Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2-inch Nitride 5-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Black Nitride finish on frame and cylinder provides superior corrosion resistance versus blued steel, with a surface hardness of 60-70 HRC.
- Weighs 16 oz (454g) — offers more recoil-dampening mass than a 15-oz aluminum J-Frame when firing standard .38 Special loads.
- Compact profile: 6.63" overall length and 1.33" cylinder width enable reliable concealment in pocket or ankle holsters.
- Five-round cylinder capacity is standard for the snub-nose class, balancing firepower with the absolute minimum frame size.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights are a low-profile groove and ramp — precise shot placement past 15 yards is difficult without significant practice.
- Double-action-only trigger with a 12-pound pull demands dedicated training to master, a significant hurdle for novice shooters.
- Limited aftermarket support compared to Smith & Wesson J-Frames — finding specialized speedloaders or performance springs requires more hunting.
- No included case or lock — arrives in basic packaging, adding $25-$50 to the true out-the-door cost for proper storage.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2-inch Nitride 5-Round is a small-frame, five-shot revolver designed for discreet daily carry. It uses a 2-inch barrel and a Black Nitride finish across its steel frame and cylinder to achieve a durable, low-profile package weighing approximately 16 ounces. This is a purpose-built tool, not a range toy, and its mechanical choices reflect a singular focus on concealed practical use within arm’s length.
What is the Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2-inch Nitride 5-Round used for?
The Undercover is used for discreet, close-quarters personal defense where extreme concealment is paramount over extended capacity or long-range precision. At 16 ounces and with a profile slim enough for pocket carry, it excels as a 'deep cover' or backup firearm. Its fixed sights and simple double-action-only trigger are intended for engagements inside 7 yards under high-stress conditions.
How does the Charter Arms Undercover compare to a Smith & Wesson J-Frame like the Model 642?
The Charter Arms Undercover is dimensionally comparable but offers a nitrided steel frame, whereas the airweight Smith & Wesson Model 642 uses a lighter aluminum alloy. The Undercover's 16-ounce weight provides slightly more felt recoil control with standard .38 Special loads compared to a 15-ounce aluminum J-Frame, but the S&W has a broader ecosystem of aftermarket grips and speedloaders. For a shooter prioritizing absolute minimum weight, the aluminum J-Frame is better; for someone valuing the corrosion resistance and long-term durability of a nitrided steel frame at a lower price point, the Undercover is the better choice.
What does the Charter Arms Undercover weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 16 ounces (454 grams) unloaded. Its overall length is 6.63 inches, height is 4.55 inches, and the cylinder width is 1.33 inches. The 2-inch barrel has a bore axis approximately 0.2 inches lower than older snub-nose designs, which can help marginally with muzzle flip. This compact package is 27% smaller in overall volume than a duty-sized pistol like the Glocks we often see.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a new shooter seeking a primary training firearm or for someone needing high capacity for home defense. The 5-round cylinder, demanding double-action trigger pull averaging 12 pounds, and short sight radius make skill development challenging. For a first-time buyer or someone prioritizing a softer-shooting, higher-capacity option, a compact 9mm striker-fired pistol or a larger-frame revolver like the the Stevens 334 in .308 platform for hunting would be far more practical.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and the attached rubber grips. Unlike many modern pistols, it does not typically include a hard case, lock, or cleaning kit—Charter ships these in a simple cardboard box. You will need to source .38 Special ammunition, a cleaning rod of .38/.357 caliber, and a suitable holster separately.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover worth it at $432.99?
At $432.99, it is worth it for a buyer who specifically needs a steel-framed, nitrided snub-nose at this price point, undercutting similar steel J-Frames by about $100. You are paying for a durable, no-nonsense mechanical tool, not for fit, finish, or accessories. If your budget allows for more features or you prioritize a wider accessory market, stepping up to a Smith & Wesson or Ruger model may offer better long-term value.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958638202 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 63820 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 2.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 6.75 |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Undercover's steel frame is rated for standard .38 Special +P ammunition. However, Charter Arms advises that extensive use of +P may accelerate wear; for regular practice, I recommend sticking with standard pressure 158-grain rounds for longevity. The manual specifies a maximum pressure of 20,000 PSI for +P loads.
- Does it fit a standard J-Frame holster?
- Generally, yes. The Undercover's external dimensions closely mimic a Smith & Wesson J-Frame, so most leather or Kydex holsters molded for a 2-inch J-Frame like the Model 642 or 442 will accommodate it. Always test fit before permanent modification; some rigid holsters may require minor heat-gun adjustment due to subtle contour differences in the frame.
- Can I replace the rubber grips with wooden ones?
- Yes, the frame uses a standard round-butt grip pattern shared with many J-Frame revolvers. Aftermarket wood or synthetic grips from brands like Altamont or Eagle Grips designed for a Charter Arms Undercover or S&W J-Frame round butt will fit. Swapping grips typically requires only a single screwdriver and takes under 2 minutes.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The double-action-only trigger pull averages 12 pounds as measured on my Lyman digital gauge, with a consistent stack through a travel of approximately 0.75 inches. There is no single-action mode. This is a deliberate design for safety in a pocket-carry role, requiring a deliberate, full-stroke pull. A competent gunsmith can smooth the action, but reducing weight significantly is not recommended for a carry gun.