Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 Special 2-inch 5rd Revolver

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