The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is a .38 Special (+P rated) five-shot revolver engineered for concealed carry and personal defense. Built in Shelton, Connecticut, this compact handgun features a 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum frame paired with 416 stainless steel components, giving it an unloaded weight of just 12–14 ounces. Its 2-inch barrel, fixed sights, and rubber combat grips make it purpose-built for close-range defense.
The Undercover Lite is offered in several finishes—including anodized black, stainless, and colorful Cerakote variants like the Pink Lady and Chic Lady—and in both DA/SA and DAO configurations. With a 6.25–6.75-inch overall length and +P capability, it’s a simple, U.S.-made revolver that emphasizes lightweight portability and everyday dependability at an affordable price.
For those seeking a dependable, featherweight defensive revolver, the Charter Arms Undercover Lite has long been a popular choice among everyday carriers and backup gun enthusiasts. It represents a balance between traditional wheelgun reliability and modern lightweight materials, giving shooters a revolver that can be carried all day without fatigue.
Charter Arms, founded in 1964 in Connecticut, has built its reputation on affordable, American-made revolvers. Their designs focus on simplicity, solid construction, and practical performance for civilian carriers.
While not as polished as competitors like Smith & Wesson or Ruger, Charter Arms pistols deliver reliability and U.S. craftsmanship at a fraction of the cost.
The Undercover Lite evolved from the company’s classic Undercover model, maintaining the same rugged five-shot design but substituting a steel frame for a high-strength aluminum alloy.
This change reduced overall weight by nearly half, transforming it into one of the lightest +P-rated revolvers on the market. Designed primarily for concealed carry, off-duty backup, and personal defense, it remains one of the most accessible ways to carry a dependable .38 revolver.
Charter Arms Undercover Lite Specifications
| Specification | Charter Arms Undercover Lite |
|---|---|
| Type | Revolver (Compact) |
| Caliber | .38 Special / .38 Special +P |
| Action Type | Double-action/single-action (DA/SA) or DAO (variant dependent) |
| Cylinder Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) |
| Overall Length | 6.25–6.75 inches (159–171 mm) |
| Height | 4.25–4.9 inches |
| Width | 1.32 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 12–14 ounces (340–397 g) |
| Frame Material | Aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy |
| Barrel/Cylinder Material | 416 stainless steel |
| Finish Options | Stainless, black anodized, or Cerakote colors (Pink, Turquoise, Red, etc.) |
| Grip | Full-size rubber or overmolded combat grip |
| Sights | Fixed front blade with groove rear |
| Ammunition Rating | .38 Special +P compatible |
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms, Shelton, Connecticut, USA |
| Introduced | Early 2000s – Ongoing Production |
Charter Arms Undercover Lite Design & Build Quality
The Undercover Lite is a revolver designed around one key priority: carry comfort. Its ultra-light frame gives it near pocket-pistol weight while maintaining the robustness expected of a defensive .38.
Frame and Construction
The heart of the Undercover Lite is its 7075-T6 aluminum alloy frame, which offers outstanding strength-to-weight performance. The barrel and cylinder, made from 416 stainless steel, provide structural integrity for sustained use with +P loads. Despite the light materials, the revolver’s frame remains solid and shows minimal flex even after extended firing sessions.
Finishes vary widely—Charter Arms offers both traditional stainless and a variety of colorful anodized and Cerakote coatings. While these cosmetic finishes can wear faster than steel, they do not compromise function.
Ergonomics
The grip design is excellent for a small revolver. The rubber overmolded grip absorbs much of the recoil and fills the palm comfortably, improving control over the short 2-inch barrel. Even shooters with larger hands find it manageable, though those with smaller hands will appreciate its natural pointability.
Controls and Operation
The controls are as simple as any revolver can be: a standard cylinder release, exposed hammer (on DA/SA models), and smooth trigger face. The double-action pull averages around 10–12 pounds, while single-action breaks cleanly at about 4.5 pounds.
The DAO variant eliminates the external hammer entirely, ensuring a snag-free draw from pockets or purses—a crucial factor for concealed carriers.
Sights and Compatibility
The Undercover Lite’s fixed front blade and rear groove sights are basic but functional. They are regulated for standard 130–158 grain .38 loads. There’s no provision for optics or rail accessories—true to its minimalist, concealed-carry purpose.
Charter Arms Undercover Lite Variants & Model Differences
Charter Arms produces the Undercover Lite in several versions to suit different carry preferences and aesthetics:
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Undercover Lite (Standard): Traditional DA/SA model with exposed hammer and stainless or black anodized finish.
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Undercover Lite DAO: Streamlined double-action-only variant for snag-free pocket carry.
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Pink Lady: Anodized pink aluminum frame, otherwise identical to the standard model.
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Southpaw: A left-handed version with the cylinder release reversed for left-handed shooters.
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Chic Lady / Turquoise Lady: Feature unique Cerakote color schemes but share the same mechanical specifications.
Comparisons
In practical use, the Undercover Lite competes directly with the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight and Ruger LCR. While the Charter Arms lacks the refined trigger of those competitors, it beats both on price and equals them in carry comfort. Many shooters view it as the “working person’s lightweight revolver”—simple, reliable, and affordable.
Performance
Accuracy
With its 2-inch barrel and fixed sights, the Undercover Lite isn’t designed for precision shooting—but within defensive distances, it performs admirably. In most user reports and tests, groups average 2–3 inches at 7 yards, plenty accurate for self-defense.
Recoil and Control
Recoil is where the revolver’s featherweight design shows its downside. Even standard .38 Special loads produce noticeable muzzle rise, and +P ammunition can feel punishing during extended sessions. Still, the rubber grips mitigate discomfort and make short defensive practice manageable.
Reliability
Like most revolvers, reliability is excellent. The Undercover Lite handles a wide range of ammunition reliably, including +P loads. Most reports indicate no light strikes or timing issues, even after several hundred rounds.
Trigger Quality
The double-action pull is long and heavy—expected for a revolver of this size—but breaks consistently. The single-action mode (on standard models) offers a crisp 4–5 lb break with little creep. Many owners note that the trigger smooths significantly after a few hundred cycles or dry-fire sessions.
User note: “The Charter Arms Undercover Lite stands as a dependable, lightweight, and affordable concealed-carry revolver. It earns praise for simplicity, comfort, and practicality in defensive roles but loses points for sharp recoil, average fit and finish, and limited precision at range. For budget-conscious carry users or those seeking an ultralight defensive revolver without spending over $500, it remains one of the best options in its class.”
Ammunition Compatibility
The Undercover Lite performs best with standard-pressure and +P-rated defensive ammunition within traditional .38 Special weight ranges.
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Ideal bullet weights: 110–158 grain
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Best defensive loads: Federal HST Micro 130gr +P, Hornady Critical Defense 110gr FTX, Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P
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Best target loads: Federal American Eagle 130gr FMJ, Winchester 130gr “Train & Defend”
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Recoil tip: Avoid high-pressure +P loads for prolonged sessions; they accelerate frame wear and are harsh on the shooter.
The revolver’s fixed sights are regulated for mid-weight loads (around 130–140gr). Users who practice frequently will find standard-pressure rounds more pleasant and controllable.
Charter Arms Undercover Lite Use Case Suitability
Concealed Carry
This is the Undercover Lite’s primary role. Weighing just 12 ounces and with a small footprint, it’s ideal for ankle, pocket, or appendix carry. Its simplicity, snag-free profile (on DAO models), and inherent reliability make it a strong contender for a defensive EDC revolver.
Home Defense
While its five-shot capacity is limited, the Undercover Lite can serve as a home-defense gun for minimalists. Its ease of use, +P rating, and readiness make it suitable for those who prefer revolvers’ mechanical simplicity.
Competition
The Undercover Lite isn’t a competition firearm—it lacks the sight radius and trigger refinement for speed or accuracy contests. However, it can be a useful training tool for mastering double-action control or recoil management.
Outdoors / Backup Use
Its light weight makes it a convenient backup gun for hikers or outdoorsmen. It’s not suitable for large animal defense, but it serves well for personal protection in the wilderness.
Best Holsters for the Charter Arms Undercover Lite
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite fits comfortably with several polymer (boltaron) holsters designed for revolvers of similar size. These options provide retention, comfort, and concealment versatility for different carry styles.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
Ideal for concealed carry, this inside-the-waistband holster molds closely to the body for comfort and concealment. The adjustable cant and ride height allow a personalized fit for both appendix and hip carry.
Chest Holster
Designed for outdoor use, this configuration keeps the revolver accessible while freeing the waistline for backpacks or harnesses. Ideal for ATV riders and hikers.
Charter Arms Undercover Lite Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Extremely lightweight and comfortable to carry
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Simple, reliable operation with minimal maintenance
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+P rated for modern defensive ammo
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Affordable U.S.-made revolver under $500
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Good grip design for its small frame
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Wide range of finish and configuration options
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Excellent manufacturer customer service
Cons:
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Snappy recoil due to light frame
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Average fit and finish (machining marks possible)
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Heavy double-action trigger
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Limited 5-round capacity
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Fixed sights restrict long-range precision
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Aluminum frame shows wear faster than steel
Final Verdict
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is proof that a defensive revolver doesn’t have to be expensive or heavy to be effective. While it can’t match the refinement of a Smith & Wesson Airweight or the smoothness of a Ruger LCR, it offers solid performance, reliable function, and true portability for a fraction of the cost.
For concealed carriers, backup gun users, or those seeking an American-made .38 Special revolver on a budget, the Undercover Lite delivers exactly what it promises: a simple, lightweight, dependable defensive firearm.
In the end, the Undercover Lite is best viewed as a practical tool rather than a collector’s piece. It’s built to carry, not to admire—and that’s exactly why it continues to earn a place in so many concealed-carry rotations across the country.