Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special 2in 5-Shot Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 20 oz unloaded — manages .44 Special recoil in a sub-21-ounce package.
- 2-inch ported barrel reduces muzzle rise by approximately 20% vs an unported equivalent.
- Five-round cylinder load is ready to fire with no external safety to disengage.
- 7.32-inch overall length is 0.8 inches shorter than a J-frame with comparable power.
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger requires a consistent 12-pound pull for every shot — no single-action option.
- Limited to five rounds — half the capacity of most modern compact semi-automatics like a Glock 43X.
- Uses proprietary 5-round moon clips, not standard speedloaders, which cost $15-25 each.
- .44 Special ammunition averages $1.25 per round for practice loads, making training expensive.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special 2in 5-Shot Revolver? It is a double-action-only large-frame revolver engineered specifically to deliver the .44 Special cartridge from an extremely compact 7.32-inch platform. This design prioritizes concealability and immediate use with its streamlined snag-free profile, placing it directly in competition with the Taurus 444 Ultralite and older large-frame snub-nose revolvers that traditionally sacrifice cartridge power for size.
What is the Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special revolver used for?
The Charter Arms Boomer is purpose-built for discreet defensive carry as a primary or backup firearm. Its 20-ounce weight makes it viable for all-day carry, and the 2-inch ported barrel is a direct trade-off for concealment at the expense of approximately 200-300 feet per second in muzzle velocity compared to a 4-inch service revolver. The five-round cylinder capacity and .44 Special chambering position it for those who prioritize shot placement and manageable recoil over high-volume capacity in a defensive encounter.
How does the Charter Arms Boomer compare to the Taurus 444 Ultralite?
Compared directly to the Taurus 444 Ultralite revolver, the Charter Arms Boomer fires the milder .44 Special rather than the full-power .44 Magnum, while being approximately 4 ounces lighter and marginally shorter in overall length. The Taurus is the better choice for those demanding maximum power from a compact wheelgun, while the Boomer is superior for those prioritizing faster follow-up shots and more manageable recoil due to its ported barrel and specific cartridge selection, making it a more specialized tool for a specific role.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is exactly 20 ounces, with a cylinder width of 1.4 inches and an overall length of 7.32 inches. The 2-inch barrel features a tapered profile with two 1/8-inch diameter ports on top for muzzle control, contributing to the 6.8-inch overall height when measured from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the grip frame. For comparison, the Stevens 334 Rifle is nearly a foot longer, illustrating the extreme compactness of this defensive handgun format.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the casual plinker or the new shooter seeking a low-cost training platform. With a limited 5-round capacity and expensive .44 Special ammunition averaging $1.25 per round for practice loads, it represents a commitment to a specific, high-stakes role. It is also a poor choice for anyone requiring manual safety features or a single-action trigger mode, as the double-action-only system demands a deliberate 12-pound trigger pull for every shot, a feature incompatible with marksmanship-focused disciplines.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 5-round steel moon clip (compatible with specific .44 Special rimless loads), a basic plastic hard case, a standard cable lock, and a four-page owner's manual covering California and Massachusetts compliance disclaimers. Unlike many modern semi-automatics, it does not include a cleaning kit or a second magazine, reflecting its utilitarian design philosophy. You'll need to purchase a suitable holster separately, a critical component for any carry firearm discussed in our holster guide.
Is the Charter Arms Boomer worth it at $415.99?
At $415.99, the Charter Arms Boomer is worth the cost only if your use case demands a no-excuses, snag-free .44 Special revolver for concealed carry. It's priced approximately $70-$100 above a comparable .38 Special snub-nose, a premium justified by its large-frame construction and niche caliber. For the shooter who values absolute mechanical simplicity, hates clearing jams, and trains specifically with double-action triggers, this is a purpose-tool, not a range toy, and the cost reflects that specialization.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958644296 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 64429 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 S&W Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 6.82 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this revolver compatible with .44 Magnum ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .44 S&W Special. Attempting to fire .44 Magnum in this cylinder will cause dangerous over-pressure and is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer.
- Does it fit standard holsters for a 2-inch snub-nose revolver?
- No, due to its large frame size, it requires holsters specifically molded for large-frame snub-nose revolvers like those for the S&W 629 snub. Standard holsters for K/L-frame .38s will not fit.
- How long does shipping take for an online firearm purchase?
- Shipment to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and compliance checks. The FFL then must conduct the mandatory NICS background check, which can add 1-3 days.
- Can I mount an optic on the Charter Arms Boomer?
- No, the top strap is not machined for an optic mount plate. The factory sight is a fixed, low-profile notch-and-blade system, which is integral to the revolver's design for snag-free concealment.