The Charter Arms Boomer Revolver .44 Spl. 2 in. Rose Wood 5 rd. is a purpose-built concealed carry revolver that shrinks the classic .44 Bulldog platform into a snag-free, pocketable package. With a double-action-only hammer, ported 2-inch barrel, and rose wood grips over a matte stainless frame, this five-shot .44 Special is designed for one thing: getting into action fast when seconds count.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Boomer |
| Material | Matte stainless steel frame, rose wood grips, rubber combat insert |
| Compatibility | .44 Special ammunition (5-round capacity) |
| Finish | Matte stainless (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approx. 21 oz. unloaded (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- DAO Hammer Design — The double-action-only hammer eliminates the need to manually cock the revolver, ensuring a consistent trigger pull every time. Why it matters: In a high-stress defensive encounter, you don’t have time to stage a single-action trigger; a DAO hammer keeps your focus on sight alignment and target acquisition.
- Ported 2-Inch Barrel — Charter Arms ports the tapered barrel to redirect propellant gases upward, reducing muzzle rise. Why it matters: Faster follow-up shots mean you can put more rounds on target without fighting recoil, critical when facing multiple threats.
- Snag-Free Front Sight — The Boomer has no front sight blade, just a clean, rounded profile. Why it matters: A snag-free design lets you draw from a pocket or IWB holster without catching on clothing, shaving precious fractions of a second off your draw.
- Full Rubber Combat Grips with Rose Wood Inserts — The grips combine a rubber base for a non-slip hold with rose wood panels for aesthetics and durability. Why it matters: Wet hands or adrenaline sweat won’t compromise your grip, and the wood inserts add a touch of class without sacrificing function.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the concealed carrier who wants a .44 Special that disappears in a pocket or waistband without printing. It’s also ideal for home defense if you prefer a wheelgun’s simplicity over a semi-auto’s manual of arms. The ported barrel makes it manageable for shooters who are recoil-sensitive but still want .44 stopping power.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Extremely lightweight at 21 oz., making it one of the lightest .44 Special revolvers on the market.
- Pro: Snag-free design (no front sight, DAO hammer) speeds up draws from deep concealment.
- Pro: Ported barrel reduces muzzle flip noticeably compared to non-ported .44 snubbies.
- Cons: The DAO trigger pull is heavier than a single-action revolver—expect around 10-12 lbs. of pull weight. This requires practice to shoot accurately under stress.
Comparison: Charter Arms Boomer vs. Competitors
| Feature | Charter Arms Boomer | Smith & Wesson Model 629 | Taurus 444 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .44 Special | .44 Magnum / .44 Special | .44 Magnum / .44 Special |
| Barrel Length | 2 in. | 3 in. | 4 in. |
| Weight (unloaded) | 21 oz. | 40 oz. | 42 oz. |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Action | DAO | DA/SA | DA/SA |
| Porting | Yes (factory) | No (optional) | No (optional) |
| Price | $448.76 | $1,200+ | $600+ |
The Boomer is significantly lighter and more concealable than the S&W 629 or Taurus 444, which are built for magnum loads and heavy-frame hunting. If you prioritize deep concealment and manageable recoil over magnum power, the Boomer is the clear choice.
FAQ
Is the Charter Arms Boomer reliable for self-defense?
Yes. Charter Arms has been manufacturing revolvers for over 50 years, and the Boomer uses the same proven lockwork as their Bulldog series. Per Charter Arms specs, the DAO mechanism is tested for consistent ignition with .44 Special ammunition. Expect reliable function with standard pressure defensive loads.
What holsters work best with the Boomer?
Because the Boomer has a snag-free design and no front sight, it fits most pocket holsters designed for 2-inch barrel revolvers. Look for a holster with a reinforced mouth that stays open for reholstering. Many owners use a DeSantis Nemesis or similar pocket holster for deep concealment.
Can I shoot .44 Magnum through this revolver?
No. The Boomer is chambered for .44 Special only. Do not attempt to fire .44 Magnum ammunition—the cylinder and frame are not rated for the higher pressure. Stick with .44 Special defensive loads like Hornady Critical Defense or Federal HST.
How does the ported barrel affect noise and flash?
The porting redirects gas upward, which can increase perceived noise and flash slightly compared to a non-ported barrel. In low-light defensive situations, the flash is minimal and not a hindrance to target acquisition. The trade-off is significantly reduced muzzle rise.
Trust & Delivery
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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