Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special 2″ 5-Round Revolver (Refurb)
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 20 oz—4 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 69 Combat
- 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.8 inches for concealment
- Refurbishment replaces mainspring and ejector rod for reliability
- 5-round moon clip included for faster reloads versus loose rounds
Trade-offs
- Refurbished finish shows minor holster wear—not collector grade
- .44 Special ammunition costs $0.80/round versus $0.30 for 9mm
- No optics mounting capability—iron sights only
- Limited aftermarket support compared to S&W or Ruger revolvers
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special 2" 5-Round Revolver (Refurb) is a compact, refurbished revolver chambered for .44 Special with a 2-inch barrel and five-round capacity, designed for concealed carry and close-range defensive use. This Ironclad Armory refurbishment maintains the original Charter Arms design while ensuring mechanical reliability through professional inspection and parts replacement. The 20 oz weight and short barrel make it one of the lightest .44 Special revolvers available, prioritizing carry comfort over extended range sessions.
What is the Charter Arms Boomer .44 Special 2" 5-Round Revolver (Refurb) used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry or backup weapon for experienced shooters who understand .44 Special ballistics. The 2-inch barrel limits effective range to approximately 15 yards, making it ideal for urban defensive scenarios where engagement distances are short. Its 20 oz weight allows all-day carry comfort, though the .44 Special recoil requires proper grip technique to manage effectively.
How does the Charter Arms Boomer compare to the Smith & Wesson 69 Combat?
The Boomer is 12 oz lighter and 2.3 inches shorter overall than the Smith & Wesson 69 Combat, making it significantly better for concealed carry. However, the S&W 69 offers six-round capacity versus five, along with superior trigger smoothness and aftermarket support—the Boomer wins on concealment while the 69 excels at range performance and customization options.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 20 oz unloaded and measures 6.8 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.45 inches, and the rosewood-style grips add approximately 1.25 inches to the grip circumference, keeping it concealable under most clothing. These dimensions make it comparable in size to compact 9mm pistols like the Glock 43 but with heavier .44 Special chambering.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for new shooters or those unfamiliar with .44 Special recoil management. The 20 oz weight combined with .44 Special ammunition generates significant muzzle flip—approximately 40% more felt recoil than a .38 Special snubnose of similar size. Anyone seeking a high-capacity defensive weapon should consider semi-automatic options like the the Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
The refurbished package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and Ironclad Armory's certification of refurbishment detailing replaced springs and function testing. Unlike new Charter Arms models, it does not include factory paperwork or original packaging—this is strictly a working tool without collector documentation. Expect basic transport security via a generic hard case rather than branded packaging.
Is the Charter Arms Boomer worth it at $448.99?
At $448.99, this refurb represents a $150-$200 savings over a new Charter Arms Boomer, making it worthwhile for shooters who prioritize function over cosmetic perfection. The refurbishment process replaces critical wear components like the mainspring and ejector rod, ensuring reliability comparable to new production. For buyers seeking a dedicated carry revolver rather than a showpiece, this pricing delivers mechanical integrity without the new-gun premium.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958144291 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 14429 |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | .44 SPECIAL |
| capacity | 5 |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .44 Magnum ammunition?
- No, this revolver is chambered exclusively for .44 Special—do not attempt to fire .44 Magnum cartridges. The cylinder and frame are not rated for magnum pressures, which exceed SAAMI limits by approximately 15,000 PSI. Use only SAAMI-spec .44 Special loads with maximum pressure of 15,500 PSI.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day functional warranty on all refurbished firearms, covering mechanical failures but not cosmetic issues. Returns must be initiated within 14 days of receipt and shipped via FFL-to-FFL transfer at customer expense. Refunds exclude original shipping costs and FFL transfer fees.
- Does this fit standard Charter Arms holsters?
- Yes, it retains original Charter Arms Boomer dimensions and fits most holsters designed for this model. The 2-inch barrel and 20 oz weight require specifically sized leather or Kydex—I recommend DeSantis Mad Max or Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake models. Avoid universal holsters that may not secure the short barrel adequately.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically require 3-5 business days processing plus 2-3 days transit via FedEx or UPS. You must provide your FFL's information before shipment—allow 48 hours for FFL verification if not already on file. Expedited shipping adds $35 for next-day air service.