The Charter Arms Off Duty is a double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 Special and rated for +P ammunition. The frame is aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard anodized black finish; the cylinder and barrel are stainless steel with a matte finish. At 12 oz, it's notably light for a steel-cylindered .38. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Off Duty 
• Caliber: .38 Special (rated for +P ammo) 
• Action Type: Double Action Only 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Weight: 12 oz 
• Frame Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum, hard anodized black finish 
• Cylinder & Barrel Material: Stainless steel with matte finish 
• Grips: Compact black rubber grips 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The aluminum frame is where the weight savings come from — 12 oz is light enough that it disappears in a pocket holster. The stainless cylinder handles the pressure of +P loads without issue and resists corrosion. Double-action-only means there's no exposed hammer to snag on clothing during the draw. The compact rubber grips give decent purchase without adding bulk. The 2-inch barrel is the standard snub-nose length — enough for close-range accuracy, nothing extra. 
 

Usage 

 
The Off Duty is purpose-built for concealed carry. Five rounds of .38 Special +P from a 12-oz gun covers most defensive scenarios where a small revolver makes sense. It also works as a backup to a primary semi-auto. The simple DA-only operation means less to think about under stress.

Owners of the Charter Arms Off Duty generally land in two camps: people who prioritize weight and simplicity, and people who find the compromises that come with a 12-oz .38 harder to accept.

On the positive side, the weight is the main draw. At 12 oz it's lighter than most comparable .38 snubs, and owners who carry all day appreciate that. The revolver's reliability gets consistent mentions — no magazines, no slide, no feed ramp. It just fires. For new gun owners, the straightforward DA-only operation also reduces the mental load. The price is regularly cited as competitive relative to similar offerings.

The tradeoffs are real. A 12-oz aluminum-framed revolver firing .38 Special +P produces noticeable recoil — more than the same caliber in a heavier gun. Extended range sessions become uncomfortable for some shooters. The trigger pull gets mixed reviews; some find it manageable, others describe it as heavier than ideal for fast accurate follow-ups. Five rounds is the constraint every snub-nose owner accepts, and the Off Duty is no exception — discussions about capacity always come up when comparing to compact semi-autos. A few owners have noted finish wear appearing sooner than expected on the aluminum frame.

Overall the Off Duty is well-regarded for what it is: a minimum-weight .38 snub for deep concealment carry. The limitations are mostly inherent to the format, not specific flaws in the gun.