The Charter Arms Professional V .357 Magnum 3″ 6-Round is a stainless steel, large-frame revolver that balances concealed carry capability with defensive power. Its 3-inch barrel and six-round cylinder give you a full grip and enough sight radius for accurate shots, while the LitePipe fiber optic front sight keeps the dot visible in low light. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it also accepts .38 Special for lighter practice loads. At $480.28, this is a no-frills wheelgun built for daily carry and home defense, with stainless construction that resists rust and wear.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Professional V |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Brushed stainless |
| Weight | Approx. 24 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- LitePipe Fiber Optic Front Sight – WHY IT MATTERS: The bright green or red pip grabs light, giving you a fast, high-contrast sight picture even in dim indoor or outdoor conditions. No batteries, no tritium to fade.
- 3-Inch Barrel with Full Underlug – WHY IT MATTERS: The extra inch over a snubnose boosts velocity by roughly 50-75 fps with .357 Magnum loads, while the underlug adds weight forward to tame muzzle rise for quicker follow-up shots.
- Six-Round Cylinder – WHY IT MATTERS: One more round than most compact .357s means you get a full six shots without a bulky frame. Reloads are straightforward with a speedloader or moon clip.
- Traditional Wood Grips with Checkering – WHY IT MATTERS: The wood panels fill your hand naturally and provide a secure purchase under recoil, without the sticky or bulky feel of rubber. They also give the revolver a classic, professional look.
- All-Stainless Construction – WHY IT MATTERS: Every external metal part is stainless steel, which means no bluing to wear off and superior corrosion resistance for sweaty summer carry or humid environments.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the shooter who wants a simple, reliable defensive tool without electronics, springs, or magazines to manage. It fits the daily carrier who prefers wheelguns over semi-autos for their mechanical simplicity and revolver-specific manual of arms. It also works for new shooters who want a .357 that can grow with them—start with .38 Special, step up to full-power magnums later. The 3-inch barrel is short enough to conceal under a jacket or in an OWB holster, but long enough for practical accuracy at self-defense distances.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affordable price point under $500 for a stainless .357 revolver from a known U.S. maker.
- Pro: Light enough (24 oz) for belt carry but heavy enough to manage magnum recoil.
- Pro: Fixed rear sight and fiber optic front are durable and snag-free.
- Con: The double-action trigger pull is heavy—around 10-12 lbs out of the box—and may require a spring kit or gunsmithing to lighten. This is common for budget revolvers, but worth noting if you’re used to tuned triggers.
Comparison
| Feature | Charter Arms Professional V | Smith & Wesson Model 60 | Ruger SP101 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 3″ | 3″ | 3.06″ |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Weight | 24 oz | 24 oz | 27 oz |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| MSRP | $480 | $900+ | $750+ |
| Trigger | Heavy DA (10-12 lbs) | Moderate DA (9-11 lbs) | Heavy DA (11-13 lbs) |
The Professional V undercuts both competitors by several hundred dollars while offering a 6-round capacity—one more than the Model 60 or SP101. You sacrifice some refinement in trigger pull and finish details, but for the price, you get a functional, stainless defensive revolver that runs.
FAQ
What is the barrel length and twist rate?
The barrel is 3 inches. Per Charter Arms specs, the twist rate is 1:18.75″ RH, standard for .357 Magnum revolvers.
Can I use .38 Special +P ammunition in this revolver?
Yes. The Professional V is rated for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. Using .38 Special reduces recoil and is fine for practice or carry. Always check your specific revolver’s manual to confirm pressure ratings.
Does it come with a hard case or lock?
It ships in a cardboard box with foam insert, a cable lock, and the owner’s manual. No hard case is included at this price point.
Is the front sight replaceable?
The LitePipe fiber optic is a proprietary design. The pipe itself can be replaced if it breaks, but the sight base is fixed to the barrel. Aftermarket options are limited.
What holsters fit the 3-inch barrel?
Most holsters designed for 3-inch K-frame or J-frame sized revolvers will work, but check for the specific barrel length. Brands like DeSantis, Galco, and Simply Rugged offer options. The 3-inch barrel is a common length.
CTA
The Charter Arms Professional V .357 Magnum 3″ 6-Round is in stock and ready to ship. Add it to your cart and get a reliable stainless revolver for under $500—no frills, just function.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Browse more Revolvers or check our Concealed Carry Gear and Self-Defense Ammunition.
Last updated: April 2026




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