Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special 2″ 5rd Revolver

About this product

The Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special 2" 5rd Revolver is a compact concealed-hammer wheelgun built for discreet carry and reliable close-range defensive use. Its aluminum-frame construction keeps weight minimal while retaining essential steel components where strength matters most, and that hammerless profile eliminates snag points during rapid deployment from concealment. This isn't a range toy—it's a purpose-driven tool for situations where bulkier pistols can't go.

What is the Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special used for?

This revolver serves one primary role: concealed carry defense where minimal printing and fast access outweigh high-capacity needs. The 2-inch barrel and 5-round cylinder trade ballistic performance for ultimate concealability, making it ideal for pocket, ankle, or deep appendix carry positions where even subcompacts like the S&W Shield print too much. It fires .38 Special +P ammunition reliably, though velocity loss from the short barrel means you should stick to defensive loads optimized for short tubes.

How does the Charter Arms Off Duty compare to the S&W 642?

The Off Duty weighs 14.2 ounces—1.3 ounces lighter than Smith & Wesson's 642 Airweight—but sacrifices some refinement in trigger smoothness and finish consistency. Charter's trigger breaks at 12 pounds double-action only, while the 642 averages 10.5 pounds with a noticeably crisper reset; however, the Off Duty costs $406.99 versus the 642's $469 retail, making it the better choice if budget constraints outweigh the need for buttery-smooth mechanics. Both handle +P ammunition and share identical 5-round capacities, but the 642's yoke-mounted cylinder release feels more secure under recoil.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight sits at 14.2 ounces (402 grams) thanks to its 7075 aluminum frame, with overall dimensions measuring 6.25 inches in length, 4.5 inches in height, and 1.25 inches in width. That slim profile and sub-15-ounce weight let it disappear in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster or similar minimalist rigs, though the 2-inch barrel does limit effective range to about 15 yards with standard pressure loads. Compare that to bulkier options like the Stevens 334 Rifle—this isn't a woods gun, it's an urban survival tool.

Who is this NOT for?

Avoid this revolver if you prioritize high-capacity shooting or long-range accuracy—the 5-round limit and fixed sights make it poorly suited for competitive use or extended firefights. Shooters with hand strength issues may struggle with the 12-pound double-action trigger pull, and anyone needing optics compatibility should look at slide-mounted red dot platforms instead. It also lacks accessory rails for lights or lasers, so if you operate primarily in low-light conditions, consider a micro-compact semi-auto like the Sig P365 with rail options.

What's in the box?

You get the revolver, one 5-round moon clip for faster reloads, a basic cable lock, and an owner's manual detailing disassembly and warranty info—no spare grips or speed loaders included. Total package weight ships at 1.8 pounds, and the foam-lined cardboard box meets all federal safety storage requirements for transit. The moon clip works with most standard .38 Special ammunition, though I'd recommend upgrading to Tuff Products clips for better retention during carry.

Is the Charter Arms Off Duty worth it at $406.99?

At this price point, it undercuts comparable S&W and Ruger offerings by $60-80 while delivering equivalent mechanical reliability and concealment benefits. That savings buys two extra boxes of premium defensive ammo or a quality holster, making it a solid value if you accept its limitations in trigger feel and sight precision. However, if you demand smoother actions or plan on frequent range use, spend the extra for a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact—this Charter excels as a backup or primary for those who rarely shoot but always carry.