The Charter Arms Off Duty is a .38 Special DAO revolver built for concealed carry and backup use. The 7075 aluminum alloy frame keeps weight to 12 oz, while the stainless steel cylinder and barrel handle the chambering pressures without issue. At 6.75 inches overall it fits most standard snub holsters. The double-action-only trigger eliminates the need for a manual safety - draw and shoot. A transfer bar safety prevents discharge without a full trigger pull. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Off Duty 
• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Weight: 12 ounces 
• Finish: Anodized aluminum frame with stainless steel cylinder 
• Frame Material: 7075 Aluminum Alloy 
• Grip Material: Black Rubber with Finger Grooves 
• Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Safety Features: Transfer Bar Safety 
   

Detailed Features 

The aluminum frame is anodized for corrosion resistance, and the stainless cylinder provides a durable, rust-resistant bore. The rubber finger-groove grip offers decent purchase even with damp hands. Fixed sights keep the profile snag-free for concealed draw. At 12 oz it's among the lightest carry options in .38 Special, though lighter guns mean more felt recoil with full-power loads.

The Charter Arms Off Duty generates fairly consistent feedback across its user base. The light weight is the headline feature - at 12 oz it's genuinely easy to forget you're carrying it, which matters for all-day wear. DAO operation gets positive marks for simplicity; there's nothing to manage beyond drawing and pressing the trigger.

.38 Special gets reasonable acceptance as a carry caliber - enough stopping power for most defensive situations with recoil most shooters can control. The trigger pull divides opinion: some owners find it smooth, others report it feeling heavy and gritty, which affects rapid-fire accuracy until the gun breaks in.

Build quality and finish draw mixed reviews. Construction feels solid to most, but some owners report cosmetic flaws at purchase and finish wear over time. The price is competitive and often cited as the deciding factor for buyers weighing it against more expensive alternatives. Holster hunting is a recurring topic since the frame profile requires specifically fitted options.