Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Charter Arms Chic Lady 38 Special Used Police Trade-in is a compact, reliable .38 Special revolver. This model offers a practical option for personal defense. Available now for $299.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Charter Arms Chic Lady?
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2 inches |
| Action | Single/Double Action |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Finish | Bright Pink (original factory finish) |
| Sights | Fixed |
| Grips | Rubber |
| Weight (unloaded) | Approximately 12 oz |
| Overall Length | 6.5 inches |
| Condition | Used Police Trade-in (Good to Very Good) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| SKU | CA-CL38-UTI-001 |
| Manufacturing | Charter Arms |
| Hardness/Quality | Standard Charter Arms production quality |
| Compatibility | Standard .38 Special ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Firearm, requires FFL transfer |
What makes this Chic Lady a practical choice?
This Charter Arms Chic Lady, a used police trade-in, offers a compact and lightweight package chambered in .38 Special. The bright pink finish, while distinctive, doesn’t detract from its primary function as a reliable personal defense tool. These revolvers are known for their simplicity and ease of use, making them a consideration for those looking for a straightforward firearm. Being a police trade-in, it has seen some use, but these are generally well-maintained and inspected before being sold off. We’ve handled a good number of these over the years, and they tend to hold up. The rubber grips offer a decent hold for a small revolver, and the fixed sights are adequate for the intended defensive distances.
Who is this revolver for?
This revolver is a specific type of tool, and it fits certain needs well. It’s a no-frills, five-shot .38 Special, designed for close-range personal defense. The used police trade-in status means it’s been vetted and is generally reliable, but it will show signs of wear. It’s not a target pistol, and it’s not a hunting revolver for deer season out here in Kansas. It’s a tool for self-protection, plain and simple.
Buy it if:
- ✅ You need a compact, lightweight firearm for concealed carry.
- ✅ You prefer the simplicity and reliability of a revolver.
- ✅ You are looking for an affordable personal defense option.
- ✅ You appreciate a firearm with a unique aesthetic.
- ✅ You want a straightforward firearm without external safeties or complex controls.
- ✅ You are comfortable with a used firearm showing signs of previous service.
Skip it if:
- ❌ You require a high-capacity firearm. (See our semi-automatic handguns for higher capacity options.)
- ❌ You plan on extensive target shooting or competition. (Consider a larger frame revolver or a dedicated target pistol.)
- ❌ You prefer a brand-new firearm with no cosmetic wear.
- ❌ You need a firearm for hunting large game. (This is not a hunting firearm for Kansas. Check our rifle selection.)
How does it compare to other compact revolvers?
| Feature | Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 Special (Used) | Taurus 856 .38 Special (New) | Smith & Wesson J-Frame (Used) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Cylinder | Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Cylinder | Steel or Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Cylinder |
| Quality | Good, functional, signs of use | Good, new production | Very Good, often excellent even used |
| Compatibility | Standard .38 Special ammo | Standard .38 Special ammo | Standard .38 Special ammo |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven, good for many years of use | Good, new product warranty | Excellent, known for longevity |
| Price | ~$299.00 | ~$350-400 (New) | ~$450-600+ (Used) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Charter Arms Chic Lady
Is the Charter Arms Chic Lady reliable for self-defense?
Yes, the Charter Arms Chic Lady, like most Charter Arms revolvers, is generally considered a reliable firearm for self-defense. Its simple design minimizes potential points of failure, making it a consistent performer.
What kind of ammunition should I use in a .38 Special revolver?
For self-defense, you should use .38 Special +P rated ammunition if the manufacturer specifies it’s safe for your particular model. For practice, standard .38 Special lead round nose or full metal jacket ammunition is suitable. Always check your firearm’s manual for specific ammunition recommendations.
Are used police trade-in firearms safe to buy?
Yes, generally, used police trade-in firearms are safe to buy. They are typically well-maintained during their service life and inspected by the seller (like us) before being offered for sale. While they will show cosmetic wear, their mechanical function is usually sound.
What is the recoil like on a compact .38 Special?
Recoil on a lightweight, compact .38 Special like the Chic Lady can be noticeable, especially with +P ammunition. It’s manageable for most shooters, but it’s not a soft-shooting firearm due to its light weight. Practice is key to managing it effectively.
Where can I buy a Charter Arms Chic Lady online?
You can purchase the Charter Arms Chic Lady and other firearms directly from Kansas Gunshop at kansas-gunshop.com. We ship to your local FFL dealer.
Does the pink finish wear off easily on these revolvers?
Like any painted or anodized finish, the pink on the Chic Lady can show wear over time, especially with regular use, holstering, and handling. As a used police trade-in, this particular firearm will already exhibit some finish wear.
What is the FFL transfer process for buying a firearm online?
When you purchase a firearm online from Kansas Gunshop, you’ll need to have it shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. We will contact your chosen FFL to arrange the transfer. You’ll then pick up the firearm from them, complete the necessary paperwork (like the ATF Form 4473), and undergo a background check (NICS). Once approved, you can take possession of your firearm.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Handguns | Full Shop
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.