The Charter Arms Mag Pug (MPN: 73524) is a .357 Magnum double/single-action revolver with a 2.2-inch barrel and a Crimson Trace laser grip. At 23 oz with an overall length of 7.32 inches, it's a compact but capable revolver for carry or home defense. 
 

Key Specifications 

• SKU: 1794004763 
• UPC: 678958735246 
• Brand: Charter Arms 
• Model Name: Mag Pug 
• MPN: 73524 
• Caliber: .357 MAG (compatible with .38 Special) 
• Action: Double/Single Action (DASA) 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.2 inches 
• Overall Length: 7.32 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 lbs (23 oz) 
• Sights: Fixed Front 
• Grip Type: Black Crimson Trace Laser 
• Finish: Matte Stainless Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

The .357 Mag chambering provides real stopping power for a revolver this size, and the option to use .38 Special makes practice sessions cheaper and more comfortable. The Crimson Trace laser grip aids target acquisition in low-light without requiring a separate mounted light or significant training time. 
 
Double/single-action operation gives the shooter a choice: the double-action pull is heavier for point-and-shoot use, while cocking to single-action produces a lighter, more precise break. The matte stainless steel frame and barrel handle corrosion well. Fixed front sight keeps the design simple. 
 
At 23 oz, felt recoil with full-power .357 Magnum loads is noticeable. This is an inherent trade-off with the compact frame. The gun hits hard, and shooters should expect that. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Home Defense: .357 Magnum at this barrel length delivers effective terminal performance. 
• Concealed Carry: 7.32 inches overall and 23 oz is manageable for IWB carry with an appropriate holster. 
• Backup/Competition: The compact size and DASA action work well in IDPA or as a secondary gun.

The Charter Arms Mag Pug in .357 DASA with Crimson Trace laser grip gets generally positive marks for its defensive utility, though the recoil discussion dominates most reviews.

Owners value the compact build and .357 Magnum power combination for carry. The Crimson Trace grip is consistently praised. It adds practical low-light capability without bulk. Double/single-action versatility is appreciated by experienced shooters who know how to use both modes.

The double-action trigger pull draws criticism from some users who find it heavier than expected. Recoil from full-power .357 loads in a 23 oz aluminum-frame gun is substantial, and several reviewers mention that extended sessions with .357 become fatiguing. Most note that switching to .38 Special solves this for practice. Long-term durability and finish quality receive occasional complaints, though serious functional failures are rarely reported. Overall, it's viewed as a practical defensive revolver with real trade-offs that buyers should understand before purchasing.

The grips and sights work well for me. At twenty feet and closer, it has produced several five-shot groups through one hole.