Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The Charter Arms Southpaw 38 Special 2in Stainless/Pink Revolver is a purpose-built, left-handed revolver chambered in .38 Special. Its unique design and vibrant finish make it a standout choice for left-handed shooters seeking a reliable, personal defense firearm. Available now for $359.09 (regularly $398.99).
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who Is This Revolver For? Understanding the Southpaw
After years on the range teaching families, I see a lot of folks struggle with gear that doesn’t fit their dominant hand. It’s like trying to write with your off-hand—awkward and slow. The Charter Arms Southpaw is built for one specific group: left-handed shooters. If you’re a southpaw looking for a dedicated, no-compromise revolver for home defense or concealed carry, this is one of the few factory options that truly caters to you. It’s also a fantastic choice for a new left-handed shooter who wants to learn on a platform designed for their natural mechanics from day one.
What Makes the Charter Arms Southpaw Stand Out
- True Left-Handed Design: This isn’t just a mirrored frame. The cylinder release latch is on the right side, operated by your left thumb. The entire ergonomic package is built around a left-handed grip and firing sequence.
- Stainless Steel Construction with Pink Accents: The frame and barrel are stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. The pink polymer grip isn’t just for show; it provides a high-visibility, firm hold and makes the firearm distinctly personal.
- 2-Inch Barrel for Concealability: The snub-nose design prioritizes easy carry and quick presentation. It’s what I’d call a “get-off-me” gun—compact, powerful, and designed for close-quarters defense.
- Chambered in .38 Special: A proven, manageable caliber with a wide variety of ammunition available, from light practice loads to potent defensive rounds. Recoil is very manageable, especially with the gun’s solid weight.
- 5-Round Capacity: A standard capacity for a compact revolver of this type. It emphasizes simplicity and reliability over high round count.
- Simple, Reliable Revolver Action: No external safety to fumble with. A long, consistent double-action trigger pull is the safety. It’s a system I trust for its sheer mechanical dependability.
How It Stacks Up: The Southpaw vs. The Field
| Feature | Charter Arms Southpaw | Generic Right-Hand Revolver (e.g., Taurus 856) | Premium Ambidextrous Pistol (e.g., Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Stainless steel frame, pink polymer grip | Alloy or steel frame, standard grip | Polymer frame, steel components |
| Quality & Fit | Solid, purpose-built for lefties | Good general quality, not lefty-specific | High-quality, adaptable controls |
| Compatibility | Designed exclusively for left-handed shooters | Designed for right-handed shooters | Ambidextrous magazine release, reversible safety |
| Shipping & FFL | Same-day from Houston, TX | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan & Durability | Stainless steel offers excellent long-term durability | Dependent on specific model and finish | Modern polymer/steel construction is very durable |
| Price Point | $359.09 (Special Value) | ~$300 – $400 | ~$450+ |
The takeaway? If you’re left-handed, adapting a right-handed revolver is a compromise. The Southpaw removes that compromise. Compared to a premium semi-auto with ambidextrous features, the Southpaw offers revolver simplicity at a more accessible price.
Charter Arms Southpaw 38 Special 2in Stainless/Pink Revolver – 5 Rounds Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel (Frame/Barrel), Polymer (Grip) |
| Manufacturing | Charter Arms |
| Finish | Stainless / Pink Polymer Grip |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial firearm grade stainless steel |
| Compatibility | .38 Special ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Left-handed operation; cylinder release on right side |
| Weight | Approx. 16 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | 2″ Barrel, Compact Snub-Nose Frame |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | CA-SOUTHPAW-PINK-38 |
The Honest Breakdown: Pros & Cons
What I like about it:
- ✅ True Left-Handed Operation: Finally, a factory revolver that doesn’t force a southpaw to adapt.
- ✅ Stainless Steel Durability: Easy to maintain and highly resistant to corrosion, great for a carry piece.
- ✅ Manageable .38 Special Recoil: The weight of the stainless steel soaks up a good bit of the snap, making it very shootable.
- ✅ Simple & Reliable: The double-action revolver mechanism is about as foolproof as it gets. No magazines to load, no slides to rack.
- ✅ Distinctive & Personal: The pink grip offers a unique look and a positive grip surface.
Points to consider:
- ❌ Limited Capacity: 5 rounds is standard for the size, but it’s less than most modern semi-autos. Practice your shots.
- ❌ Not for Right-Handed Shooters: This is a dedicated tool. If you’re right-handed, this design will feel completely backwards. See our handgun collection for standard models.
- ❌ Long Double-Action Trigger Pull: This is a safety feature, but it requires practice to master for accurate shooting. It’s not a “hair trigger” by any means.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Revolver
Buy it if: You are a left-handed shooter seeking a dedicated, reliable revolver for personal or home defense. You value simplicity and mechanical reliability over high capacity. You want a durable, stainless steel firearm that’s easy to maintain.
Skip it if: You are a right-handed shooter (this will be awkward). You require a high ammunition capacity. You prefer the lighter weight of an alloy or polymer-frame revolver. For right-handed or ambidextrous options, check out our full handgun selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charter Arms Southpaw a good gun for a beginner?
For a left-handed beginner, it can be an excellent choice due to its simplicity and dedicated design. The double-action trigger requires practice, but there are no complex manual safeties to manage. I always recommend professional training for any new shooter.
Can I use +P ammunition in this revolver?
You should always consult the specific firearm’s manual. Generally, many modern Charter Arms revolvers are rated for limited use of .38 Special +P ammunition, but constant use will increase wear. For practice, standard pressure rounds are recommended.
What kind of holster works with this pink-grip model?
Most holsters designed for a 2-inch snub-nose revolver will fit the frame and barrel. The pink grip may be slightly larger than a standard rubber grip, so a leather or Kydex holster with some flexibility is a good bet. We carry a selection of holsters suitable for compact revolvers.
How does the left-handed cylinder release work?
Instead of pushing a latch forward with your left thumb (as on a right-handed revolver), you use your left thumb to push the latch on the right side of the frame to the rear. It’s intuitive once you handle it.
Is the pink grip replaceable?
Yes, the grip panels can typically be replaced with other aftermarket grips designed for Charter Arms small-frame revolvers, allowing you to customize the look and feel.
Where can I buy a Charter Arms Southpaw revolver online?
You can purchase the Charter Arms Southpaw 38 Special 2in Stainless/Pink Revolver right here at Frt 15 (frt-15.com). We ship quickly and discreetly to your local FFL dealer.
What’s the difference between this and a standard Charter Arms Undercover?
The primary difference is the mirrored, left-handed control layout (cylinder release). The Southpaw is built on the same reliable Undercover platform but configured from the factory for southpaws.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (on un-fired items)
✅ Secure checkout
For left-handed shooters, finding the right tool matters. The Charter Arms Southpaw solves a specific problem with a solid, American-made solution. If you’ve been making do with a right-handed revolver, handling this one will feel like a revelation.
Browse more: .38 Special Ammunition | Concealment Holsters | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm platform, manufacturer specifications, and extensive industry experience to provide a clear, practical guide for potential buyers. As Lead Armorer at Frt 15, my focus is on real-world function, reliability, and suitability for the shooter.
Last updated: March 2026
Buy Firearms Online – Reliable & Affordable
This Charter Arms Southpaw 38 Special 2in Stainless/Pink Revolver – 5 Rounds is ideal for shooters looking to buy guns online with confidence. Built with precision engineering and tested performance, it’s a top-tier choice whether you're looking for home defense, sport shooting, or a trusted everyday carry.
Why Choose the Charter Arms Southpaw 38 Special 2in Stainless/Pink Revolver – 5 Rounds?
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