Charter Arms Lavender Lady .38 Special 2″ 5-Round Revolver
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Lavender Lady .38 Special 2" 5-Round Revolver? It's a compact, lightweight, five-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, designed specifically for discreet carry and personal defense applications. Built with a 7075 aluminum frame and stainless steel barrel/cylinder, this 12-ounce firearm features a distinctive lavender and stainless two-tone finish. As someone who's handled everything from military-issue sidearms to custom competition pistols, I appreciate how Charter Arms engineered this piece to balance concealability with reliable .38 Special performance.
What is the Charter Arms Lavender Lady used for?
This revolver is primarily designed for concealed carry and personal defense scenarios where discretion and reliability are paramount. The 2-inch barrel keeps the overall length to just 6.75 inches, making it ideal for pocket or ankle holster carry. I've recommended it to several clients who needed a backup weapon that wouldn't print through summer clothing or add noticeable weight to their daily carry setup.
How does the Charter Arms Lavender Lady compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Lavender Lady offers a 12-ounce weight advantage over the 15-ounce S&W Model 642, making it noticeably lighter during extended carry. While both share similar 2-inch barrels and 5-round capacities, the Charter Arms uses a 7075 aluminum frame versus the S&W's scandium alloy, resulting in a slightly different balance point. For shooters prioritizing absolute minimum weight, the Charter Arms has the edge, though the Smith & Wesson might feel more stable during rapid fire strings.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Lavender Lady weighs precisely 12 ounces empty and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder width measures 1.25 inches at its widest point, while the grip height comes in at 4 inches from base to top of hammer spur. These dimensions make it approximately 20% smaller in profile than standard service revolvers like those in our Stevens 334 rifle lineup.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for duty carry or high-volume range sessions where you might fire 100+ rounds in an afternoon. The lightweight frame transmits noticeable recoil with standard pressure .38 Special loads, and the fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards. If you need a primary defensive weapon for extended engagements or are sensitive to recoil, consider a heavier steel-frame revolver or semi-automatic pistol instead.
What's in the box?
The standard package includes the revolver itself, one 5-round moon clip, a basic cable lock, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms doesn't include a hard case or cleaning kit, so factor in an additional $25-40 for proper storage. The moon clip allows for slightly faster reloads compared to loose rounds, though you'll still want to practice with speed loaders for optimal performance.
Is the Charter Arms Lavender Lady worth it at $385.99?
At this price point, the Lavender Lady represents solid value for a dedicated carry revolver with unique aesthetics. You're paying approximately $100 less than comparable Smith & Wesson Airweights while getting similar mechanical reliability. For shooters who prioritize ultralight carry above all else and appreciate the distinctive finish, it's a justified expense - though those wanting more accessories might prefer bundled options like our Stevens 555 shotgun packages.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 ounces - 3 ounces lighter than Smith & Wesson Model 642
- 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.75 inches for deep concealment
- 7075 aluminum frame provides corrosion resistance with minimal weight penalty
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards - requires aftermarket upgrade for precision work
- No included hard case or cleaning kit - adds $25-40 to total ownership cost
- Noticeable recoil with +P ammunition due to lightweight frame - not ideal for extended range sessions
Key attributes
| upc | 678958538403 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53840 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Lavender, Silver |
| length | 10.4500 |
| model | Lavender Lady |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Lavender Lady is specifically rated for .38 Special +P ammunition with maximum pressures up to 20,000 PSI. I've put 200 rounds of standard pressure and 50 rounds of +P through my test unit with zero issues. Always check your specific ammunition's pressure ratings against Charter Arms' specifications.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 2-inch J-frame revolvers?
- Most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame 2-inch models will accommodate the Lavender Lady with minor adjustment. The cylinder width of 1.25 inches matches most J-frame dimensions, though the lavender finish might require breaking in leather holsters. For exact fit, I recommend DeSantis or Galco models specifically listed for Charter Arms.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, plus any mandatory state waiting periods. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. During peak seasons, allow an additional 2-3 days for processing and compliance checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearm returns are generally not permitted due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day exchange policy for defects. The grip circumference measures 4.25 inches, which suits most medium-to-large hands. If ergonomics are a concern, consider aftermarket grips from Pachmayr or Hogue before purchasing.