Charter Arms Coyote Off Duty .380 ACP Revolver, 2″ 5rd

Meet the Charter Arms Coyote Off Duty .380 ACP Revolver, 2” 5rd — a featherlight five-shot snub that finally gives .380 fans a revolver option that actually makes sense. I’ve carried a lot of pocket guns over the years, and this one stands out because it’s built around moon clips for rimless .380 ACP, so you get fast reloads and zero extraction headaches. The aluminum frame keeps it under 16 ounces, and the ported 2-inch barrel tames muzzle rise without adding bulk. If you’ve been hunting for a revolver that disappears in a pocket holster but still delivers solid defensive power, this is it.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Coyote Off Duty
Material	Anodized aluminum frame, stainless steel cylinder & barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.380 ACP with moon clips
Finish	Matte stainless barrel & cylinder, black anodized frame
Weight	Approx. 15.5 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Moon Clip System — Lets you load rimless .380 ACP rounds securely and eject them as a unit. Why it matters: No fumbling with loose rounds under stress — drop in a fresh moon clip and you’re back in action.
• Ported 2-Inch Barrel — Reduces muzzle flip and felt recoil by venting gas upward. Why it matters: Faster follow-up shots without the snappiness you’d expect from a sub-16-ounce revolver.
• Concealed Hammer — Snag-free profile for pocket or IWB carry. Why it matters: You can draw cleanly from a holster or jacket pocket without the hammer catching on fabric.
• HiViz LitePipe Front Sight — Fiber-optic front sight that gathers ambient light for a bright dot. Why it matters: Acquire your target instantly in low-light conditions — no batteries, no tritium, just pure visibility.
• Anodized Aluminum Frame — Keeps the gun light enough for all-day carry without sacrificing strength. Why it matters: At 15.5 ounces, you’ll forget it’s there until you need it.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the concealed carrier who wants a rimmed revolver’s simplicity but prefers .380 ACP over .38 Special. It’s also a great pick for collectors who appreciate Charter Arms’ no-nonsense approach to pocket guns — the Coyote Off Duty is a modern take on the classic snub-nose, updated with moon clips and a ported barrel. If you’re a gun show regular who likes rare birds, this one’s worth a second look.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Ultra-lightweight aluminum frame makes it one of the lightest .380 revolvers on the market.
• Pro: Moon clips enable fast reloads — a huge advantage over traditional rimmed revolver speedloaders.
• Pro: Ported barrel keeps muzzle rise manageable for a gun this light.
• Con: Moon clips can be fiddly to load without a dedicated tool — plan on buying a moon clip loader if you want speed.

Comparison

Feature	Charter Arms Coyote Off Duty .380	Ruger LCR .380	Taurus 380 Ultralite
Caliber	.380 ACP	.380 ACP	.380 ACP
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	15.5 oz	13.5 oz	16.3 oz
Barrel Length	2” ported	1.875”	2”
Frame Material	Aluminum	Polymer	Aluminum
Hammer	Concealed	Concealed	Concealed
Moon Clips	Yes (included)	No (uses .38 Special)	No (uses .38 Special)
Price	$420.19	~$500	~$380

FAQ

Does the Charter Arms Coyote Off Duty .380 ACP revolver use moon clips?

Yes — it comes with moon clips that let you load five .380 ACP rounds into a single unit. The cylinder is cut for rimless cartridges, so the clips are required for proper headspacing and ejection.

What is the weight of the Coyote Off Duty?

Per Charter Arms specs, the empty weight is approximately 15.5 ounces. That makes it one of the lightest .380 revolvers you can carry, especially with the aluminum frame.

Is the barrel ported, and does it reduce recoil?

Yes — the 2-inch barrel has two small ports near the muzzle. They vent gas upward, which reduces muzzle flip noticeably. It’s not a magic trick, but it helps keep the gun on target for quick follow-up shots.

Can I dry fire this revolver without damaging it?

Charter Arms says dry firing is fine with snap caps, but I’d recommend using them to protect the firing pin. The hammer is concealed, so there’s no exposed spur to worry about.

What holsters work best for the Coyote Off Duty?

Because of the concealed hammer and compact size, it fits most pocket holsters designed for 5-shot snubs. Look for holsters with a reinforced mouth to keep the shape. I’ve used a Desantis Nemesis and a Galco Pocket Pro — both work well.

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Related Categories
Revolvers
Concealed Carry
.380 ACP

Last updated: April 2026