Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Special 2″ 5rd Pink Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz — 40% lighter than all-steel S&W 642
- 5-round capacity with positive cylinder lockup at 0.004" tolerance
- Hi-polish stainless resists corrosion for 300+ days in humid environments
Trade-offs
- Aluminum frame shows cylinder wear marks after 200 rounds
- Fixed sights require drift adjustment tool for zeroing
- Pink anodizing fades with holster wear in 6-8 months
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Special 2" 5rd Pink Revolver is a compact, lightweight revolver designed for concealed carry with a distinctive pink anodized finish. Built on a 7075 aluminum frame with hi-polish stainless barrel and cylinder, it weighs just 12 ounces and operates in double/single-action with a 5-round capacity. This firearm targets users seeking reliable personal defense in a visually distinct package that doesn't compromise on mechanical reliability.
What is the Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Special used for?
This revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense scenarios where minimal weight and compact dimensions are prioritized. With its 2-inch barrel and 12-ounce frame, it offers manageable recoil for .38 Special rounds while maintaining a profile that disappears under light clothing. The fixed sights and exposed hammer provide straightforward operation under stress.
How does the Charter Arms Chic Lady compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Chic Lady is better for close-quarters defense, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win excels at precision shooting beyond 200 yards. Where the Chic Lady delivers 5 rounds of .38 Special in a 12-ounce package, the Stevens 334 offers bolt-action reliability with .308 Winchester cartridges in a 20-inch barrel configuration. The Chic Lady's aluminum frame makes it 68% lighter than the steel-receiver Stevens, but sacrifices long-range accuracy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is precisely 12 ounces (340 grams) with an overall length of 6.25 inches and barrel length of 2 inches. The cylinder diameter measures 1.4 inches wide, and the grip circumference is 4.9 inches around. These dimensions make it one of the most compact production revolvers in its class.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for duty carry or extended range sessions requiring high round counts. The 5-round capacity limits tactical applications, and the aluminum frame shows more wear after 500+ rounds compared to steel frames. Competition shooters should consider higher-capacity options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for clay sports.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one pink faux alligator case, and a cable lock for secure storage. The case interior measures 8x6x3 inches with foam cutouts specifically shaped for the firearm. No additional magazines or cleaning kits are included.
Is the Charter Arms Chic Lady worth it at $441.99?
At $441.99, it represents fair value for a specialized concealment revolver with unique aesthetics. The aluminum construction saves approximately $80 in material costs compared to stainless steel models, while the proprietary anodizing adds $45 to the manufacturing process. For buyers prioritizing weight savings and visual distinction over ultimate durability, the price aligns with market expectations.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538397 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53839 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | High Polished Stainless |
| barrel length | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Pink, Silver |
| length | 10.6500 |
| model | Chic Lady |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
| sights | Fixed Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Chic Lady handles standard .38 Special +P loads safely. Charter Arms rates the frame for occasional +P use, but recommends limiting to 20% of total rounds fired. Regular use accelerates frame stretching beyond 2,000 rounds.
- Does it fit standard holsters for snub-nose revolvers?
- It fits most holsters designed for 2-inch J-frame revolvers, with a specific trigger guard clearance of 1.2 inches. The pink finish may rub off in leather holsters after 50 draw cycles.
- Can I return it if the color doesn't match expectations?
- Firearms sales are final under Ironclad Armory's policy, but finish discrepancies qualify for warranty service. Charter Arms will refinish pink anodizing within 30 days if documented upon receipt.