Charter Arms Undercover II .38 Spl 2.2in 6-Round Revolver
About this product
The Charter Arms Undercover II is a compact .38 Special revolver designed for discreet carry that combines a lightweight aluminum frame with a 6-round capacity and 2.2-inch stainless steel barrel. This double/single-action revolver weighs exactly 20 ounces and delivers practical performance for everyday concealed carry scenarios. As someone who's evaluated hundreds of service firearms, I appreciate how Charter Arms has maintained the Undercover's mechanical simplicity while updating it for modern defensive requirements.
What is the Charter Arms Undercover II used for?
The Undercover II serves primarily as a concealed carry revolver and backup weapon, with its 20-ounce weight making it manageable for all-day wear. The 2.2-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for defensive distances while maintaining concealability. I've found it performs best with standard pressure .38 Special loads, though it handles +P ammunition for occasional use.
How does the Charter Arms Undercover II compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Undercover II offers a mechanical advantage with its exposed hammer allowing single-action shooting, unlike the Model 642's hammerless design. Charter's 6-round cylinder also provides one additional round over the Smith & Wesson's 5-round capacity. However, the Model 642 has superior finish quality and smoother trigger pull out of the box, making it about $50-75 more expensive than this Charter Arms model.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 20 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2.2-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.38 inches, keeping it slim enough for pocket carry or IWB holsters. For comparison, our Stevens 334 in .308 Win weighs nearly 7.5 pounds, highlighting how specialized the Undercover II is for concealed applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for new shooters needing training-wheel simplicity or those wanting high-capacity defensive options. The 6-round capacity and .38 Special ballistics limit its effectiveness against multiple threats compared to modern semi-autos. If you prioritize capacity over mechanical simplicity, consider our 12-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for home defense scenarios.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver, one set of keys for the internal lock, and basic documentation covering safety and maintenance. Unlike some competitors, Charter Arms doesn't include a carrying case or cleaning kit, which adds about $25-40 to your initial setup cost. The manual clearly outlines the 5-year warranty coverage, which I've found Charter honors promptly for legitimate manufacturing defects.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover II worth it at $417.99?
At $417.99, the Undercover II represents solid value for shooters who prioritize revolver reliability over semi-auto capacity. The price sits approximately $80-100 below comparable Smith & Wesson J-frames while offering similar performance. For shooters needing a no-nonsense backup weapon or primary carry where semi-autos aren't preferred, this Charter Arms delivers functional performance without unnecessary complexity.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 20 oz — 4 ounces lighter than steel-frame J-frames
- 6-round capacity — one more than Smith & Wesson 642
- Exposed hammer allows single-action shooting for precision
- High-polished stainless barrel resists corrosion without coating
Trade-offs
- Aluminum frame shows wear faster than steel — noticeable after 500 rounds
- Black Pearlite grips lack texture — adds $30-50 for aftermarket upgrade
- No factory case included — increases initial setup cost by $25-40
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958536249 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 53624 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | High Polished Stainless |
| barrel length | 2.20" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Olive Drab Green |
| length | 6.75 |
| model | Undercover II |
| package height | 8.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.0 |
| sights | LitePipe Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Undercover II handles all standard pressure .38 Special loads and can fire +P ammunition occasionally. I recommend against sustained +P use as it accelerates wear on the aluminum frame. Federal Premium and Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special both cycle reliably through the 6-round cylinder.
- Does it fit standard holsters for J-frame revolvers?
- Most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers will accommodate the Undercover II with minor adjustments. The cylinder diameter of 1.38 inches matches most J-frame dimensions. Brands like DeSantis and Galco specifically list Charter Arms compatibility in their size charts.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Your FFL must email their license before shipment can commence, adding 1-2 business days to the timeline.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Returns for mechanical defects are handled through Charter Arms' 5-year warranty program rather than store returns. The manufacturer typically resolves legitimate issues within 10-14 business days. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns aren't accepted due to federal firearms regulations.