The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is a 5-shot .38 Special revolver with a 2-inch barrel and an aluminum alloy frame that brings the unloaded weight down to 12 oz (0.75 lbs). The stainless steel barrel pairs with the alloy frame for corrosion resistance without the full weight of an all-steel gun. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Charter Arms 
• Model Name: Undercover Lite 
• Caliber: .38 SPL (38 Special) 
• Action: Single/Double Action 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Weight: 12 oz (0.75 lbs) 
• Sights: Fixed Front 
• Grip Type: Standard Black Rubber 
   

Detailed Features 

The exposed hammer supports both double-action and single-action fire, giving the shooter flexibility depending on the situation. The fixed front sight keeps the design straightforward with nothing to snag or adjust. 
 
At 12 ounces the Undercover Lite is one of the lighter .38 Special revolvers available. The aluminum frame trades some heat tolerance for meaningful weight reduction, which matters in a pocket or ankle carry context. The black rubber grip absorbs a portion of the recoil that the light frame would otherwise pass through. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

A lightweight 5-round .38 Special works well for concealed carry and home defense where simplicity and reliability matter more than capacity. The double-action trigger requires no manual safety manipulation, which suits defensive use. The trade-off is recoil: at 12 oz with .38 Special loads, felt recoil is noticeable, which affects follow-up shots.

The Charter Arms Undercover Lite gets straightforward feedback from owners, most of whom bought it for carry or home defense.

The light weight and compact size are the primary reasons people choose it over heavier revolvers. Reliability and simple revolver operation get consistent praise, and the price is seen as reasonable for the category.

The main criticism is recoil. The light aluminum frame amplifies .38 Special recoil noticeably, which makes extended practice sessions uncomfortable for some shooters and can slow follow-up shots. Trigger pull feedback is split: some find it acceptable, others consider it heavier than expected. Build quality and finish durability draw occasional concerns, with a few owners noting issues over time compared to more expensive alternatives. The 5-round capacity is the other recurring limitation, particularly for those comparing it to semi-automatic options.