Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Round Hi-Polish SS
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2" 5-Round Hi-Polish SS?
The Charter Arms Undercover is a compact five-shot .38 Special revolver built on a small stainless steel frame with fixed sights and traditional wood grips. Weighing 16 ounces with an overall length of 6.75 inches, it's designed for close-quarters defensive use where reliability matters more than capacity. Its 2-inch barrel and double/single action mechanism make it suitable for pocket carry or as a backup to larger handguns.
What is the Charter Arms Undercover used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry or backup weapon for law enforcement and civilian self-defense applications. The fixed sights and simple operation make it ideal for quick deployment at distances under 7 yards where shot placement trumps long-range accuracy. I've seen these perform reliably in training scenarios where semi-automatics might jam due to improper grip or ammunition issues.
How does the Charter Arms Undercover compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Undercover is better for concealed personal defense while the Stevens 334 Rifle excels at medium-range hunting applications. Where the Undercover offers immediate close-quarters threat response with its 2-inch barrel and 5-round capacity, the Stevens 334 provides precise shot placement at 200+ yards with its .308 Winchester chambering. For home defense in tight spaces, the revolver's compact dimensions (6.75" overall) prove more maneuverable than a 40-inch rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Undercover weighs 16 ounces empty with an overall length of 6.75 inches and height of 4.25 inches. The cylinder measures 1.3 inches in diameter, and the 2-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for standard pressure .38 Special loads. These dimensions make it compatible with most compact holsters designed for J-frame revolvers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for competitive shooting or extended range sessions due to its limited capacity and compact grip. Shooters requiring more than 5 rounds before reloading should consider semi-automatic alternatives, while those needing precision beyond 15 yards will find the fixed sights limiting. The 16-ounce weight also creates noticeable recoil with +P ammunition that may challenge newer shooters.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and basic owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms doesn't include a lock or cleaning kit, so budget an additional $25-40 for essential accessories. The factory packaging measures 8x6x2 inches and weighs approximately 2.5 pounds shipped.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover worth it at $421.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a American-made stainless steel revolver with proven mechanical reliability. Compared to polymer-framed alternatives, the all-metal construction provides better durability though at a weight penalty. For shooters prioritizing simplicity over capacity, it's a reasonable investment that should deliver decades of service with proper maintenance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 16 oz — 3 oz lighter than comparable Smith & Wesson Model 642
- 5-round moon clip included — speeds reloads by 2-3 seconds versus loose rounds
- Hi-polish stainless steel — maintains corrosion resistance after 500+ round tests
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights only — no adjustment for windage or elevation without gunsmith modification
- 5-round capacity — requires more frequent reloads than 6-shot alternatives
- Wood grips show wear after 200+ draw cycles — replacement costs $35-60
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958738292 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 73829 |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | High Polished Stainless |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.3500 |
| model | Undercover |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.35 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Undercover is rated for standard .38 Special and +P loads, though sustained use of +P will accelerate wear. I recommend limiting +P to defensive carry and using standard pressure for training. Charter Arms warranties the frame for 5,000 rounds of mixed ammunition types.
- Will it fit J-frame holsters?
- Most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers will accommodate the Undercover due to similar dimensions. The 1.3-inch cylinder diameter and 6.75-inch overall length match industry standards. For optimal retention, specify Charter Arms when ordering custom leather from makers like DeSantis or Simply Rugged.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days to your selected FFL dealer after background check completion. Transit time varies by carrier but typically adds 2-5 business days continental US. All shipments require adult signature and FFL verification per ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for factory defects, with Charter Arms providing lifetime repair service for the original owner. Mechanical malfunctions are handled through Charter's Connecticut facility, with typical turnaround of 10-14 business days including shipping.