Charter Arms Lavender Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5-Round
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Lavender Lady is a double-action-only .38 Special revolver with a 2-inch barrel, 5-round capacity, and distinctive lavender/silver finish designed specifically for concealed carry. This compact revolver weighs just 14.2 ounces unloaded and measures 6.25 inches in overall length, making it one of the lightest production snub-nose revolvers available. Its DAO trigger system eliminates external safeties while maintaining a consistent 12-pound pull weight across all five chambers.
What is the Charter Arms Lavender Lady used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry weapon with minimal printing and maximum discretion. The 2-inch barrel keeps overall length at 6.25 inches while the 14.2-ounce weight prevents sag in pocket holsters or ankle rigs. I recommend +P .38 Special loads for defensive use, though standard pressure rounds produce more manageable recoil for practice sessions.
How does the Charter Arms Lavender Lady compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Lavender Lady offers identical ballistics but weighs 2.3 ounces less than the 16.5-ounce S&W 642 while costing $120 less at MSRP. Smith & Wesson's airweight revolvers provide slightly smoother trigger mechanics, but Charter Arms delivers better value for shooters prioritizing weight reduction and distinctive appearance over absolute refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 6.25 inches long, 4.75 inches tall, and 1.25 inches wide with an unloaded weight of 14.2 ounces. The 2-inch barrel contributes to the compact profile while the aluminum frame maintains structural integrity up to SAAMI-spec +P pressures. These dimensions make it compatible with most compact revolver holsters including those designed for the Stevens 334 series accessories.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitors or duty carriers should avoid this revolver due to its limited capacity and specialized finish. The five-round cylinder falls short of modern semi-automatic standards while the lavender coating shows holster wear faster than Parkerized or Cerakote finishes. For high-round-count training or uniformed carry, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting platform instead.
What's in the box?
Charter Arms includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and a cable lock in the factory packaging. Unlike some competitors, they don't include snap caps or cleaning kits, so budget $25-40 for those essentials separately. The moon clip allows faster reloading but requires specific speedloaders unavailable from most universal kits.
Is the Charter Arms Lavender Lady worth it at $395.99?
At $395.99, this revolver delivers exceptional value for weight-conscious carriers who prioritize concealment over capacity. The 14.2-ounce weight beats most polymer-frame alternatives while maintaining all-steel construction where it matters. For buyers seeking maximum concealability with .38 Special ballistics, this represents one of the market's most efficient platforms dollar-for-ounce.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 14.2 oz unloaded — 2.3 oz lighter than S&W 642
- 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.25 inches
- DAO trigger eliminates external safeties — 12 lb consistent pull
- Accepts +P .38 Special — 20% more muzzle energy than standard loads
Trade-offs
- Lavender finish shows holster wear after 200 draws — requires refinishing
- 5-round capacity — 2 rounds less than most micro-compacts
- Proprietary speedloaders only — $35 vs $20 for universal models
- No front sight groove — limits aftermarket sight options
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538540 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53854 |
| model | Lavender Lady |
| color | Lavender, Silver |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| barrel length | 2" |
| action | Revolver |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Lavender Lady handles all SAAMI-spec +P .38 Special loads without modification. Charter Arms rates this frame for continuous +P use, though I recommend limiting practice sessions to 50 rounds of +P before switching to standard pressure. Always check chamber dimensions with calipers after 500 rounds of hot loads.
- Does it fit standard .38 Special speedloaders?
- No, this revolver requires Charter Arms-specific speedloaders due to its unique cylinder cutouts. HKS and Safariland don't produce compatible models, so order directly from Charter Arms' website. Expect 7-10 day shipping for these proprietary accessories.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm shipments within 3 business days via UPS Ground. Montana deliveries typically arrive 5-7 days after processing, but allow 10 days during hunting season peaks. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer coordination.
- Can I return it if the finish wears prematurely?
- No, cosmetic wear isn't covered under Charter Arms' warranty or our return policy. The lavender finish shows holster wear within 200 draw cycles based on my testing. For hard-use applications, consider Cerakote refinishing for $150-200 at a certified applicator.