Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5rd Revolver
About this product
Ultra-lightweight five-shot .38 Special revolver at just 12 ounces, featuring a two-tone pink aluminum frame and stainless barrel for discreet everyday carry and self-defense.
We ship to all US states — fast and discreet.
The Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5rd Revolver is a purpose-built concealed carry piece for shooters who want a lightweight, reliable backup or primary defensive revolver without the bulk. At just 12 ounces with a pink aluminum frame and stainless steel barrel, this five-shot snubnose is designed for discreet all-day carry and rapid deployment in urban environments.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Pink Lady |
| Material | 7075 aluminum frame, stainless steel barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .38 Special ammunition only |
| Finish | Two-tone pink and stainless |
| Weight | 12 ounces (approximately) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight 7075 aluminum frame — Why it matters: Carrying a revolver all day in an ankle holster, belly band, or purse is only practical if it doesn’t weigh you down. At 12 ounces, the Pink Lady disappears on your person.
- 2-inch barrel with fixed sights — Why it matters: Snag-free draw from concealment, and the short barrel keeps the overall length compact for pocket or waistband carry. Fixed sights are rugged and won’t shift under recoil.
- Exposed spurred hammer — Why it matters: Gives you the option of single-action precision shots when you have time, or double-action for rapid defensive strings. That’s a flexibility many hammerless snubs don’t offer.
- Three-point cylinder lock — Why it matters: Ensures the cylinder stays aligned with the barrel under recoil and during rapid fire, improving reliability and accuracy shot after shot.
- Five-round capacity in .38 Special — Why it matters: Five rounds of .38 Special is enough for most self-defense encounters, and the revolver platform is famously drop-safe and simple to operate under stress.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who wants a no-fuss backup gun or primary carry piece that fits in a small handbag, ankle rig, or jacket pocket. It’s also a solid choice for new shooters who prefer a revolver’s manual of arms over a semi-auto’s slide and magazine controls. The pink finish appeals to those who want a personal-defense tool that reflects their style without sacrificing function.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Lightweight enough for all-day carry in clothing that wouldn’t support a steel-frame revolver.
- Pro: Two-tone stainless/pink finish resists holster wear and corrosion.
- Con: Pink frame may not appeal to shooters who prefer a more subdued or tactical look. Also, recoil from +P loads is snappy due to the light weight — practice with standard-pressure .38 Special first.
Comparison
| Feature | Charter Arms Pink Lady | Smith & Wesson Model 642 | Ruger LCR .38 Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12 oz | 15 oz | 13.5 oz |
| Frame Material | 7075 aluminum | Aluminum alloy | Polymer/aluminum |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Hammer | Exposed spurred | Enclosed (bobbed) | Enclosed (bobbed) |
| MSRP | $389.10 | $469 | $529 |
The Pink Lady undercuts both competitors in price and weight, and the exposed hammer gives you single-action capability the others lack. The trade-off is that the Model 642 and LCR have more aftermarket holster support — but the Pink Lady’s compact dimensions fit most small-frame revolver holsters.
FAQ
Is the Charter Arms Pink Lady reliable for self-defense?
Yes. Charter Arms has been building revolvers since the 1960s, and the three-point cylinder lock ensures consistent ignition. Per Charter Arms specs, the revolver is test-fired at the factory. Thousands of owners carry these as backup guns. Stick with standard-pressure .38 Special for best reliability.
What holsters work with the Pink Lady?
Most holsters designed for small-frame 5-shot revolvers with a 2-inch barrel will fit, including pocket holsters, ankle rigs, and belt holsters. Look for options from DeSantis, Galco, or Uncle Mike’s. The exposed hammer means you’ll want a holster that covers the spur to prevent snagging.
Can I use +P ammunition in this revolver?
Charter Arms recommends standard-pressure .38 Special for the Pink Lady. While some owners report shooting +P without issues, the lightweight aluminum frame may experience accelerated wear. For defensive carry, standard-pressure hollow points like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot are more than adequate and keep the gun happy.
Is the pink finish durable?
The frame is hard-anodized 7075 aluminum, which is very resistant to scratches and corrosion. The pink color is integral to the anodizing, not a painted coating, so it won’t chip off under normal use. Holster wear may lighten the color over time, but that’s cosmetic only.
How does the trigger pull feel?
Double-action trigger pull is around 9-12 pounds with some stacking — typical for a defensive revolver. Single-action is crisp at about 4 pounds. Dry-fire practice with snap caps will smooth it out. It’s not a target trigger, but it’s reliable for defensive use.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more revolvers or check our concealed carry gear. Also see .38 Special ammunition.
Last updated: April 2026