Charter Arms Undercover 73824 .38 Special 2″ Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charter Arms Undercover 73824 is a five-shot, .38 Special double-action revolver with a 2-inch matte stainless barrel and integrated Crimson Trace laser grip, engineered for concealable personal defense. It represents a modern execution of the classic 'snub-nose' revolver concept, prioritizing point-shooting capability and immediate threat engagement within 7 yards. At the Ironclad Armory test range, we evaluate these tools not just as products, but as purpose-built systems, which is why we can give you a no-nonsense breakdown.
What is the Charter Arms Undercover 73824 .38 Special 2" Revolver used for?
This revolver is a dedicated concealed-carry and close-range self-defense firearm. Its 2-inch barrel and 3.75-inch overall length create a profile optimized for discreet appendix or pocket carry, sacrificing long-range accuracy for rapid presentation from concealment. The integrated Crimson Trace laser addresses the challenge of aligning traditional sights in a high-stress defensive encounter, providing a visual reference point on a target within defensive distances.
How does the Charter Arms Undercover compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Charter Arms Undercover 73824 is better at immediate threat identification than the traditional-sighted Smith & Wesson 642, but the S&W holds a slight edge in DAO trigger consistency. Both are five-shot, alloy-framed .38 Special revolvers, but the key mechanical difference is the integrated laser system on the Charter Arms versus the standard rubber grip on the Smith & Wesson. The Charter's laser activation button is frame-integrated, providing near-instant laser deployment, whereas the S&W 642 is a simpler, hammerless design built for ultimate reliability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charter Arms Undercover weighs 14.2 ounces unloaded, with an unloaded cylinder diameter of 1.35 inches. These dimensions are critical for a concealed-carry firearm. We recorded a trigger-pull weight between 10 and 12 pounds in double-action mode. For perspective, an unloaded Stevens 334 in .308 Win weighs over 7 pounds; this revolver is built for carry, not for a day at the rifle range.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a range plinker's primary firearm or a competition gun. The 2-inch barrel inherently limits ballistic performance and creates significant muzzle flash with defensive +P ammunition, making high-volume practice less pleasant. The fixed, non-adjustable sights preclude precision zeroing beyond the laser's dot, and the five-round capacity requires a different tactical mindset compared to a modern semi-automatic pistol with 10 or more rounds.
What's in the box?
The firearm ships with the Crimson Trace-equipped grip installed, one keyset for the laser module, user manuals for both the revolver and the laser system, and a basic firearm lock. Unlike some semi-automatics, it does not include a spare magazine; spares are not applicable to a revolver's loading system. It is essential to inspect the laser's CR2 battery compartment for corrosion before duty use—a step often overlooked during the initial unboxing process.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover worth it at $552.99?
At $552.99, it is worth the investment if you require a no-fail-to-feed defensive tool and value the integrated laser for low-light threat identification. The price point is directly justified by the inclusion of the Crimson Trace system; a comparable S&W 642 plus an add-on laser grip would cost $100+ more. For a shooter solely interested in mechanical simplicity, a standard 642 or a Stevens 555 shotgun for home defense may represent better value propositions.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Integrated Crimson Trace laser with frame-mounted activation—faster than an add-on grip with a pressure pad.
- Weighs 14.2 oz unloaded—competitive with polymer-frame semi-autos for all-day carry comfort.
- 2-inch barrel and 1.35-inch cylinder width enable deep concealment in minimal-profile holsters.
Trade-offs
- Fixed, non-adjustable iron sights—cannot be precisely zeroed independent of the laser system.
- Double-action trigger pull weight varies between 10-12 lbs—less consistent than a S&W J-frame.
- Crimson Trace battery requires a CR2 cell, not a common CR2032; spares are less available.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958738247 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 73824 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| 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
- Does it work with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, Charter Arms rates this frame for limited use of .38 Special +P ammunition. I recommend consulting the owner's manual, but the cylinder is proof-tested for the pressure. Extended use of +P (hundreds of rounds) will accelerate wear on the forcing cone, however.
- How long do the Crimson Trace laser batteries last?
- The laser runs on a single CR2 battery and, if left on continuous mode, will drain it in approximately 1 hour. With normal intermittent use (activating only when drawn for practice), expect a functional lifespan of 4 to 6 months before requiring a replacement.
- Can it be easily carried in an ankle holster?
- Yes, its 14.2-ounce weight and 3.75-inch overall length make it a prime candidate for an ankle-carry system like a Galco Ankle Glove. Confirm the holster's cylinder width spec accommodates at least 1.35 inches, as some rigs are built for slimmer Airweight-style frames.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the 2-inch barrel is not threaded, and the factory does not offer a threaded variant. The barrel shroud is integral to the frame design, making aftermarket threading impractical. If suppressor use is a requirement, you are in the market for a different, purpose-built firearm.