NRA Gun of the Week: Charter Arms Professional

posted on June 18, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Charter Arms Blacknitride+ Professional in .357 Mag., is a mid-size revolver engineered for concealed carry and home defense, and it is priced affordably, too. Since the mid-1960s, Charter Arms kept its focus on manufacturing to provide the American market with affordable, light and reliable wheelguns; its latest Professional shares these hallmark attributes.


Built from stainless steel and aluminum, the Charter Arms Professional features a unique lockwork fitted within a one-piece frame that is lacking of side plates. Attached to the frame is a separate aluminum trigger guard and grip assembly that helps drop the weight of the Professional down to 25 ozs., empty.


A proprietary finish is featured on the Professional revolver that renders the surfaces matte black and provides utility of combining corrosion and wear resistance with the added functionality of increased surface hardening for a long working life.


Charter Arms supplies a 3” barrel that is one piece and fitted to the frame in front of a fluted cylinder that is set with a capacity for six rounds of .357 Mag. or .38 Spl. The gun's cylinder is secured by three lockup points for added security. The controls are typical for a double-action revolver, with an exposed hammer at the rear and a serrated cylinder release found on the left side of the frame. Walnut stocks come standard.


Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about the Charter Arms Blacknitride+ Professional revolver.


Charter Arms Blacknitride+ Professional Specifications

Manufacturer: Charter Arms
Action Type: double-action, center-fire revolver
Chambering: .357 Mag.
Barrel: 3” stainless steel
Frame: stainless steel, aluminum trigger guard
Cylinder: stainless steel, six-round capacity
Sights: square notch rear; fiber-optic front
Finish: Blacknitride+
Length: 8.25”
Height: 5.3”
Width: 1.60”
Weight: 25 ozs.
MSRP: $407

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.