Charter Arms has been building affordable “Made in the USA” revolvers for more than 60 years. In October 2024, consistent with the company’s ongoing innovation the new Double Dog Revolver Series was introduced. First in the series is the Charter Arms Mag Pug Combo, a combination of the Mag Pug and Pit Bull chamberings. This revolver allows for versatility with a two-cylinder, one frame design giving the shooter options for either .38 special/.357 Magnum or 9mm calibers.
Overview
The Charter Arms Double Dog is a double-action revolver, with a swing-out cylinder, and exposed hammer spur allowing for manual cocking for single-action fire. Safety is provided by a transfer bar system. The barrel, frame, and cylinder are made of stainless steel and available with either a natural or black subdued finish. The barrel is ported and has a full underlug with lightening “diamond cuts” in the ejector rod shroud area.
Charter Arms Double Dog Showing the Diamond Cuts
The Double Dog revolver comes with two cylinders — one chambered for .38 Special/.357 Mag., and the other for 9 mm Luger. Capacity is five rounds for either. The 9mm cylinder uses Charter’s patented dual-coil spring extractor system that does not require the use of moon clips with the rimless 9mm cartridge.
The Mag Pug/Double Dog combo is available in two formats—one ideal for concealed carry/self-defense and the other for recreational shooting. The shorter Double Dog has a 2.2” barrel, weighs 22 ounces, fixed sights, with a front ramped post and rear “gutter” style notch in the frame’s top strap. “Boot” style checkered walnut grips complete the snub nose Double Dog. The longer model has a 4.2” barrel and weighs 26 ounces. Its rear sight comes fully adjustable with smooth walnut grips designated as “Backpacker” style by Charter Arms.
Double Dog on the Range
Getting the compact 2.2-inch barrel Double Dog in my hands for a tryout, we ran it through its paces at the local shooting range.
Aguila 9mm in the Double Dog 9mm Cylinder
First, the cylinder swap (and therefor caliber swap) is as easy as unfastening the crane set screw and rolling out the cylinder by pressing the cylinder release. One note; the Double Dog comes with a pack of nylon washers that are to be used when switching cylinders. You simply place one of these washers on the crane screw before placing it back through the frame and the cylinder yoke itself and before tightening back down. This washer ensures the correct tension on the cylinder itself and minimizes any unnecessary back and forth movement of the cylinder.
Tightening the Crane Screw after Switching Cylinders
The 9mm Luger cylinder is the same as those on the Pitbull series. As previously mentioned, the cylinder features a spring-tensioned ejector rod that holds the rimless 9mm cases in the cylinder. On the range we found this makes for easy loading and extraction and no need of cumbersome moon clips.
We ran a wide variety of .38 Special, .357 Magnum and 9mm factory ammunition to include hollow point, jacketed soft point, and full metal jacket through the little Double Dog. Experiencing no problems with this newest offering from Charter Arms, we soon found that we needed additional replacement washers due to changing out the cylinders frequently. This was as simple as placing a call to Charters Arms Customer Service (excellent to work with) and requesting an additional package of nylon washers.
For the average shooter this would be a rare need and we were advised that these washers and other small parts will be listed on the Charter Arms website in the near future.
.38 Special Fired from the Double Dog
We fired the Double Dog from both single and double action and found it to be quite accurate within defensive encounter distances. Even with rapid fire I was able to keep five rounds within a six-to-eight-inch group consistently at 5 to 7 yards.
A Nice Group from the Double Dog Fired at 6-Yards
As expected, we experienced the greatest felt recoil when firing .357 Magnum ammo and the least with 9mm, but found that the Double Dog was very manageable no matter the caliber.
Available models of Double Dog Series:
- 2.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Stainless Steel, Classic Walnut Grips
- 2.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Black Passivate, Classic Walnut Grips
MSRP: $637 each
- 4.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Stainless Steel, Professional Backpacker Walnut Grips
- 4.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Black Passivate, Professional Backpacker Walnut Grips
MSRP: $659 each
Mag Pug Combo (Double Dog Series) Specifications:
- Type: Revolver
- Action: Double/Single Action
- Caliber/Gauge: .357 Magnum and 9mm
- Finish: Stainless & Black Passive
- Frame: Steel Frame
- Grips: Walnut Grips
- Barrel: 2.2″ & 4.2”
- Capacity: 5
- Sights: Fixed
- Weight: 4.2” – 26oz and 2.2” – 22oz.
Final Thoughts
The Double Dog was a pleasure to shoot and ideal for those wanting a revolver for concealed carry while also allowing for multiple caliber options all in one package.
Founded in 1964, the Ecker family continue to produce Charter Arms full line of revolvers. Charter Arms provides some of the most affordably priced, 100% American-made firearms and is located in Shelton, Connecticut. All Charter Arms revolvers are covered by a lifetime warranty.
To locate a dealer near you visit www.lipseys.com/dealerfinder
About the Author:
TERRY NELSON – is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement with police and sheriff agencies, including SWAT and sniper roles, and has served as a state game warden. Nelson also served seven years with New Mexico State Guard. A lifelong hunter, guide, tracker and firearms enthusiast, Terry is sought for training in multiple disciplines by both civilian and police-serving agencies and companies. Nelson also holds a Basic Tac Med instructor certification from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.