The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 3″ 5-Rd Hi-Polish is a no-nonsense five-shot revolver built for personal protection. Chambered in .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special), this compact stainless steel revolver gives you serious stopping power in a package that fits a coat pocket or nightstand drawer. With a 3-inch barrel and a full-size rubber grip, you get enough barrel length for velocity without sacrificing concealability. The high-polish finish adds a touch of class, but this is a working gun through and through.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Mag Pug .357 Mag 3″ 5-Rd Hi-Polish |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P |
| Finish | High-polish stainless |
| Weight | Approx. 21 oz. unloaded |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 3-inch barrel — Strikes a balance between velocity and concealment. Per Charter Arms, the 3″ length gives you full .357 Magnum performance while keeping the overall length under 7 inches for easy draw from a holster or purse.
- Full-size black rubber grip — Soaks up recoil from hot .357 loads. The textured rubber won’t slip in wet hands, and it fills your palm for a natural point of aim.
- High-polish stainless finish — Resists rust and corrosion better than blued steel. The mirror shine also makes it easier to spot dirt or carbon buildup during cleaning.
- Five-shot cylinder — Keeps the frame slim and light. Five rounds is enough for most defensive encounters, and the revolver’s mechanical simplicity means no slide to rack or magazine to lose.
- Fixed sights with red front insert — Snag-free and fast to acquire. The front ramp has a red insert that stands out against dark targets, and the rear notch is deep enough for quick alignment under stress.
Who It’s For
The Mag Pug is for the concealed carrier who values reliability over capacity. If you want a gun that goes bang every time you pull the trigger — no limp-wristing, no feed jams, no magazine springs to wear out — this revolver delivers. It’s also ideal for home defense if you prefer a simple point-and-shoot platform that’s easy to operate under adrenaline. New shooters and experienced revolver fans alike will appreciate the straightforward manual of arms.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Light enough (21 oz.) for all-day carry in a pocket holster or IWB rig.
- Pro: Accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, so you can practice cheap with .38 and carry hot .357.
- Con: The high-polish finish shows fingerprints and scratches more readily than a matte or bead-blasted finish. You’ll want to wipe it down after handling.
- Con: Five rounds is a lower capacity compared to a compact semi-auto like a Glock 19. Plan for reloads or carry a speed strip.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Charter Arms Mag Pug | Smith & Wesson 642 | Ruger LCR .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .38 Spl +P only | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 3″ | 1.875″ | 1.875″ |
| Weight | 21 oz. | 15 oz. | 17 oz. |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| MSRP | $431.85 | ~$469 | ~$579 |
The S&W 642 is lighter but limited to .38 Special +P, while the Ruger LCR offers .357 Magnum but costs more and has a shorter barrel. The Mag Pug gives you the full .357 capability with a longer sight radius at a lower price point.
FAQ
Is the Charter Arms Mag Pug compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
Yes. The Mag Pug is chambered for .357 Magnum, which means it can safely fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds. The longer cylinder also accepts .38 Special cartridges without any issues. Using .38 Special reduces recoil and muzzle blast for practice or low-recoil carry.
What holsters fit the 3″ barrel Mag Pug?
Most holsters designed for a 3″ J-frame or small-frame revolver will work. Look for holsters specifically listed for Charter Arms or Smith & Wesson K-frame with a 3″ barrel. The full-size grip may require a holster with an open bottom or a pocket holster that accommodates the longer barrel.
Can I dry fire the Mag Pug without damaging it?
Per Charter Arms, dry firing is acceptable on modern production revolvers, but they recommend using snap caps to protect the firing pin and cylinder face. The transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the frame directly, but snap caps are cheap insurance.
What is the trigger pull weight on this revolver?
The factory double-action trigger pull on the Mag Pug is approximately 9-12 pounds. Single-action pull is lighter, around 4-5 pounds. The trigger is smooth but not as refined as a custom-tuned revolver. A gunsmith can polish the internals if you want a lighter DA stroke.
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Last updated: April 2026. More than 60% of CCW permit holders choose a revolver as their backup or primary deep-concealment gun. The revolvers category has options for every shooter. Browse our concealed carry gear and self-defense ammunition to complete your setup.
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