Charter Arms Mag Pug .41 Magnum

[@esteemedleader]

Glad someone finally made a video about this gun, I've been wanting to see it in action. I think it'll be my next purchase.

[@marktelep5856]

esteemedleader I bought one as a backup for boar hunting in Texas. I have 5 CA revolvers and put a 40 s&w on layaway today. I enjoy them very much.

[@jamesl3076]

Just went and shot mine with Hornady 210 grain mag loads. I made it 50 rounds before I threw in the towel. Amazing gun and it's a keeper. Man is the recoil heavy! Gonna load up something a bit milder for the range and load some hotter loads for when I'm out hunting or hiking.

[@marktelep5856]

The recoil and muzzle flash should send an attacker in full retreat!!!! I is a handful, but I bought it for a backup for hunting boar and they are tough animals!!! I’ll put up with the recoil for the added protection!!!

[@ryangr100]

Man my wrist aches just watching you shoot that revolver. Nailed what the gun would be good for. Thanks Hunter for another great review.

[@rangehot]

Yes sir, it was a handful. I have added a few more reviews to the IDPA Canada site just now.

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

Good review. The Charter Arms 41 Magnum Pug Looks promissing For many years as a Federal LEO, I carried a Bulldog 44 Special. Years ago I suggested to Charter Arms Company to produce a 45 ACP and Long Colt version of the Bulldog. It is finally happening. I am so glad to see that many other people had the same idea to suggest such as Charter Arms which now produces all plus the 41 magnum. I thought about it and called Charter Arms had a leanghty conversation with Charter Arms Technician As a result I just purchased the Pitbull 45 ACP. Logistics in obtaining Ammo for the Bulldog 44 Special was the reason. As one can obtain 45 ACP ammunition in most "Super Center" type stores. I also like the 45 LC, but the 45 ACP is still more logistically practical. Underwood Ammunition makes a 45 ACP 255 grain, yes (255) Hard Cast RFN bullet for Wilderness Defense which the Pitbull can safely handle as well as a WW2 era 1911, as the PSI levels are rated in the safe zone for the Pitbull. I was informed if this by the Underwood Ammunition Technician. The Underwood ammunition Technician also told me that the Charter Arms Bulldog in 45Colt is not compatible to use their Plus P ammo due to PSI limitations. As the Pitbull 45ACP is rated to handle the PSI of the 45 ACP Plus P 255 grain Hard Cast Underwood round which makes for a perfect Wilderness Apex Predator and EDC Defense revolver that can acheive some 33 to 36+ inches of Ballistic Gell penetration out of a 2.5 inch barrel. Out of a 5 inch 1911 the 255 gr round achieved 42 inches of Ballistic Gell penetration. I will wait and see if Charter Arms comes out with 3/4/5/6+ inch versions of the 41 magnum as I'd like a 3 inch version.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Oh my. Handfull to be sure. Woodsgun! It will fit that role well. I have carried a 3" 629 44mag for a few years working woodlands management in northwoods with black bear. I replaced it in 2017 with a G29 10mm. This 41 is a viable option. If it is reliable, I wouldn't rule it out.

[@DanielFrankHoffman]

Wow that looks quite snappy, I am glad they came out with it though!

[@lanedexter6303]

Fun. I’ve owned two Bulldog .44 Specials, one in the 70’s and one in the 80’s. I miss them. Think I’ll get another. 👍

[@pistolpete131]

Nice review. I really like charter arms. My mag pug has served me well for many years now. They run that's for sure.

[@scubaguy007]

Absolutely a back packers Bear defense gun. You guys are better than me for trying it out, I’ve shot the Smith & Wesson 2.5" model 57 .41 magnum and it was a punisher at about 40 oz. so you’re tougher than me. I have a newer model .44spl Bulldog I am very happy with it as a gun that is always in my van. Locked in a bolted in strongbox, but if I were disarmed somewhere I could get that back up anytime, and that’s what I wanted.

[@rangehot]

It was a damn handful for sure.

[@danoneill2846]

I have a 44 special with shrouded hammer Love it !

[@danoneill2846]

I have heard they are very Strong , I have shot 44 Keith loads out of it , but the pain made me down load them a little .

[@Briankaetz]

I really like your down to earth honest review. Your comments are what I would expect of a 41 magnum revolver, it is a niche market weapon but I am glad that someone still makes it. I have a 44 magnum ultra light taurus 4" which shoots very well with manageable recoil but was purchased for being in the woods in bear country as a anything less would not be effective. I am a revolver fan as they are consistently reliable even though i have several semi-automatics. My preferred carry weapon is a 38/357 magnum revolver and I have several different brands for different purposes. Back in the day revolvers were the norm for LEO's and yes Dirty Harry was an influence on that, as in some departments if you could qualify with it you were allowed to carry it, however, very few people carried more than a 357 magnum as a duty weapon. There were a few though in some of the special units that carried a 41 magnum that was more "manageable" than a 44 magnum. Again Dirty Harry was an influence that many tried to emulate although both are really too much gun for practical defensive purposes.

[@rangehot]

Brian I appreciate your kind words and wisdom on the subject. I am confident you are on point.

[@slaughterhound8793]

From what I've read about him, the real Sheriff Buford Pusser whose career the "Walking Tall" series of movies were based on carried a .41 Magnum as his duty weapon, but of course, being the sheriff, he was the boss. The .41 Magnum didn't get any sort of bump in popularity from those movies though as the films didn't focus so much on his handgun, and I believe they actually used a different caliber/model of revolver in the movies.

[@cultofmalgus1310]

Charter gets a lot of flak from the gun snobs but I absolutely love them! Copper plated firing pin, lightweight, and best of all, no key hole safety! They also sell all their grips online so you can customize each revolver to your own liking! Need to get a southpaw! Wish they made it in another finish. Would like the Goldfinger look.

[@rangehot]

I agree with you 100%. The gun snobs look down on Charter Arms same as they do Hi-Point. I have shot and reviewed several Charter Arms revolvers and they have all been reliable and accurate.

[@6000Skinny]

@@rangehot how's it holding up,im considering purchasing one?

[@rangehot]

@@6000Skinny I sent the revolver back after the review. I did run it some after I published the review and it did not give any issues. You do have to be sure your bullets are crimped well to avoid movement under heavy recoil.

[@6000Skinny]

@@rangehot may i ask your reason for the return?

[@rangehot]

@@6000Skinny Of course, I review guns for rangehot so the reviews you see me post are almost always a test sample I get in to review and have to send back. It is not because a flaw in the firearm.

[@marktelep5856]

I gully agree with this review!!! A handful is an understatement. I own some large handguns and it is a fair evaluation!!!!! But I love the handgun and won’t give it up.

[@alexandermfernandez9283]

Excellent video ! In-fact , I think I'll pick one of these baby's up . Looks well made and the .41 mag. is one of my favorite cartridges . Thank you , my friend !

[@rangehot]

You are very welcome Alexander.

[@marktelep5856]

I put a 41 mag pug on order today!!!! I figured if it bites on both ends, so be it!!!! I want it as a backup for boar in Texas!!!! Great review

[@rangehot]

She bites at both ends. Be sure to get some range time with it so you know it well. It took me a few boxes of ammo to get the hang of shooting it.

[@CeltKnight]

I'm a Charter Arms fan (carried an older model of their "Off Duty" .38 as a BUG/OD piece for years). I love the .41 magnum (though I own .44 mags as their is much greater ammo availability for the .44 ... sadly). Now, all that said, I have a 40 oz 3" S&W 629 that even with some of the best rubber grips I've ever used on it is STILL a major handful to shoot. This little Mag Pug is just over HALF the weight of my big ol N-frame Smith and shooting a cartridge with essentially the same felt recoil as the .44 magnum (despite what the sales posters promised, LOL). Yow! Ouch! aaannnddd, of course, now I gotta get me one. ;)

[@876mpr]

My 2.5” Bulldog is a bit of a handful with 215 grain cast bullets at about 750. It’s a great shooter and is usually with me!

[@roberttaylor9559]

Just dropped $239 for a used one today, got home and ordered reloading dies, cases and bullets from Midway USA. I've got a Rossi 44c which is pretty much the same size only 44 magnum so I'm no stranger to little guns that kick, in fact that little Rossi kicks worse than my 3" 500 magnum, at least it stings the hand worse, lol.

[@scorpion520az8]

*Luv hand cannon snubs;) .41 Magnum "Cowboy Action Ammo" makes for a much more shooter friendly experience for extended range training and practice.*

[@stevenlawson9460]

I like the 41 mag round had a few ruger black hawks chambered in 41 wished I had kept them I may have to get one of those good review thank you

[@rangehot]

You are very welcome Steven.

[@jamespugh]

First time here. Talk about a cannon in the hands. .41mag has small following still. I seen it on charters website and want see how it handled to their 44spl and their 357mag. What type of velocity lost from the short barrel . Bear protection or pig protection bullet in that gun might hart for shore. Would like to see charter follow with a 4 inch or 5 inch or 6 inch version .

[@rockinthegange]

I have a Taurus Titanium snub in .41 mag . Carried it for years. I've never met anyone that wanted to shoot it after 1 round. Called it the flamethrower.

[@rangehot]

It is a handful.

[@paulfisher4660]

mine running 44 specials feels stout. 41 mag ?? good golly. it's a snappy little beast, makes a 10mm look like a 22.

[@Itasha_st]

i been looking at buying one i currently have a new model blackhawk 6.5 inch in .41 mag and lovvvveeeeee the cartridge i cant speak highly enough of this Caliber. ill just bite the bullet and buy one of these and see how it goes. thanks for making a review on it

[@leovasquez5501]

Olds_96 I have the same gun. And am seriously looking at this one as well.

[@poondo]

Thank you! Very professional and articulate.

[@rangehot]

I appreciate your kind words

[@9716-i7f]

Love charter they are underrated and underappreciated . Love the .41 magnum it is also underrated and underappreciated. That being said. Fuck That.

[@brandonbentley4413]

Going to pick one up today. Ordered one after watching this video.

[@brandonbentley4413]

Shoots great. Recoil is not to bad for a few rounds.

[@6000Skinny]

@@brandonbentley4413 lol how many is a few

[@brandonbentley4413]

About 10 lol

[@6000Skinny]

@@brandonbentley4413 lmao thanks for the reply.i think you just talked me out of buying one.is it too painful bc i was thinking of using it as a CCW.im an adult male 140 lbs what do you think?

[@brandonbentley4413]

6000 Skinny Probably too much for ccw. I bought mine because we have black bears and bobcats around my house. I only carry it around the house, if needed the recoil will not be a problem. They do make reduced loads for it though.

[@kerrythomas6948]

My normal vehicle gun is a Charter Arms 44spl. I have considered replacing it with the 41mag.....but I think I will keep what I have.

[@rangehot]

Good call. The .41 Magnum is a handful..

[@justinpatty4040]

I switch up between my bulldog 4; special and off duty 38 great guns

[@normanrea8146]

Hand loading is at its top in big cals. Small guns. I like 41 mag. I think it could be loaded to a deadly level without such severe recoil.

[@michaelhatfield3430]

A friend bought one and fired 5 rounds and Did Not want it anymore. So he ended up trading me for an old Charter Arms 38 I had. I load it with handloads approximating the old police load and it isn't too bad (210gr @ 900fps). I would only use full power loads in bear country.

[@marktelep5856]

The gun is wicked on each end!!!!!!!!! I carry it occasionally for EOC!!!!!!!!

[@leewatts5956]

Great review. If you handload you could download a 41 to more tolerable levels for in town social work. But in the wilderness at close range with aggressive wildlife, the recoil of a full house magnum will probably go unnoticed with all the adrenaline rushing through you. It's not a target or range gun. Just up close and powerful self defense gun. Again, great review.

[@rangehot]

Thank you very much Lee.

[@JHargis68]

I don't know why a mid-velocity ".41 Special" loading has never been introduced.

[@leewatts5956]

@@JHargis68 I use to think the same thing. I always thought a 41 special would perform about the same as a .40 S&W.

[@MichaelRoachDavid]

Found some ammo from Lax that seem good for target shooting 210gr around 966fps which puts it in the 435 foot-pounds manageable range.

[@troy9477]

I have a 6.5" Blackhawk, and i bnb n love the 41. Been interested in this one since i first heard about it and saw it on the Charter website. Ditto the 45 Colt. I would say it cries out for a 3" ported barrel. Silvertips might not be too bad, since they are bit below full velocity (200-250 fps below full velocity). In my Ruger they feel about the same as a 357 load, with maybe a tad more muzzle rise. As several posters said, 41 Special handloads would be the way to go for practice ammo (ballistics much like a 40). They should also do well against animals. Definitely a niche gun that can also be a lot of fun. Between this, the Bulldog, the Bulldog XL in 45 Colt, and the Pitbull in 45 ACP, Charter has the bases covered. And we haven't evenmentioned the Professional in 32 H&R (an interesting idea) or their variety of 38's......

[@rangehot]

Charter Arms does a good job offering affordable revolvers in a myriad of calibers.

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

I'm a 41 Magnum lover, and have "more than a few" of those wonderful guns! So far, my smallest one is an American Derringer in .41, and if I can handle THAT Beast, then this one should be just fine. I have a similar gun in the Taurus M415, and it's a outstanding little hand cannon. If it's available where I live, I'd LOVE to add one of these CA .41 Maggies to my .41 Family! Thanks for posting this video, and for your thoughts on this little Monster!! Much appreciated, and God Bless! - Doc

[@rangehot]

Thank you very much Doc. I have a feeling you are not lacking in the tough department.

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

@@rangehot You are too kind, Good Sir. I'd not say "tough", but very dedicated to the .41 Magnum cartridge, and the guns that shoot it!! Back when I got that American Derringer, I foolishly allowed a few family members to shoot it. I guess they didn't grasp (no pun intended), my meaning, when I suggested they have a "firm grip" on that little cannon! They both bled after two shots, and gave up on it. Still, I think that most folks would be best served with the ,41 over the ,44, even though I love that round, too. Take care, and God Bless! - Doc

[@rangehot]

My buddy John Travis/1911 Tuner favors the .41 Magnum over the .44 as well.

[@markrutledge-docmark41]

@@rangehot Smart man, your buddy, John! Don't get me wrong in that I do love the .44 maggie, too. But, I love the .41 more. Back before I owned either caliber, i was reloading .357 ammo for my Ruger SpeedSix, and in perusing the two reloading manuals I had bought, it appeared that the ammo companies had to have their .44's rebuilt far more often than they did their .41's. As I was considering going with my first Big Bore handgun, I dropped in at a local gun store, to comare the .44 and the .41. As luck would have it, the store had sold out of .44's, but had ONE, used, .41 in stock, a 6 1/2" barreled Ruger Blackhawk, which he offered me for a very good price. I bought it, as well as some reloading dies, and thus began my love of that wonderful .41 Magnum! Now, I own tons of .41's, and a small selection of .44's, and I still prefer the .41 over it's slightly bigger brother. IF I want something with more power, I use a Freedom Arms .454 Casull. Thanks, again, for a great review of your own little .41 revolver! Sadly, it's not available where I currently live. Time to move, me thinks...... - Doc

[@ericjohnson6784]

I had a taurus version of this and I miss that gun accurate and powerful

[@montecraig7032]

I have a couple hundred .41 special rounds that would fit that gun perfect.

[@americathegreat1811]

Bill Jordan was right. The 41 mag is about the perfect revolver cartridge for stopping dangerous people.

[@crafty714]

Holy moly!!!

[@lorneholtzclaw4505]

Good luck finding it on their web site. Still can’t find it for sale.

[@rangehot]

Really? I was told it would be available about the time of the review.

[@SandsArmory]

Just ordered one tonight they are on budsgunshop.com

[@brandonbentley4413]

Got some HSM cowboy loads and it is very mild on recoil.

[@aerostock1]

Small niche market...Driving Uber in Baltimore.

[@CHEECHMUN]

Handload them on the cool side and it won't recoil like DemonRat...

[@craigcarroll6161]

Have you any idea how hard it was eating a bowl of cereal and watching this video without laughing and spraying it all over? :) I'm glad they built this and you did such a great video. Now, will they do it in .44 mag so I don't have to go out and buy any .44 special brass?

[@rangehot]

Awesome. Thanks Craig for the kind words and support. I appreciate that.

[@jdmb03]

I use the Bulldog 45 Colt as a trail gun.

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

John Bruce: Are you confident the 45 Colt in short barrel the Charter will stop the 2 or 4 legged preditors on the trail?

[@kentuckywindage222]

I've been eyeing one of these for awhile. A buddy has the 44 special. He is an older gent with a LOT of experience with weapons. Owned his own store works at another now after retirement. Anyway to the point he said he had shot 44 magnum loads in the 44 special? I been around guns since childhood and been reloading for over 10 years. Question is, is he crazy for shooting mag in a special? My opinion is I wouldn't do it.

[@rangehot]

He is not crazy at all, it is of the similar mindset of shooting .38 Specials out of a .357 Magnum. Less punishing and less expensive you just have to be sure you clean the cylinder good before going back to the larger cartridge.

[@kentuckywindage222]

@@rangehot Thanks. So it is ok to shoot magnum loads in a Pug 44 special.

[@kentuckywindage222]

I think the gentleman talking magnum loads in a 44 special revolver was referring to hand loading his 44 special cartridges to 44 magnum velocity. Thanks for replying.

[@kentuckywindage222]

@@rangehot My original post should have been more specific. Should've just said he was loading and shooting mag loadings in his stainless charter arms 44 special. Hence, the reason I questioned his statement. Thanks again for replying.

[@rangehot]

No problem at all. You were right to question him. Thank you for the support.

[@danielgrove7782]

I saw one of these...i bought it..makes a great 41 special reload. 41 mag pocket pistol,whats not to like

[@JHargis68]

My 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk .41 is enough of a handful. If I want anything smaller my 3" SP-101 will fill the bill. This little beast is a bit um, much. Good review, though.

[@rangehot]

Thank you James.

[@waynestott1976]

I love mine it's my EDC I have over 500 rounds through mine no 41 special rounds either all full power solid copper hollow points

[@rangehot]

It is a solid revolver to be sure and would word well as a carry gun.

[@ronaldlucero4258]

Thanks appreciate 😉 Really enjoy the “ WEAPONS I wanna C 🤷🏼‍♂️”

[@bill154cub]

Probably shoot 41 specials out of it.?

[@Nathan-zj7io]

From the .30-06 T&C encore, to the glock 29, for a long time I have been searching for "The most asinine gun ever." I think this is it

[@rangehot]

I think you maybe right but I reviewed a Smith and Wesson 500 Magnum snub nose revolver.

[@mkshffr4936]

One could always load up ehat amounts to 41 special loads or cowboy loads which would be much easier handling and plenty for CCW.

[@rangehot]

That is exactly right.

[@colinsdad1]

In your opinion, would the recoil be on par with say, a S&W scandium .357 snubby?

[@colinsdad1]

@Darrell Kingsley YIKES! Ummmm....I think I'll pass on shooting one, thanks.

[@moehoward1377]

Holy sh*t,,, That is some recoil. I have the 357 mag pug,,, and with 357 rounds,,,its a hand stinger,,,,I can only imagine,,the 41 is very brutal,,,I have to get one now,,,,just to have,,,.

[@anonymousf454]

What kind of velocity are you getting with the snub and on which loads?

[@thomassmith7466]

Can you guys do a review on the new Charter Arms Black Nitrate Professional Revolver in 32 H&R, seeing as you guys seem to like Charter Arms so much?

[@rangehot]

I can inquire but to be honest I have little input on what review guns a manufacturer may send. They tend to send what they are looking to get publicity on.

[@armandocastalan6599]

Nice 👍😎👏👏👏👏

[@luket557]

What kind of velocity and muzzle energy do you think you can get out of that 2.5" barrel? I ask because I saw this online for $370 and it caught my eye. Thanks

[@rangehot]

If you look at the numbers from a 4" barrel in the velocity charts and subtract 250-300 fps for the 2 1/2" barrel.

[@SUPERSHANE95]

$356 at TSS warehouse now.

[@CapnBubbaa]

what kind of rounds did your fire Lead of Jacketed

[@rangehot]

Those were jacketed.

[@patrickbasin9389]

Sweet. What’s inshake?

[@rangehot]

Endshake is the movement of the cylinder front to back. Excessive endshake is indicative of excessive wear on the revolver.

[@nonyabiz9487]

When i carry my proton pack energy weapon used for weakening ghosts and the proton cannon isnt working in capturing them I switch to my 41 mag snubby to annihilate the ghosts ass

[@fanofthe4534]

wow

[@glenosborne9807]

Or a motorcycle enthusiast to carry.

[@donsettie3799]

Good lord

[@rangehot]

Right!

[@nokoolaid]

Chronograph data?

[@rangehot]

I did not chronograph the Mag Pug.

[@nokoolaid]

@@rangehot I've seen chronograph results for the 45 Colt version and it's abysmal. 600-700fps. That sucks. Better off with a XDs in 45acp.

[@rangehot]

Some folks prefer the snubby revolver for a carry gun.

[@nokoolaid]

@@rangehot Maybe so, but the ammo should do better. Bullets probably won't expand at those velocities and energy will be low. The 41 mag will do a lot better, but it seems to kick a little. Maybe it's the better one of the two.

[@edwardmccutchen4566]

Let's just pretend I'm a sworn in detective &I want something that will freeze the wanted guy(IF CALLED FOR)then I damn-sure want a 41mag by charter-arms!,💯

[@troyrichards9209]

I have this excact gun and its an abdolute animal ,dont even like shooting it

[@t.c.robinson5830]

If you hand load I can give you some 41 special data that will make that gun a pleasure to shoot.

[@rangehot]

I do hand load but not for the .41 Magnum T.C.

[@t.c.robinson5830]

rangehot.com, Here are my favorite target plinking loads I use : 41 Special Recipe using Starline 41 Special Brass or you can use magnum Brass I use a cast 175gr. HP bullet from GT Bullets out of Augusta Ga. Powder I use Hodgdon HP-38 My gun is a custom single action revolver with a 5-1/2" Barrel 5.0gr. = 850fps. My favorite for plinking and very clean burning ( feels like shooting a 38 spl. ) 5.5 gr. = 900fps 6.0gr = 1000fps. Grab some dies, I use Lee 41 magnum dies work perfectly, let me know what you think, Happy Trails my friend, TC

[@4StonesHandcraft]

If you would like to sell it let me know!

[@rangehot]

It was a test sample that I had to send back.

[@leovasquez5501]

Before I bought one I thought you were just overstating the recoil for drama. After I bought it I now think you are understating the recoil for modesty. Lol! With full house loads you better be focused and methodical. It’ll hurt you if your sloppy.

[@rangehot]

Leo, she is a beast ain't she?

[@leovasquez5501]

rangehot.com for sure. Makes my Glock 29 look like an Ruger sr22.

[@milwaukeegregg]

magnaport it....

[@rangehot]

That would make a helluva flash.

[@danoneill2846]

41 Special

[@rangehot]

No sir, .41 Magnum.

[@danoneill2846]

I got that , I think starline brass makes 41 special brass ?? The point is , no need to shoot full power ammo , mid range , target or shot shells for vermin would be more useful for everyday use .

[@rangehot]

Oh, I am following you now. I apologize. That is an excellent option and I appreciate the information.

[@danoneill2846]

It would be easy enough to down load Mag brass as well www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/41-Special/

[@SevenPTSixTwo]

It's a 10mm for adults

[@iamtheomega]

a pricey to shoot .357 magnum +P

[@rangehot]

but a much bigger and heavier bullet