The Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2″ Stainless 5-Rd DAO is a no-nonsense snub-nose revolver built for daily carry. Chambered in .357 Magnum (also handles .38 Special), this five-shot stainless steel wheel gun weighs about 23 ounces and ships with a double-action-only trigger. It’s a compact, corrosion-resistant piece designed to go where you go and work when you need it.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Mag Pug |
| Material | Stainless Steel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Brushed Stainless |
| Weight | ~23 oz (unloaded, per Charter Arms) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- DAO Trigger System – WHY IT MATTERS: Eliminates the hammer spur for snag-free draws from a pocket or holster, and the consistent pull weight reduces training variables under stress.
- 2.2-Inch Barrel – WHY IT MATTERS: Keeps overall length short enough for appendix or ankle carry while still delivering enough velocity for .357 Mag defensive loads.
- Full-Size Rubber Grips – WHY IT MATTERS: Soaks up recoil from hot .357 loads and gives you a full-fisted hold on a small frame, improving control and follow-up shot speed.
- Stainless Steel Construction – WHY IT MATTERS: Resists sweat, rain, and humidity during everyday carry without rust spots or finish wear—just wipe and go.
- Five-Round Capacity – WHY IT MATTERS: Keeps the cylinder compact and the weight low, while still offering one more round than classic J-frame snubbies.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the daily carrier who wants a simple, reliable backup or primary deep-conceal piece. It fits the pocket-dump crowd—guys who rotate between a micro-9 and a wheel gun depending on dress code. Also works for new shooters who prefer the revolver manual of arms over a semi-auto.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Light enough for all-day carry, DAO trigger is snag-free, stainless finish handles sweat, shoots .38 Special cheaply for practice.
- Cons: DAO trigger pull is heavy (around 9-10 lbs per Charter Arms specs), and the fixed sights are basic—good for point shooting but not precision work.
Comparison
| Feature | Charter Arms Mag Pug | S&W 642 Airweight | Ruger LCR .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .38 Spl +P only | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Weight | ~23 oz | ~15 oz | ~17 oz |
| Barrel Length | 2.2″ | 1.875″ | 1.875″ |
| Trigger | DAO (hammerless) | DAO (hammerless) | DAO (hammerless) |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| MSRP Range | $416 (budget-friendly) | $500+ | $600+ |
FAQ
Does the Mag Pug shoot .38 Special without issues?
Yes—per Charter Arms specs, the Mag Pug is compatible with .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. You can run .38 Special for practice or low-recoil carry loads.
Is the trigger heavy for a DAO revolver?
Yes, the double-action-only trigger pull is about 9–10 pounds, which is standard for a defensive snub-nose. It’s consistent and safe for carry, but you’ll want dry-fire practice to build finger strength.
Can I change the grips on the Mag Pug?
Yes—the full-size rubber grips are removable and aftermarket grips from Hogue or Pachmayr (designed for Charter Arms small frames) will fit.
Is this revolver safe for pocket carry?
Yes—the DAO trigger and hammerless design make it snag-free, and the 23-ounce weight keeps it from flopping in a pocket holster. Just use a quality pocket holster that covers the trigger guard.
CTA
Grab the Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 Mag 2.2″ Stainless 5-Rd DAO from our shop and add a reliable wheel gun to your EDC rotation. Browse more Revolvers or check our Concealed Carry section for holster options.
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Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Firearms
Last updated: April 2026





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