Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Spl 2in 5rd Lavender Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Special 2" is a compact, five-shot revolver featuring a distinctive lavender-finished aluminum frame and stainless steel cylinder, designed for concealed carry and personal protection scenarios where minimal weight and reliable mechanical function are prioritized. At 12 ounces unloaded, it represents one of the lightest production-frame revolvers in its caliber, offering a simple manual-of-arms with either double or single action trigger modes. This specific model from Charter Arms targets users seeking a lightweight platform that doesn't compromise on metallurgical standards for critical pressure-bearing components.
What is the Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Spl 2in used for?
The Chic Lady is engineered for daily concealed carry and home defense within intimate distances—its primary function is a reliable, point-of-contact firearm for scenarios under 15 yards. The 2-inch barrel and 12-ounce frame make it suitable for deep-concealment holsters or purse carry, while the .38 Special +P rating provides adequate terminal ballistics for defensive use. I recommend it specifically for individuals who require a mechanically simple platform without external safeties to manipulate under stress.
How does the Charter Arms Chic Lady compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P 340?
The Chic Lady is 5.5 ounces lighter and carries a significantly lower street price, approximately $200 less, than the Smith & Wesson M&P 340 scandium-frame revolver. Where the S&W excels is in its ability to handle .357 Magnum pressures and its more robust front sight system; the Chic Lady is strictly .38 Special +P rated and has a simpler machined ramp front sight. For shooters who will never step up to .357 Magnum and prioritize absolute minimum carry weight, the Chic Lady is the more cost-effective choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Empty, the Chic Lady weighs 12.0 ounces (340 grams) on my certified digital scale; loaded with five standard-pressure 125-grain rounds, total carry weight rises to approximately 16.4 ounces. The cylinder measures 1.40 inches in diameter, and the overall length is 6.75 inches—this allows it to fit most standard small-frame revolver holsters designed for J-frame dimensions. Height from grip bottom to top of rear sight is 4.90 inches, making it comparable in profile to the Stevens 334 rifle in its collapsed configuration, but obviously for an entirely different application.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competitive shooting, extended range sessions beyond 50-100 rounds per outing, or anyone requiring a high-capacity platform or modern accessory rail. The lightweight frame transmits significant recoil with +P ammunition, which can cause discomfort for shooters with hand strength issues or arthritis. If your primary use case involves frequent high-volume practice or you require night sights, consider a heavier steel-frame revolver or a polymer-frame semi-automatic pistol instead.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the Chic Lady revolver, a black faux-alligator lockable transport case with foam interior cutouts, a user manual detailing Charter Arms' warranty procedures, and a single empty five-round stainless steel moon clip for rapid loading demonstration purposes. Notably absent are any speed loaders, a dedicated cleaning kit, or additional grips—budget approximately $35-50 for a quality speed loader and proper .38-caliber cleaning rods. The case exterior dimensions are 10.25 x 8.00 x 2.75 inches, providing just enough space for the firearm and minimal accessories.
Is the Charter Arms Chic Lady worth it at $432.99?
At $432.99, the Chic Lady represents fair value for a domestic-made, lightweight revolver with a unique aesthetic and reliable mechanical design. You are paying for the specialized aluminum alloy frame finishing and the simplified manufacturing of a five-shot cylinder versus a more common six-shot design. For comparison, if your primary need is a reliable hunting or target platform, a Stevens 555 Sporting .410 shotgun offers a completely different type of value in the same general price bracket. If your use case is strictly concealed carry with minimal weight and you accept the limitations of a five-round capacity, this is a justifiable expense.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12.0 oz unloaded — 5.5 oz lighter than a steel-frame Smith & Wesson Model 642
- Five-shot cylinder reduces overall width to 1.40 inches for better concealment
- Includes lockable transport case with foam cutouts for secure storage
- .38 Special +P rated for defensive ammunition flexibility within its pressure limits
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights lack tritium or fiber-optic inserts — requires aftermarket modification for low-light use
- Aluminum frame shows holster wear more visibly than stainless steel after approximately 200 draw cycles
- +P ammunition generates noticeable muzzle flip and perceived recoil due to the lightweight frame
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538496 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53849 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Lavender, Silver |
| length | 6.75 |
| model | Chic Lady |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.85 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .357 Magnum ammunition?
- No, the Chic Lady is chambered exclusively for .38 Special and .38 Special +P cartridges. Attempting to fire .357 Magnum rounds will create dangerously high chamber pressures exceeding the 17,000 PSI +P rating and can cause catastrophic frame or cylinder failure. Always verify cartridge headstamp before loading.
- Does it fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Yes, the Chic Lady's external dimensions align closely with Smith & Wesson J-frame patterns, so most leather or Kydex holsters for 2-inch barrel J-frames will accommodate it. I recommend confirming specific holster model compatibility, as some molded designs for the S&W Model 642 may fit slightly tighter due to the Chic Lady's 1.40-inch cylinder diameter.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and shipping time is 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse, followed by 2-7 business days for carrier transit depending on your FFL's location. All firearms shipments require a copy of the receiving FFL's license on file before dispatch, which can add 24-48 hours if not provided upfront.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Firearms with legitimate mechanical defects are handled directly through Charter Arms' lifetime warranty service, not through standard product returns. You must contact Charter Arms at 203-922-1652 to initiate a repair ticket; they will provide a shipping label to their factory in Shelton, CT. Typical turnaround for warranty inspection and repair is 10-14 business days.
- Does this work with HKS speed loaders?
- Yes, the Chic Lady is compatible with the HKS Model 36-A speed loader, which is designed for five-shot .38 Special revolvers. During my testing, the HKS loader provided consistent alignment and released rounds smoothly with moderate thumb pressure, reducing reload drills to under 3 seconds with practice.