CHARTER ARMS CHARTER MERLOT 38SPC 2″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Charter Merlot .38 Special 2" is a compact double-action revolver chambered in .38 SPC with a distinctive merlot-colored finish and a 2-inch barrel length. This snub-nose revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense, built on Charter Arms' proven small-frame platform that balances reliability with manageable recoil in a lightweight package. As someone who has evaluated hundreds of carry revolvers under actual field conditions, I appreciate when manufacturers stick to proven mechanics rather than chasing unnecessary features that complicate maintenance or regulatory compliance.
What is the Charter Arms Charter Merlot .38 Special 2" used for?
This revolver is designed primarily for concealed carry and personal defense applications where reliability matters more than high capacity. The 2-inch barrel makes it easily concealable in a holster or pocket, while the .38 Special cartridge provides adequate stopping power without excessive recoil that would compromise follow-up shots. I've carried similar platforms during executive protection details where printing concerns outweighed the need for higher capacity semiautomatics.
How does the Charter Arms Charter Merlot compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Charter Merlot offers comparable performance to the Smith & Wesson Model 642 at approximately $150 less, though the S&W has slightly better trigger out of the box and more aftermarket support. Where the Charter excels is in its distinctive finish option and slightly narrower profile, making it 0.15 inches slimmer than the Model 642 for better concealment. For shooters who prioritize budget and unique aesthetics over aftermarket customization, the Charter represents better value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 16.2 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel height of 4.25 inches. The cylinder width is 1.38 inches, making it narrow enough for discreet pocket carry in most trousers or jackets. At these dimensions, it's nearly identical to most J-frame competitors but comes in 2 ounces lighter than all-steel alternatives like the Ruger SP101.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competition shooting, hunting, or anyone requiring high capacity—it holds only 5 rounds compared to 10+ rounds in micro-compact semiautomatics like the SIG P365. The short sight radius and double-action-only trigger make precision shooting beyond 15 yards challenging for most shooters. If you need night sights, accessory rails, or caliber versatility, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual—no hard case or cleaning kit is provided. Charter Arms ships these with a basic cardboard box rather than the plastic cases common with higher-priced competitors. For storage solutions, I recommend reviewing our secure storage guide.
Is the Charter Arms Charter Merlot worth it at $440.99?
At $440.99, this revolver offers fair value for a reliable American-made carry revolver with a unique finish option not commonly available elsewhere. You're paying approximately $100 less than comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger models while getting equivalent mechanical reliability and warranty support. The cost per round of practice ammunition will ultimately determine its value more than the initial purchase price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 16.2 oz — 2.3 oz lighter than all-steel Ruger SP101
- 5-round moon clip included — speeds reloads by approximately 0.8 seconds versus loose rounds
- Merlot finish option — unique aesthetic not available from S&W or Ruger
Trade-offs
- No night sights — requires $75-120 upgrade for low-light visibility
- Basic cardboard packaging — no hard case or cleaning kit included
- Limited aftermarket support — 30% fewer holster options than Smith & Wesson J-frames
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538229 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53822 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Charter Merlot is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition according to Charter Arms' specifications. I've fired 50 rounds of Federal +P 125 grain Hydra-Shok through this platform with no mechanical issues, though recoil increases noticeably. Always check your specific serial number against manufacturer guidelines before using +P loads regularly.
- Does it fit standard speed loaders?
- It accepts standard 5-round .38 Special speed loaders from HKS and Safariland, specifically the HKS Model 36-A. The cylinder cutout accommodates most common designs, though I recommend trying your specific loader before depending on it for defensive use. Loading with moon clips provided is actually faster—approximately 2.3 seconds versus 3.1 seconds with speed loaders in timed drills.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-5 days via UPS or FedEx depending on your location. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL documentation before release. During peak seasons, add 1-2 days to processing—check our shipping dashboard for real-time updates.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- Firearms are non-returnable once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty on mechanical defects. Most Kydex holsters for Charter Arms Bulldog or Undercover models will fit—specifically DeSantis Nemesis model 3Df8 or Vedder LightTuck for Charter 2". Measure your existing holster against our 1.38-inch cylinder width specification before purchasing.