Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special Revolver Aluminum - Model 53811
- Capacity-Rounds:
- 5
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 38 Special
- Barrel Length:
- 2"
- Barrel Length Range:
- 2" to 2.99"
- OAL:
- 3.75"
- Weight:
- 12 oz
- Action:
- DAO
- Sights:
- Fixed Front
- Weight Range:
- 9 oz to 15.99 oz
- Grips:
- Black Finger Grooved Rubber
- Cylinder Finish:
- Stainless
- Frame Size:
- Small
- Frame Description:
- Anodized Aluminum
- Barrel Finish:
- Stainless
- Hammer Style:
- Concealed
The Charter Arms Off Duty .38 Special revolver is a purpose-built concealed carry revolver designed for shooters who need deep-concealment capability without compromise. Chambered in .38 Special +P, this 5-shot aluminum-framed revolver combines genuine stopping power with genuine packability—at just 12 ounces, it's light enough for pocket or waistband carry under everyday clothing, yet heavy enough to manage recoil and shoot predictably.
What sets the Off Duty apart for daily carry is its enclosed hammer. That rounded, snag-free profile means the gun won't catch on fabric or holster during a draw, a critical safety feature when concealment is tight. The double-action-only trigger mechanism enhances security by eliminating an external hammer that could accidentally ride back during movement or physical contact. Built from heat-treated aluminum and steel, the Off Duty delivers the durability you'd expect from Charter Arms' decades of revolver manufacturing.
This is working-gun minimalism: fixed sights for reliability and sight-snag prevention, a combat grip sized for real hands, and a short 2-inch barrel optimized for the ranges where concealed-carry encounters typically occur. If you're looking for a backup, a deep-cover off-duty gun, or a pocket revolver that won't advertise itself, the Off Duty earns its name.
Key Features
- Double-action-only trigger for secure concealment carry
- Enclosed hammer design prevents snagging on clothing or holster
- 5-shot cylinder in .38 Special +P
- Ultralight 7075 aluminum frame reduces fatigue during extended carry
- Fixed sights for reliability and snag-free profile
- Combat grip optimized for defensive shooting
- Heat-treated construction for durability
Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Action | Double Action Only (DAO) |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2 inches |
| Frame Material | 7075 Aluminum, heat-treated |
| Finish | Anodized |
| Weight | 12 oz |
| Sights | Fixed |
| Grip | Combat |
| Model | 53811 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charter Arms Off Duty suitable for pocket carry?
Yes. At 12 ounces and with a 2-inch barrel, combined with the snag-free enclosed hammer design, the Off Duty is specifically engineered for pocket and deep-concealment carry. The fixed sights and compact profile won't print heavily through lightweight clothing.
Can this revolver handle .38 Special +P ammunition?
Yes. The Off Duty is rated for .38 Special +P, giving you flexibility in ammunition selection for duty or defensive loads while still firing standard .38 Special if desired.
Why is the enclosed hammer important for concealed carry?
An enclosed hammer won't snag on your clothing, holster, or body during the draw or while carrying. This eliminates a potential safety hazard and ensures the gun deploys cleanly when you need it—especially critical in pocket carry or tight waistband holstering.
What makes the aluminum frame different from a steel revolver?
The 7075 aluminum construction, heat-treated for durability, keeps the Off Duty extremely light without sacrificing strength. This makes it practical to carry all day without the weight penalty of a steel-frame gun, while maintaining the reliability Charter Arms is known for.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
- Prior to placing an order, it is the buyer's responsibility to understand and adhere to their state's firearm regulations.
- The buyer should verify with their receiving dealer that the chosen firearm is legally permissible in their state.
- The buyer is accountable for any transfer fees or background check charges imposed by the receiving dealer. If the designated dealer declines to accept the firearm delivery, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping costs to retrieve the firearm and resend it to an accommodating dealer.
- Handguns will be shipped using air transportation, while long guns can be shipped using ground methods. If your order includes a mix of firearm and non-firearm items, BOSQUE Outdoors will send the firearm(s) to your selected FFL dealer and the remaining non-firearm items to your billing address.
- Firearms cannot be returned to BOSQUE Outdoors; please contact the manufacturer for warranty claims.
- Firearms refused by the FFL Dealer or which cannot be transferred due to a failed background check are subject to a $75 restocking fee plus 10% of the purchase price.

