[Italian 9x21]

 

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

Report please! The grip looks comfortable. I’ve always been attracted to their 44.

 

[pike bishop]

stuff it in a remora and you got yourself a proper truck gun. let us know how it runs.

 

[Italian 9x21]

I would buy Bulldog 44 spl but in my Country 44 spl cartridges are rare, only in JHP version for range use and expensive. Italian laws prohibites use of JHP for self defence so I chose a 9mm that takes the same ammo my department issues for duty use.
Charter Arms made unique revolvers – the Pitbull series – loads and ejects just like standard revolvers due to ingenious little spring-loaded clips inside each cylinder chamber.
I'm in police service since 1980 and as an "old guy" I think snub nose revolvers are still an excellent choice for off-duty use (italian laws prohibit the use of a backup gun on duty).
Charter Arms in my Country is considered a "red neck gun" so last "wheeler guy" preferred luxurious S&W or Ruger product. I also have a S&W 642 PC but I choose the Pitbull , due to the fact that it chambers semi-automatic pistol cartridges. Here the Pitbull is available in two semi-automatic cartridge choices: 45 ACP and 9mm. Someone may ask “...why chamber a revolver for semi-automatic pistol cartridges?...” the answer is interchangeability, low cost and availability of ammo. Charter Arms came up with a unique dual-coil spring assembly in the extractor star which retains semi-automatic, rimless cartridges and allows insertion and ejection in the same manner as rimmed revolver cartridges. No moon clips needed.
The small 5-shot snub nose has a Blacknitride finish which provides corrosion resistance; this matte dark graphite color is non-reflective and provides a Rockwell hardness between 60 and 70. Pit Bull is relatively lightweight at just 620 grammi with its stainless steel frame and cylinder. The shrouded barrel – which protects the ejection rod from being bent – is machined with an integral ramped and serrated front sight and measures 5 centimetri circa, the muzzle is nicely crowned with a recess.
The Pitbull revolver has standard exposed hammers that feature a transfer bar safety mechanism that means all five chambers can be safely loaded and carried and NO stupid lock . With the cylinder open, a close look at the firing pin shows that it is made of beryllium copper, and is practically indestructible. The guns have a double action measuring circa 5,4 kilogrammi while single action trigger pull circa 1,2 kilogrammi. The trigger is serrated but not overly sharp, so it does not abrade your trigger finger when firing.
The barrel is shrouded to protect the ejector rod and its integral front sight is serrated. Opening the cylinder requires a forward push on the left-side-mounted cylinder release latch. It pressed right up against the rear cylinder shield, but does its job fine. The cylinder swings out to the left and the ejector rod has a wider flat end that your thumb appreciates. Empty 9mm cases eject easily just like .38 Special cases and the grips do not interfere at all.
The Charter Arms revolver may be compared to the S&W J-frame with similar length barrels so I can use the same holsters. The double-action trigger pull on this Pitbull started out with a gritty feeling, single action is light and crispy.
Loading the Pitbull is simple as long as you remember that pushing each cartridge into each chamber requires just a little bit of pressure to overcome the spring-loaded clips that retain each round. There are no speedloaders made for the Pitbull, so I use my Glock 26 loader for reserve. Unloading the Pitbull is just as simple as any other revolver.
Range time proved the third reason why the Pitbull is the best 9mm revolver. It was easy and intuitive to load, fire accurately, eject empty cases and then reload. It was fast and did not require moon clips and it functioned flawlessly.
Sorry for my terrible English.
Life is good and God Bless America!

 

[Quigley]

I've always wanted one but the fact that they cant handle +P ammo has always turned me away since all my defensive ammo is +P. I dont want to have to worry as to whether or not im putting the right ammo in it.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Jdirt]

I would buy Bulldog 44 spl but in my Country 44 spl cartridges are rare, only in JHP version for range use and expensive. Italian laws prohibites use of JHP for self defence so I chose a 9mm that takes the same ammo my department issues for duty use.
Charter Arms made unique revolvers – the Pitbull series – loads and ejects just like standard revolvers due to ingenious little spring-loaded clips inside each cylinder chamber.
I'm in police service since 1980 and as an "old guy" I think snub nose revolvers are still an excellent choice for off-duty use (italian laws prohibit the use of a backup gun on duty).
Charter Arms in my Country is considered a "red neck gun" so last "wheeler guy" preferred luxurious S&W or Ruger product. I also have a S&W 642 PC but I choose the Pitbull , due to the fact that it chambers semi-automatic pistol cartridges. Here the Pitbull is available in two semi-automatic cartridge choices: 45 ACP and 9mm. Someone may ask “...why chamber a revolver for semi-automatic pistol cartridges?...” the answer is interchangeability, low cost and availability of ammo. Charter Arms came up with a unique dual-coil spring assembly in the extractor star which retains semi-automatic, rimless cartridges and allows insertion and ejection in the same manner as rimmed revolver cartridges. No moon clips needed.
The small 5-shot snub nose has a Blacknitride finish which provides corrosion resistance; this matte dark graphite color is non-reflective and provides a Rockwell hardness between 60 and 70. Pit Bull is relatively lightweight at just 620 grammi with its stainless steel frame and cylinder. The shrouded barrel – which protects the ejection rod from being bent – is machined with an integral ramped and serrated front sight and measures 5 centimetri circa, the muzzle is nicely crowned with a recess.
The Pitbull revolver has standard exposed hammers that feature a transfer bar safety mechanism that means all five chambers can be safely loaded and carried and NO stupid lock . With the cylinder open, a close look at the firing pin shows that it is made of beryllium copper, and is practically indestructible. The guns have a double action measuring circa 5,4 kilogrammi while single action trigger pull circa 1,2 kilogrammi. The trigger is serrated but not overly sharp, so it does not abrade your trigger finger when firing.
The barrel is shrouded to protect the ejector rod and its integral front sight is serrated. Opening the cylinder requires a forward push on the left-side-mounted cylinder release latch. It pressed right up against the rear cylinder shield, but does its job fine. The cylinder swings out to the left and the ejector rod has a wider flat end that your thumb appreciates. Empty 9mm cases eject easily just like .38 Special cases and the grips do not interfere at all.
The Charter Arms revolver may be compared to the S&W J-frame with similar length barrels so I can use the same holsters. The double-action trigger pull on this Pitbull started out with a gritty feeling, single action is light and crispy.
Loading the Pitbull is simple as long as you remember that pushing each cartridge into each chamber requires just a little bit of pressure to overcome the spring-loaded clips that retain each round. There are no speedloaders made for the Pitbull, so I use my Glock 26 loader for reserve. Unloading the Pitbull is just as simple as any other revolver.
Range time proved the third reason why the Pitbull is the best 9mm revolver. It was easy and intuitive to load, fire accurately, eject empty cases and then reload. It was fast and did not require moon clips and it functioned flawlessly.
Sorry for my terrible English.
Life is good and God Bless America!

Your Engish is better than many Americans.

 

[Out West]

It's kind of a "red neck" gun here as well. At least it seems Charter doesn't get the same respect as S&W or Ruger revolvers. I did not know that they were available with a black nitride finish. Very nice!

Nice review of your new revolver. Thanks for posting!

 

[rds95991]

Caveat: Fire five cartridges and measure the sixth. I've experienced bullets working their way out of the cases in a heavier revolver with some brands of ammunition. The last bullet will exhibit it the most as it's experienced the recoil from all the previous rounds.

 

[rds95991]

I would buy Bulldog 44 spl but in my Country 44 spl cartridges are rare, only in JHP version for range use and expensive. Italian laws prohibites use of JHP for self defence so I chose a 9mm that takes the same ammo my department issues for duty use.
Charter Arms made unique revolvers – the Pitbull series – loads and ejects just like standard revolvers due to ingenious little spring-loaded clips inside each cylinder chamber.
I'm in police service since 1980 and as an "old guy" I think snub nose revolvers are still an excellent choice for off-duty use (italian laws prohibit the use of a backup gun on duty).
Charter Arms in my Country is considered a "red neck gun" so last "wheeler guy" preferred luxurious S&W or Ruger product. I also have a S&W 642 PC but I choose the Pitbull , due to the fact that it chambers semi-automatic pistol cartridges. Here the Pitbull is available in two semi-automatic cartridge choices: 45 ACP and 9mm. Someone may ask “...why chamber a revolver for semi-automatic pistol cartridges?...” the answer is interchangeability, low cost and availability of ammo. Charter Arms came up with a unique dual-coil spring assembly in the extractor star which retains semi-automatic, rimless cartridges and allows insertion and ejection in the same manner as rimmed revolver cartridges. No moon clips needed.
The small 5-shot snub nose has a Blacknitride finish which provides corrosion resistance; this matte dark graphite color is non-reflective and provides a Rockwell hardness between 60 and 70. Pit Bull is relatively lightweight at just 620 grammi with its stainless steel frame and cylinder. The shrouded barrel – which protects the ejection rod from being bent – is machined with an integral ramped and serrated front sight and measures 5 centimetri circa, the muzzle is nicely crowned with a recess.
The Pitbull revolver has standard exposed hammers that feature a transfer bar safety mechanism that means all five chambers can be safely loaded and carried and NO stupid lock . With the cylinder open, a close look at the firing pin shows that it is made of beryllium copper, and is practically indestructible. The guns have a double action measuring circa 5,4 kilogrammi while single action trigger pull circa 1,2 kilogrammi. The trigger is serrated but not overly sharp, so it does not abrade your trigger finger when firing.
The barrel is shrouded to protect the ejector rod and its integral front sight is serrated. Opening the cylinder requires a forward push on the left-side-mounted cylinder release latch. It pressed right up against the rear cylinder shield, but does its job fine. The cylinder swings out to the left and the ejector rod has a wider flat end that your thumb appreciates. Empty 9mm cases eject easily just like .38 Special cases and the grips do not interfere at all.
The Charter Arms revolver may be compared to the S&W J-frame with similar length barrels so I can use the same holsters. The double-action trigger pull on this Pitbull started out with a gritty feeling, single action is light and crispy.
Loading the Pitbull is simple as long as you remember that pushing each cartridge into each chamber requires just a little bit of pressure to overcome the spring-loaded clips that retain each round. There are no speedloaders made for the Pitbull, so I use my Glock 26 loader for reserve. Unloading the Pitbull is just as simple as any other revolver.
Range time proved the third reason why the Pitbull is the best 9mm revolver. It was easy and intuitive to load, fire accurately, eject empty cases and then reload. It was fast and did not require moon clips and it functioned flawlessly.
Sorry for my terrible English.
Life is good and God Bless America!

Are you allowed to reload ammunition in your country? If so, perhaps you may want to consider that. I have some guns in unusual or expensive calibers and reloading is the only way I am able to shoot them.

 

[ronin.45]

The benefits of using auto cartridges in revolvers are using ammo you already stock and fast reloads with moon clips. Doing away with moon clips cuts the benefit in half.

 

[Baba Louie]

Great review Italian...

Don't feel too underpowered using 9x19 (NATO) vs your namesake 9x21? (just kidding)... but... 9x21... I might need to learn more about that round. (like... why?) Prohibition against military rounds? :dunno:

Life IS good and God Bless Italy right back atcha man.

Thanks again.

 

[Tzi-Oxphon]

Charter Arms revolvers work OK. I have one and have had many of them in the past but after taking them apart have discovered that they are much less desirable than say, an S&W or a Ruger SP 101. JMHO Ruger SP101 is really a tough revolver but it is heavy. Had a 44 Charter years ago and the Remington soft lead loads keyholed. I think I would go Taurus in a long Colt over the Charter but good luck.

 

[fflincher]

Had a .40 S&W Pit Bull, grip made it barely comfortable enough to shoot.
I'd have kept it in 9mm!

 

[ranger1968]

Report please! The grip looks comfortable. I’ve always been attracted to their 44.

I have the .44 Bulldog (it looks like the 9mm in the pic) and I have been very happy with it; shoots well, looks good, has held up fine.....

 

[Borg Warner]

I've always wanted one but the fact that they cant handle +P ammo has always turned me away since all my defensive ammo is +P. I dont want to have to worry as to whether or not im putting the right ammo in it.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

The reason Charter Arms does not recommend Plus+P ammo might not be because it would cause problems with the gun.

Here is what Charter says about using plus+P : "Charter Arms recommends +P not be used: “+P ammo requires a four-inch minimum barrel to burn the extra powder. Therefore, in a two-inch barrel the extra powder is burned after the bullet leaves the barrel, creating more recoil and making it harder to come back to target.”

Charter Arms also makes a 40 caliber version of this gun but it's a 5 shot. I prefer a 40 to a 9 but I prefer 6 shots to five. Ballistically the 40 compares well to the 44 special. Hornady 180 grain XTP ammo is rated at 1000 fps/400 fpe and 40 S&W ballistics are virtually identical but with a projectile diameter that's slightly smaller (.400 vs .430)

Here's a review of the gun:

https://www.chuckhawks.com/charter_arms_pitbull_9mm.htm

 

['Ol Grandad]

I've the .45acp version and love it! Not necessarily a gun you'll hand down to your great grandchildren but they work and they're quite accurate. I bought an Altamont grip for mine and after shooting it with that grip I put the stock grip back on. Much more comfortable and much easier to shoot. You'll love it for sure!

 

[Italian 9x21]

Are you allowed to reload ammunition in your country? If so, perhaps you may want to consider that. I have some guns in unusual or expensive calibers and reloading is the only way I am able to shoot them.

It's possible reload ammunition in my Country, but laws permit to hold in safe only 200 rounds for handguns and 1500 rounds for semiauto rifles (no full auto permitted). No limit for hunting rifle or shotguns pelletts. No self reload cartridge are permitted for self defence but only for range. You can buy only 4 kilos of powder for year and you must whenever denounce the purchase to Police Station. In Italy (in Europe generally) open or concealed carry guns isn't a constitutional right: and only few citizen are authorized to carry gun by Departement of Public Safety: the document is released after the presentation of a medical certificate to attest mental integrity. The permit is valid one year only and it must be renewed (with new medical certification).
Lucky You Sir who live in the Country of Liberty!
Best regards

 

[DocCasualty]

I have the .44 Bulldog (it looks like the 9mm in the pic) and I have been very happy with it; shoots well, looks good, has held up fine.....

Ditto. I’ve been digging that .44 Bulldog I picked up a few moths ago. I’ve been carrying it instead of my G26 for the most part.

 

[gamecocks]

It's possible reload ammunition in my Country, but laws permit to hold in safe only 200 rounds for handguns and 1500 rounds for semiauto rifles (no full auto permitted). No limit for hunting rifle or shotguns pelletts. No self reload cartridge are permitted for self defence but only for range. You can buy only 4 kilos of powder for year and you must whenever denounce the purchase to Police Station. In Italy (in Europe generally) open or concealed carry guns isn't a constitutional right: and only few citizen are authorized to carry gun by Departement of Public Safety: the document is released after the presentation of a medical certificate to attest mental integrity. The permit is valid one year only and it must be renewed (with new medical certification).
Lucky You Sir who live in the Country of Liberty!
Best regards

Thanks for sharing, and reminding us how good we have it here. Post more! Though our Rights are being chipped away at all the time, we still have it pretty great...for now.
***edit to add, pretty great in my state of South Carolina...not as much the case for a growing nunber of other states.

 

[Italian 9x21]

Great review Italian...

Don't feel too underpowered using 9x19 (NATO) vs your namesake 9x21? (just kidding)... but... 9x21... I might need to learn more about that round. (like... why?) Prohibition against military rounds? :dunno:

Life IS good and God Bless Italy right back atcha man.

Thanks again.

In Italy all Police Agencies, Army, Navy, Air Force and Carabinieri use, on duty, Beretta 92 FS 9x19 or Parabellum, FMJ in respect of Geneva Convention. Police Officers authorized to carry a personal handgun off duty and civilian with annual CCW permit can't use caliber adopted by national or foreigner Armies: this is an heritage of fascist period. For example until US Army adopted 45 ACP (11,43 mm x 22 mm) here in Italy it was illegal to carry guns in 45 ACP so Colt 1911 were sold in italian market in 45 HP (11,43 mm x 21 mm): when US Army adopted 9 parabellum it was possible for italians buy and carry Colt 1911 in 45 ACP. So when I'm on duty I carry my Beretta 92 FS 9 parabellum or for deep concealement Beretta PX Storm subcompact 9 parabellum. Off duty I carry my Glock 26 or Beretta Nano in 9x21 or, depending on the circumstancies, my S&W 642 PC 38 Spl or my new Charter Arms 9x21. On the other hand 9x21 and 9x19 have an equal ballistic performance so I don't feel underpowered with my civilian caliber. Finally other strange italian laws prohibit JHP, JSP/JFP, FTX and self reloading ammo for self defence (you can only ccw commercial standard ammo). Last but not least in italian market it's impossible buy "plus (+) ammo in any caliber.
Lucky You Sir, who live in the Land of Freedom!
Best regards