Description
There's a lot to like about the .32 H&R Magnum, and the Charter Arms Professional IV makes a strong case for it. You get ballistics in the neighborhood of standard pressure .38 Special with noticeably less recoil and muzzle blast, plus a seventh round in the cylinder where most compact revolvers give you five or six. For anyone who finds a lightweight .38 snappy, this thing is a genuinely pleasant gun to shoot, and follow-up shots come back on target fast.
How the Professional IV Is Built
Charter Arms based this one on the larger Bulldog XL frame, so it carries like a midsize revolver rather than a dainty pocket gun. The matte stainless barrel and cylinder are matched with an anodized aluminum frame, which keeps the whole package around 22 ounces. That's a solid half pound lighter than comparable all-steel wheelguns with a 3 inch tube. The finger-grooved walnut grips fill the hand nicely and give it a classic look that stands out in a sea of black rubber. Up front you get a green LitePipe sight that grabs light and draws the eye quickly, paired with a fixed rear notch that stays put and never needs fussing with.
Versatile at the Range and Beyond
Here's a bonus a lot of folks overlook: since it's chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, this revolver will also run .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long. That means you can plink with mild, inexpensive wadcutters all afternoon, then load up magnum defensive ammo when it matters. The double action trigger handles routine work, and the exposed hammer lets you cock it for a light single action press when you're squeezing accuracy out of it at distance. The 3 inch barrel hits a sweet spot too, giving you more velocity and sight radius than a snub without turning it into a holster anchor.
Why the Charter Arms Professional IV Earns a Spot
It's American made, backed by Charter's lifetime warranty, and fills a niche most manufacturers ignore. New wheelgun owners, anyone sensitive to recoil, and longtime revolver fans looking for something a little different will all find plenty to appreciate here.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Charter Arms
- Model: Professional IV
- Manufacturer Part Number: 73230
- UPC: 678958732306
- Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
- Capacity: 7 Rounds
- Action: Double / Single Action
- Barrel Length: 3"
- Barrel & Cylinder Finish: Matte Stainless
- Frame: Anodized Aluminum
- Grips: Finger-Grooved Walnut
- Front Sight: Green LitePipe
- Rear Sight: Fixed
- Weight: 22 oz
- Overall Length: 7.81"
What’s Included
- Charter Arms Professional IV revolver
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Charter Arms Professional IV shoot other .32 caliber ammo?
Yes. Since it's chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, it will also safely fire .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long. That gives you cheap, soft-shooting options for practice and full-power magnum loads for serious use. It is not rated for .327 Federal Magnum, so don't try to run that in it.
How does .32 H&R Magnum compare to .38 Special for self defense?
Ballistically it lands in the same neighborhood as standard pressure .38 Special, but with noticeably less recoil and muzzle blast. That makes it easier to shoot well, especially in a lighter gun, and quicker to get back on target. You also gain capacity, with seven rounds here versus the five or six typical of compact .38s.
Is the Professional IV double action or single action?
It's both. The Professional IV is a double action revolver with an exposed hammer, so you can fire it with a straight double action pull or thumb the hammer back for a lighter single action press. That flexibility is handy for slow, precise shooting at the range.
How big is this revolver compared to other Charter Arms models?
It's built on the larger Bulldog XL frame, so it's a midsize gun rather than a small-frame snub. Even so, the anodized aluminum frame keeps the weight around 22 ounces, which is roughly half a pound lighter than all-steel revolvers of similar barrel length. It carries comfortably while still soaking up what little recoil the .32 H&R Magnum produces.





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