The Charter Arms Target Mastiff is a double-action/.357 Magnum revolver with a 6-inch stainless steel barrel and an integrated Picatinny rail under the barrel. The 5-round cylinder handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, and the stainless steel construction resists corrosion. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Target Mastiff 
• Caliber: .357 Mag / .38 Special 
• Action: Double Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 6 inches 
• Overall Length: 11.25 inches 
• Finish: Stainless Steel 
• Grip: Black Rubber 
• Sights: Fixed sights; Picatinny rail 
   

Features 

The 6-inch barrel gives a longer sight radius than compact revolvers, which helps with deliberate target work. The Picatinny rail under the barrel is useful for mounting a light or laser without sending the gun out for custom work. The rubber grip absorbs recoil and keeps the gun controllable on .357 Magnum loads. Double-action operation lets you fire without cocking the hammer, which is useful under stress. 
 

Usage 

The Target Mastiff fits a specific niche: a longer-barrel .357 revolver with an accessory rail for those who want to run a light or optic without gunsmithing. Target shooting is the primary use case. The 6-inch barrel and fixed sights reward a deliberate shooting style. It also works for home defense where carry weight is not a concern.

The Charter Arms Mastiff .357 Mag 6" Stainless Revolver with Picatinny Rail gets credit for its concept. A revolver with a factory accessory rail is a relatively uncommon combination, and owners who wanted to mount a light without custom work appreciate the option.

Build quality comments are mixed. The stainless construction and corrosion resistance get consistent praise, but fit and finish on some examples comes in for criticism. Specific complaints include small machining inconsistencies and parts that feel less refined than similarly-priced revolvers from larger manufacturers. Most functional reliability reports are positive, particularly with .38 Special loads. The .357 Magnum recoil is described as manageable with the rubber grip providing reasonable absorption.

The 6-inch barrel's contribution to accuracy at target distances is appreciated. Weight from the longer barrel is noted as a factor that limits carry comfort but steadies the gun at the bench.