Charter Arms Southpaw 2″ Undercover Lite Pink Left-Hand
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About this product
The Charter Arms Southpaw 2\" Undercover Lite Pink Left-Hand is a compact left-handed five-shot .38 Special revolver purpose-built for concealed carry, featuring a right-side swing-out cylinder release and an anodized 7075 aluminum frame at just 12 ounces unloaded. This configuration directly addresses the ergonomic and safety compromises left-handed shooters often face with standard right-handed revolvers, using a dedicated frame casting to relocate mechanical controls rather than mere adaptation. At $406.99, it represents a focused investment in a mechanical solution for a specific demographic often underserved by the mainstream firearms market.
What is the Charter Arms Southpaw Undercover Lite used for?
The Southpaw Undercover Lite is used for discreet, left-handed daily carry where accessibility and a clean draw are non-negotiable. Its 12-ounce weight and 6.75-inch overall length prioritize all-day comfort in an inside-the-waistband or pocket holster, while the five-shot .38 Special capacity defines it as a defensive tool for close encounters. The fixed sights and double-action trigger pull mean it's designed for point-shooting at defensive distances, not precision target work.
How does the Charter Arms Southpaw compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Charter Arms Southpaw is better for left-handed shooters needing a dedicated frame, while the Smith & Wesson Model 642 is better for ambidextrous durability as a standard right-handed revolver. The Smith & Wesson's stainless steel or aluminum-alloy J-frame weighs a comparable 14-15 ounces but retains its cylinder release on the left side, forcing a left-handed shooter to either use their trigger finger or adapt their grip. The Charter solution is mechanically purist but eliminates easy holster compatibility with the vast J-frame aftermarket.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs approximately 12 ounces (340 grams) unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder holds five rounds of .38 Special, giving it a loaded weight of roughly 17 ounces with standard pressure ammunition. The grip frame is notably shorter than many competitors, like those on our Stevens 334 .308 rifle, prioritizing concealment over a full three-finger purchase for most hands.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for right-handed shooters, competition shooters, or anyone prioritizing high capacity or modular optics mounting. The dedicated left-handed controls offer zero advantage and only procurement hassle for a right-handed user. Its limited five-round capacity and fixed sights make it a poor choice for action pistol sports or woods defense against larger threats where a higher-capacity semi-auto or a longer-barreled revolver like a Stevens 555 shotgun would be more appropriate.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one set of foam earplugs in a small plastic bag, a 3-page manual covering basic operation and warranty, and a plastic hard case with foam inserts sized for the firearm only—no spare speed loaders, holster, or lock are included. The case interior measures 9.5 x 7 inches, providing minimal room for anything beyond the gun itself. Expect to budget an additional $30-$60 immediately for a quality left-handed holster and loader.
Is the Charter Arms Southpaw Undercover Lite worth it at $406.99?
At $406.99, the Southpaw is worth it for a dedicated left-handed shooter who values a purpose-built mechanical solution over adaptation, but not for someone seeking the lowest-cost .38 Special revolver. You are paying a roughly $75-$100 premium over a standard Charter Undercover Lite for the dedicated left-handed frame tooling and assembly process. If you are ambidextrous or willing to train around a standard right-handed revolver's controls, that premium buys you nothing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz unloaded — nearly 25% lighter than a steel-frame .38 snub like the Ruger LCR at 13.5-17 oz.
- Dedicated left-handed frame with right-side cylinder release — eliminates fumbling with adapted controls under stress.
- Fixed 2-inch barrel with matte stainless finish — provides consistent point of aim with zero adjustable sight drift.
- Three-point cylinder lockup — enhances alignment consistency versus simpler two-point systems on budget revolvers.
Trade-offs
- Limited holster compatibility — requires specific Southpaw-molded holsters, reducing aftermarket options by 80%.
- No included safety lock or holster — adds $25-40 in immediate necessary accessories to make the gun range-ready.
- Pink anodized finish shows holster wear quickly — expect visible finish loss on high-contact frame edges within 200 draw cycles.
- Five-round .38 Special capacity — two rounds less than many modern micro-compact 9mm semi-autos in a similar size envelope.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958938302 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 93830 |
| 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 | 3.3 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.85 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Charter Arms Southpaw Undercover Lite is rated for standard pressure .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition through its matte stainless steel barrel and cylinder. However, Charter Arms recommends limiting +P use to occasional carry and defensive practice to preserve the lightweight aluminum frame's service life. Always verify this information with the manufacturer's latest specification sheet.
- Does it fit in a standard J-frame holster?
- No, it will not fit most standard Smith & Wesson J-frame holsters due to the relocated right-side cylinder release. The frame molding and latch position create a different external profile. You must seek holsters specifically molded for the Charter Arms Southpaw or left-handed Undercover Lite models; companies like DeSantis and Galco produce such models, typically adding 2-4 weeks to your procurement timeline.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and payment processing, depending on your location and carrier service levels. All firearms are shipped via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and mandatory tracking provided. Your FFL will contact you upon receipt to commence the 4473 background check process, which is separate from our shipping timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms cannot be returned due to fit or ergonomic preference once the transfer is completed at your FFL. Federal law prohibits the return of a transferred firearm to a non-licensee for any reason other than a verified manufacturer defect. We strongly suggest handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing. All sales on this item are final after the FFL completes the transfer paperwork.
- Does this work with a Crimson Trace LaserGrip?
- Yes, the frame is compatible with Crimson Trace LaserGrip models designed for the standard Charter Arms Undercover series (LG-105). Installation requires removing the factory black rubber grip via the single screw in the grip base, a process taking about 2 minutes with a properly sized screwdriver. The laser activation button will be positioned for left-handed thumb operation, maintaining the revolver's dedicated southpaw ergonomics.