inside a waistband holster or in a pocket holster. The .45 ACP caliber provides stopping power in a small package.
- Home Defense: The revolver’s reliability and simplicity are assets in a high-stress home defense scenario. No safety levers to fumble with, just point and shoot. The fixed sights are fine for indoor distances.
- Backup or Trail Gun: For hikers or hunters in Tennessee’s backcountry, this revolver can serve as a backup against two-legged or four-legged threats. The .45 ACP is effective against feral hogs or aggressive dogs.
- Range Practice: While not a target gun, it is suitable for regular practice to maintain proficiency. The recoil is manageable, and .45 ACP ammunition is widely available for range sessions.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This revolver is chambered for .45 ACP only. Do not use .45 GAP or .45 Colt. It will accept standard-pressure .45 ACP loads, including hollow points for self-defense. Avoid +P ammunition unless specifically noted by Charter Arms, as it may accelerate wear.
- Holsters: The Tiger III fits holsters designed for the Charter Arms Undercover or similar small-frame revolvers with a 2.2-inch barrel. Look for holsters specifically listed for the Charter Arms “Tiger” or “Undercover” model. Leather or Kydex options are available.
- Magazines: This is a revolver; it does not use magazines. It is loaded via a speedloader or by manually inserting rounds into the cylinder. Compatible speedloaders include those made by HKS for Charter Arms 5-shot revolvers (model 36-A).
- Accessories: Aftermarket grips are available from companies like Pachmayr or Hogue. The revolver does not have a rail for lights or lasers, so any accessory must be grip-mounted or use a custom holster with an integrated light.
FAQ
1. Can this revolver be shipped directly to my home in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed dealer (FFL) be shipped to another FFL holder in your state. When you order from tn-guns.com, we will ship the Charter Arms 24520 to a licensed firearms dealer of your choice in Tennessee. You will then complete a background check and pick up the revolver at that dealer. We can recommend a local FFL if you need one.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee residents?
After you place your order, you will need to provide us with the contact information for your chosen receiving FFL dealer. We will ship the revolver to that dealer via a common carrier. The dealer will charge a small transfer fee (usually $20 to $40) for processing the paperwork and conducting the NICS background check. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun from an FFL, and you must present a valid Tennessee driver’s license or state ID.
3. What type of ammunition is compatible with this revolver?
This revolver is designed for .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition. It will function with standard-pressure jacketed hollow points, full metal jacket, and lead round nose loads. Do not use .45 GAP, .45 Colt, or .45 Auto Rim without moon clips. While the revolver can accept .45 ACP with moon clips, standard .45 ACP headspaces on the case mouth, so moon clips are not required but can aid in extraction. We recommend using brass-cased ammunition for best reliability.
4. What warranty does Charter Arms offer on this revolver?
Charter Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. If you encounter an issue, you can contact Charter Arms directly for repair or replacement. We recommend registering your warranty online after purchase. tn-guns.com does not offer an extended warranty, but we stand behind the products we sell.
5. Can I return this revolver if I am not satisfied?
Firearms sales are final due to legal and safety regulations. However, if the revolver arrives with a manufacturer defect or is not in the condition described, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you to resolve the issue, which may include a replacement or repair through Charter Arms. We cannot accept returns for cosmetic preferences or buyer’s remorse. If you have questions about fit or function before purchasing, feel free to call our Tennessee-based customer service team.
Closing Call to Action
This Charter Arms 24520 Tiger III is available for purchase through tn-guns.com, and we ship directly to Tennessee FFL dealers. If you are looking for a lightweight .45 ACP revolver for concealed carry or home defense, this model offers a practical solution with a unique finish. Add it to your cart, and we will handle the rest, including coordinating with your chosen FFL for a smooth transfer. For any additional questions, contact our team—we are here to help Tennessee shooters find the right firearm.
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