Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5rd Revolver
About this product
The Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5rd Revolver is a compact, ultra-lightweight five-shot revolver designed for everyday carry and discreet personal protection. It pairs a pink 7075 aluminum frame with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder for a two-tone finish. The revolver features fixed sights, an exposed spurred hammer, and a three-point cylinder lock for secure operation.
What is the Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special used for?
This revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense applications where minimal weight and maximum discretion are required. At 12 ounces unloaded, it carries lighter than most polymer-frame semi-autos, and the 2-inch barrel keeps printing to a minimum under light cover garments. The .38 Special chambering provides adequate stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil in this lightweight platform.
How does the Charter Arms Pink Lady compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Pink Lady is 2 ounces lighter than the all-steel Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight, making it more comfortable for all-day carry but with slightly sharper felt recoil. While both are 5-shot .38 Special revolvers with 2-inch barrels, the Charter Arms uses a three-point cylinder lock system versus Smith & Wesson's traditional ball detent, providing comparable lockup security at a lower price point of $385.99 versus the 642's typical $450-500 street price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is precisely 12 ounces (340 grams) with an overall length of 6.75 inches and height of 4.5 inches. The 2-inch barrel contributes to a slim profile of 1.25 inches wide at the cylinder, making it one of the most compact production revolvers available. These dimensions allow it to fit in most standard pocket holsters and small concealed carry purses.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for duty use, extended range sessions, or hunters requiring more than 5 rounds. The lightweight aluminum frame transmits more recoil than steel-frame alternatives like the the Stevens 334 Rifle, making it less ideal for high-volume practice. Those needing higher capacity should consider semi-automatic options rather than this limited-capacity revolver platform.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms does not include a cable lock or hard case—expect basic cardboard packaging. The moon clip allows for faster reloading compared to loose rounds, though spare clips must be purchased separately.
Is the Charter Arms Pink Lady worth it at $385.99?
At $385.99, it represents solid value for a specialized concealed carry tool with unique aesthetic appeal. While you could spend less on a used revolver or more on a premium brand, the Pink Lady offers reliable performance at a mid-market price point. For those who prioritize lightweight carry and don't mind the limited capacity, it delivers exactly what's promised without unnecessary features that add weight or cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz unloaded—2 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 642
- 2-inch barrel maintains 750 fps velocity with standard 125gr loads
- Three-point cylinder lock provides secure alignment with 0.003" tolerance
- 7075 aluminum frame resists corrosion better than 6061 alloys
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits tactical options compared to 6-shot revolvers
- Fixed sights require drift adjustment for windage—no elevation adjustment
- Painted finish wears holster contact points—expect visible holster wear in 3-6 months
- No included case or lock—adds $20-30 to initial setup cost
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538304 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53830 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Pink, Silver |
| length | 10.4000 |
| model | Pink Lady |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Pink Lady is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition according to Charter Arms specifications. However, I recommend limiting +P use to defensive scenarios only—the lightweight frame accelerates wear with sustained +P practice. Stick with standard pressure rounds for regular training.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for J-frame revolvers with 2-inch barrels. The 1.25-inch cylinder width matches Smith & Wesson J-frame dimensions, making it compatible with popular options from DeSantis, Galco, and Safariland. Always verify specific model compatibility before purchase.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping typically takes 3-5 business days to your selected FFL dealer after processing. All transfers must go through licensed dealers per ATF regulations—we cannot ship directly to residential addresses. Contact your FFL for their specific transfer timing and fees.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling the firearm at your local dealer before completing paperwork. If there are mechanical issues, Charter Arms provides a lifetime warranty that covers repairs through their certified service centers.