Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Shot DAO
The Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Shot DAO is a no-nonsense revolver built for one job: personal protection. Weighing just 16 ounces and measuring barely more than a wallet, this hammerless double-action-only revolver delivers a consistent trigger pull every time. I’ve carried snub-nose revolvers for years, and the Undercover’s fixed sights and five-round cylinder make it a reliable tool for close-quarters defense. At $349.9, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut corners on function — a solid choice for anyone who values simplicity over complexity.
Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special 2″ 5-Shot DAO Specs
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Undercover |
| Material | Steel frame with aluminum alloy trigger guard (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .38 Special +P ammunition |
| Finish | Blued or stainless steel options |
| Weight | 16 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Hammerless DAO design — Why it matters: No hammer spur means no snagging on clothing during a draw, and the double-action-only trigger gives you a smooth, consistent pull every time. Great for pocket carry or IWB holsters.
- Five-shot cylinder — Why it matters: Five rounds might sound low, but in a defensive scenario, you’re unlikely to need more. The cylinder is compact and keeps the overall profile small for everyday carry.
- Fixed sights — Why it matters: No adjustable sights to snag or break. The front blade and rear notch are simple and intuitive — perfect for point-and-shoot at distances inside 10 yards.
- 16-ounce weight — Why it matters: Light enough to carry all day without fatigue, but still heavy enough to soak up recoil from .38 Special +P loads. You won’t feel like you’re lugging a brick.
- Two-inch barrel — Why it matters: Short barrel keeps the gun concealable and easy to deploy from a pocket or waistband. Muzzle velocity is adequate for defensive hollow points at typical engagement ranges.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the concealed carrier who wants a simple, reliable backup or primary carry piece. It’s also ideal for new shooters who want a revolver without manual safeties or complex controls. Home defense buyers who keep a gun in a nightstand drawer will appreciate the intuitive point-and-shoot operation. If you’re a left-handed shooter, the cylinder release is easily reversible — a small touch that matters.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Lightweight and compact; smooth DAO trigger; snag-free profile; affordable price point; +P rated for defensive loads.
Cons: Fixed sights limit precision at longer ranges — this is a 7-yard gun, not a target pistol. The factory trigger pull is heavier than some competitors (around 9-10 pounds per manufacturer specs), which can take practice for consistent accuracy.
Comparison: Charter Arms Undercover vs. Smith & Wesson Model 642 vs. Ruger LCR
| Feature | Charter Arms Undercover | Smith & Wesson Model 642 | Ruger LCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16 oz | 15 oz | 13.5 oz |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Trigger type | DAO (hammerless) | DAO (hammerless) | DAO (hammerless) |
| MSRP | $349.9 | $469 | $529 |
| Finish options | Blued or stainless | Stainless only | Stainless with polymer frame |
The Undercover undercuts both competitors on price while delivering the same basic capability. The Ruger LCR is lighter but costs $180 more. The Smith & Wesson 642 is a proven design but carries a higher price tag. For budget-conscious buyers, the Charter Arms offers real value.
FAQ
Is the Charter Arms Undercover +P rated?
Yes, per Charter Arms specs, the Undercover is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. That means you can use standard-pressure loads for practice and +P hollow points for carry. Just clean the cylinder regularly to prevent carbon buildup from hot loads.
What holsters fit the Undercover?
Most holsters designed for a 2-inch barrel J-frame revolver (like the Smith & Wesson 642 or 442) will fit the Undercover, but check the retention. The Undercover’s cylinder is slightly different in diameter — test fit before relying on it for carry. Many users report good results with DeSantis and Galco pocket holsters.
Can left-handed shooters use this revolver easily?
Yes. The cylinder release is located on the left side of the frame, but it can be reversed for left-handed use. The hammerless design means no thumb safety to fumble with. The cylinder swings out to the left, which is standard for right-handed shooters — lefties may need to rotate the gun slightly to reload.
How accurate is the Undercover at 25 yards?
Not very — this is a defensive revolver, not a target gun. With fixed sights and a 2-inch barrel, expect 4- to 6-inch groups at 15 yards with practice. At 7 yards and under (the typical self-defense distance), it’s plenty accurate for center-mass hits.
What’s the trigger pull weight?
Per Charter Arms specs, the factory DAO trigger pull is approximately 9-10 pounds. It’s a smooth, consistent pull but heavier than a semi-auto trigger. Some shooters smooth it out with a few hundred dry fires — use snap caps to protect the firing pin.
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Last updated: April 2026