Charter Arms Boomer Handgun .44 Spl 5rd Capacity 2” Barrel Black
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About this product
What is the Charter Arms Boomer? The Charter Arms Boomer is a compact, large-frame .44 Special revolver designed for concealed carry, delivering significant stopping power from a 5-round cylinder and a 2-inch barrel. Introduced in 1973 and once carried by U.S. Sky Marshals, this 24-ounce handgun operates at a manageable 15,500 PSI chamber pressure, offering a middle ground between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ballistics.
What is the Charter Arms Boomer used for?
The Boomer is primarily a concealed carry weapon for personal protection, balancing potent .44 Special terminal ballistics with a 24-ounce frame and 6-inch overall length suitable for discreet holstering. Its concealed hammer design prevents snagging during a rapid draw, while the black passivate finish on stainless steel resists corrosion from daily carry. The 5-round capacity is adequate for most civilian defensive scenarios, weighing less than many comparable .357 Magnum revolvers.
How does the Charter Arms Boomer compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Boomer is a close-quarters defensive handgun, whereas the Stevens 334 Rifle is a 20-inch barrel .308 Winchester platform built for precision at 200+ yards. The Boomer’s 2-inch barrel limits effective range to about 25 yards with fixed sights, while the Stevens 334’s bolt-action system and longer barrel sustain accuracy beyond 300 yards with proper optics. For home defense in tight spaces, the Boomer’s 6-inch length is superior; for rural property protection, the Stevens 334’s range and power are unmatched.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Boomer weighs 24 ounces (680 grams) and measures 6 inches in length, 4.5 inches in height, with a 2-inch barrel. Its compact rubber grip accommodates most hand sizes without adding bulk, and the large-frame stainless steel construction maintains durability despite the lightweight profile. The 5-round cylinder diameter is approximately 1.75 inches, contributing to a slim profile ideal for inside-the-waistband carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for novice shooters or those seeking high capacity, as the .44 Special recoil demands experience and the 5-round limit falls short of modern semi-automatic alternatives. Individuals requiring optics readiness or adjustable sights should consider a platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for its versatility. The Boomer’s lack of sights also makes it poorly suited for precision target shooting beyond 25 yards.
What's in the box?
The box includes the Boomer revolver, one 5-round moon clip for faster reloading, and a factory-supplied cable lock for secure storage. Charter Arms provides a limited lifetime warranty pamphlet, but aftermarket holsters and speed loaders must be purchased separately. Total packaged weight is approximately 3.2 pounds, including all included accessories.
Is the Charter Arms Boomer worth it at $467.99?
At $467.99, the Boomer offers fair value for a proven .44 Special platform, costing about $150 less than a comparable Smith & Wesson Model 69 but lacking its adjustable sights. The investment is justified for shooters who prioritize reliability over capacity and can manage the cartridge’s recoil in a 24-ounce frame. For those needing more versatility, the price proximity to entry-level semi-automatics like the Glock 19 may warrant consideration of higher-capacity options.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 24 oz — 6 oz lighter than a Smith & Wesson Model 69
- 2-inch barrel and 6-inch length ideal for concealed carry
- Stainless steel frame with black passivate finish resists corrosion
- 5-round .44 Special capacity delivers 85% more energy than .38 Special
Trade-offs
- No sights installed — limits accuracy beyond 25 yards
- 5-round cylinder capacity is half that of modern semi-autos
- .44 Special ammunition costs 30% more than 9mm per round
- Concealed hammer prevents single-action firing for precision shots
Key attributes
| upc | 678958144598 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 14459 |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Magnum ammunition?
- No, the Boomer is chambered exclusively for .44 Special, which operates at 15,500 PSI, while .44 Magnum runs at 36,000 PSI and could damage the frame. Always verify cartridge stamping before loading; use only SAAMI-approved .44 Special rounds from brands like Federal or Hornady.
- Does it fit a standard small-frame holster?
- No, the Boomer’s large-frame design requires holsters specifically molded for Charter Arms Bulldog models, such as those from DeSantis or Galco. The 2-inch barrel and 6-inch overall length may not seat properly in holsters designed for J-frame revolvers.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 days to most continental U.S. locations. Expedited options are available for an additional fee, reducing transit time to 2-3 days via FedEx or UPS.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearm returns are restricted due to federal regulations; Ironclad Armory only accepts returns for manufacturer defects verified within 30 days of purchase. We recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or using our sizing guide to confirm grip dimensions before ordering.
- Does this work with common .44 Special speed loaders?
- Yes, the Boomer accepts standard 5-round .44 Special speed loaders from HKS or Safariland, model numbers 587-A and J-K/L respectively. The moon clip included provides a faster alternative, reducing reload time to under 3 seconds with practice.