Charter Arms Undercover Lite .38 Special 2in 5-Shot Revolver
About this product
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite .38 Special 2in 5-Shot Revolver combines a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame with a stainless-steel barrel and cylinder for corrosion resistance and easy carry. At just 12.5 ounces, it’s a compact double-action-only revolver built for deep concealment and reliable defensive use.
Available for delivery across the United States.
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite .38 Special 2in 5-Shot Revolver is a modern take on the classic snub-nose, built for shooters who want a lightweight carry piece without giving up the reliability of a revolver. This five-shot .38 Special packs a 2-inch barrel into a frame that tips the scales at just 12.5 ounces—thanks to its anodized 7075 aluminum frame. That’s a full 4 ounces lighter than the steel-framed Undercover, making it a serious contender for pocket or ankle carry. Per Charter Arms specs, the stainless-steel barrel and cylinder resist corrosion even in humid conditions, and the double-action-only trigger gives you a consistent pull every time. Whether you’re a collector adding a modern classic or a shooter looking for a deep-concealment tool, this revolver delivers where it counts.
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Undercover Lite |
| Material | 7075 aluminum frame, stainless steel barrel and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .38 Special ammunition only |
| Finish | Matte anodized frame, satin stainless barrel/cylinder |
| Weight | 12.5 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Anodized 7075 Aluminum Frame — Why it matters: This frame shaves off nearly 30% of the weight compared to steel models, so you can carry all day without your belt sagging. It’s the same alloy used in high-end AR receivers, so it’s tough enough for daily use.
- Stainless-Steel Barrel and Cylinder — Why it matters: The barrel and cylinder take the most heat and pressure, and stainless steel resists rust and pitting far better than blued carbon steel. You can sweat on it, carry it in rain, and still trust it to fire.
- 2-Inch Fixed Barrel with Fixed Sights — Why it matters: No snagging on draw, no adjustments to lose. The short barrel and simple sights are designed for instinctive point-shooting at bad-breath distances—exactly where a snub-nose shines.
- Double-Action-Only Trigger — Why it matters: Every pull is the same weight—around 9 to 11 pounds—so you don’t have to remember a hammer spur or worry about a light first shot. It’s a consistent, safe system for defensive use.
- Compact Rubber Grip — Why it matters: The grip fills your hand without printing through a shirt, and the rubber texture soaks up recoil from .38 Special loads. You get a secure hold even with sweaty hands.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the collector who appreciates a modern update on a classic design, and for the shooter who wants a lightweight backup that doesn’t require a gunsmith. It’s ideal for pocket carry, ankle holsters, or as a truck gun. If you’re a regular at gun shows, you’ve seen the original Undercover—this Lite version is the evolution that turns heads.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Extremely light at 12.5 oz—one of the lightest .38 Special revolvers on the market.
- Pro: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel in critical parts means less maintenance.
- Pro: DAO trigger eliminates manual safety concerns and speeds up your draw-to-shot.
- Con: Fixed sights are not adjustable, so you’re locked into the factory zero. That’s fine for close range, but not ideal for precision target work.
- Con: The lightweight frame makes recoil snappier than a steel-framed revolver—you’ll feel it with +P loads.
Comparison: Charter Arms Undercover Lite vs. Smith & Wesson 642 vs. Ruger LCR
| Feature | Charter Arms Undercover Lite | Smith & Wesson 642 | Ruger LCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .38 Special | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 5 shots | 5 shots | 5 shots |
| Weight | 12.5 oz | 15.0 oz | 13.5 oz |
| Frame Material | 7075 aluminum | Aluminum alloy | Polymer with steel insert |
| Trigger | DAO | DAO | DAO |
| Barrel Length | 2 inches | 1.875 inches | 1.875 inches |
| Price | $376.97 | ~$450 | ~$420 |
FAQ
What ammunition does the Charter Arms Undercover Lite use?
It’s chambered for .38 Special. You can shoot standard-pressure .38 Special loads and +P loads, though +P will increase recoil. Per Charter Arms, the revolver is rated for +P but they recommend practicing with standard loads and carrying +P for defense.
Is the Undercover Lite safe for pocket carry?
Yes. The double-action-only trigger requires a deliberate pull of about 9-11 pounds to fire, which reduces the chance of accidental discharge. The hammerless design (enclosed spur) means nothing snags on your pocket edge during the draw. Always use a quality pocket holster that covers the trigger guard.
How does the weight compare to other snub-nose revolvers?
At 12.5 ounces, the Undercover Lite is lighter than the Smith & Wesson 642 (15 oz) and the Ruger LCR (13.5 oz). It’s one of the lightest five-shot .38 Special revolvers you can buy, which is a big advantage for all-day carry.
Can I change the grips on this revolver?
Yes. The Undercover Lite uses a standard Charter Undercover grip frame, so aftermarket grips from companies like Hogue or Pachmayr will fit. The factory rubber grip is already comfortable, but you can swap it for wood, G10, or a boot grip if you prefer.
What’s the barrel length and is it accurate?
The barrel is 2 inches long. With fixed sights, expect combat accuracy—minute-of-bad-guy at 7 to 10 yards. It’s not a target pistol, but it’s more than adequate for defensive encounters. The stainless steel barrel holds up well for consistent shot placement.
Trust and Convenience
- ✔ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✔ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day return policy
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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