Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2″ 5-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2" 5-Round Revolver? It's a compact, lightweight revolver chambered in .38 Special with a pink anodized aluminum frame designed specifically for concealed carry and personal protection. This five-shot wheelgun features a 2-inch barrel and weighs just 12 ounces empty, making it one of the lightest production revolvers in its class. Built around Charter Arms' proven transfer-bar safety system, it prioritizes reliability over capacity in a package that disappears under light clothing.
What is the Charter Arms Pink Lady used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry weapon for shooters who prioritize lightweight reliability over high capacity. The 12-ounce weight makes it comfortable for all-day carry, while the 2-inch barrel keeps printing minimal under jackets or untucked shirts. I recommend it for backup carry or as a primary for those who train specifically with five-round limitations.
How does the Charter Arms Pink Lady compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Pink Lady weighs 4 ounces less than the all-steel S&W 642 while maintaining identical .38 Special chambering and 5-round capacity. Charter's aluminum frame reduces carry fatigue significantly, though the 642's stainless construction offers better long-term durability against holster wear. For pure carry comfort, the Pink Lady wins; for hard-use longevity, the 642 maintains an edge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Empty weight measures 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 1.25-inch width across the cylinder, allowing easy concealment in pocket holsters or IWB setups. These dimensions make it approximately 15% more compact than the Stevens 334 Rifle in overall carry profile.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you require more than five rounds or need optics-ready mounting. The fixed sights and limited capacity make it unsuitable for duty use or competitive shooting. Shooters with large hands will find the grip circumference challenging, and those preferring striker-fired automatics should consider higher-capacity options like the Stevens 555 series for shotgun platform versatility.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and a cable lock per federal requirements. Charter Arms includes basic documentation but omits spare grips or cleaning tools. The moon clip allows faster reloading than traditional speedloaders, though you'll need to purchase additional clips separately for training purposes.
Is the Charter Arms Pink Lady worth it at $394.99?
At $395, it occupies the mid-range for quality American-made revolvers with a legitimate purpose-built advantage. The price reflects the specialized aluminum frame construction and transfer-bar safety system, putting it $50 below comparable Smith & Wesson models. For shooters who value weight reduction above all else, this represents fair value; those wanting more features should expect to pay $450+.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz empty — 4 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 642
- 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.75 inches for deep concealment
- Transfer-bar safety prevents discharge unless trigger is fully depressed
- Anodized aluminum frame resists holster wear better than painted finishes
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits defensive utility compared to modern micro-compacts
- Fixed sights require paint for low-light acquisition — adds $15-30 aftermarket expense
- Aluminum frame shows wear after 500+ draw cycles — not for daily duty use
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538359 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53835 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| sights | Fixed Front |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Pink Lady handles standard .38 Special +P loads safely. Charter Arms rates it for occasional +P use, though I recommend limiting to 20% of your total round count due to accelerated frame wear. Stick with 158-grain standard pressure for daily training.
- Does it fit small-handed shooters?
- The 4.3-inch grip circumference accommodates hand sizes from youth to medium-large adults. Women and shooters with smaller hands typically find the rubber grips provide adequate control without modification. Those with larger hands should consider aftermarket grip options.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically arrive in 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority. Your local FFL holder will require additional 24-48 hours for background check processing before release. Always confirm transfer fees with your dealer before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, per ATF regulations. Holster compatibility should be verified before purchase—this revolver fits most holsters designed for J-frame revolvers with 2-inch barrels. We recommend Blade-Tech or DeSantis models specifically fitted for Charter Arms.