Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Shot DAO
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 16 oz unloaded — lighter than a comparable all-steel revolver by 8-10 oz.
- 2-inch hammerless barrel provides a snag-free draw in under 1.5 seconds from concealment.
- 5-round cylinder offers a simple, reliable mechanical feed system with zero magazine springs to fail.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable — zeroing requires filing the front post, a gunsmith procedure.
- DAO trigger pull measures 12-14 lbs — significantly heavier than a single-action revolver's 4-lb pull.
- Proprietary grip profile prevents installation of most aftermarket rubber or laser grips.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Shot DAO is a compact, hammerless, double-action-only revolver engineered specifically for concealed carry, featuring a 16-ounce frame and snag-free profile. It represents a direct answer to the demand for a no-frills, mechanically simple defensive sidearm, designed for consistent operation under stress rather than extended range sessions. The Undercover provides a specific solution for shooters who prioritize discretion and reliable deployment over target precision and high capacity.
What is the Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special used for?
The Undercover is used for close-quarters personal defense and concealed carry where discretion is paramount. Its 2-inch barrel and double-action-only hammerless design make it ideal for pocket carry or deep-concealment holsters, eliminating the risk of a hammer snagging on clothing. The total loaded weight of approximately 19 ounces ensures it can be carried all day without fatigue, though it sacrifices the sight radius and accuracy potential of longer-barrel revolvers like many of the Stevens 334 rifles we also carry.
How does the Charter Arms Undercover compare to the Smith & Wesson J-Frame Model 642?
The Charter Arms Undercover is directly comparable in size and role to the Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight, but with a $150 lower MSRP. Mechanically, the Undercover uses a simpler five-shot cylinder and transfer-bar ignition system versus the S&W's more refined internal lock and slightly smoother trigger. The Undercover is the better choice for shooters prioritizing a purely mechanical tool with fewer potential failure points, while the Model 642 offers slightly better fit and finish for a higher price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 16 ounces unloaded and measures 6.125 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.375 inches. When loaded with five rounds of standard pressure .38 Special ammunition, weight increases to approximately 19 ounces, a critical factor for concealed carry comfort over a 12-hour day. Its overall height of 4.25 inches is a full inch shorter than many compact semi-autos, contributing directly to concealability.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for target shooters, competition use, or anyone seeking an optics-ready firearm. The fixed sights and short 2-inch barrel make precision shots beyond 15 yards challenging, and the 5-round capacity is limiting for anything but defensive scenarios. If your intended use involves high-volume shooting like a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410 might provide on the skeet field, look to a higher-capacity platform.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the Charter Arms Undercover revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a black polymer grip. The manufacturer ships the firearm with a standard plastic case, a manual explaining the transfer-bar safety system, and a factory-sealed bore. You will need to purchase .38 Special ammunition separately; the cylinder is not chambered for +P ammunition unless specified by a later model variant, so always check the barrel stamp.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover worth it at $349.99?
At $349.99, the Undercover is worth it as an entry-level, dedicated defensive carry revolver that prioritizes mechanical reliability over features. You are paying for a simplified, durable tool with a proven action and minimal maintenance requirements, not for exceptional trigger feel or ergonomic refinement. For shooters who need a discreet, all-day carry solution and accept the inherent limitations of a snub-nose revolver, it delivers functional value.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958138115 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 13811 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 2.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 6.75 |
| model | Undercover |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.95 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- No, the standard Charter Arms Undercover is not rated for +P ammunition; its cylinder and frame are designed for standard pressure .38 Special loads only. Firing +P rounds can accelerate wear and potentially damage the firearm. Always verify the chambering stamped on the barrel before loading.
- Does it fit standard pocket holsters for J-frame revolvers?
- Yes, the Undercover's 1.375-inch cylinder width and overall profile will fit most common J-frame-sized pocket holsters from brands like DeSantis or Vedder. The cylinder release latch is positioned similarly, so retention will be consistent across most kydex or leather designs.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for processing and ground transit to your selected FFL dealer from our warehouse in Bozeman, Montana. You must provide your FFL's information at checkout, and they will contact you directly for pickup once the firearm is logged into their bound book.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace Laser Grips?
- No, the compact black polymer grip on the Undercover is proprietary and does not accept standard J-frame laser grip replacements like those from Crimson Trace. The grip is a single-piece molded design intended to minimize width, precluding aftermarket grip modules designed for S&W or Ruger frames.