Charter Ultra Lite .38 SPL Revolver - Compact & Reliable Carry
The Charter Ultra Lite .38 SPL Revolver - Compact & Reliable Carry is a .38 Special single/double action revolvers from Charter Arms. It is available from 13 vendors at $353.54 to $399.99.

Product Information
Name: Charter Ultra Lite .38 SPL Revolver - Compact & Reliable Carry
Brand: Charter Arms
Category: Single/Double Action Revolvers
Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel Length: 2"
Capacity: 5 rounds
UPC: 678958538205
SKU: UCBx72pgb
Description
The Charter Arms Undercover Ultra Lite is a compact 5-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, built around a 7075 aluminum frame that keeps the weight down to 12 oz (0.8 lbs). The 2-inch barrel and anodized finish are paired with a stainless steel cylinder.
Key Specifications
- Model: 53820
- Caliber: 38 SPL (38 Special)
- Action: Double Action / Single Action (DASA)
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 2 inches
- Weight: 0.8 lbs (12 oz)
- Frame Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Grip Material: Black Finger Grooved Rubber
- Sights: Fixed Front
- Finish: Anodized Aluminum
Detailed Features
The aluminum frame is what sets this gun apart from heavier steel revolvers. At 12 oz unloaded it disappears in a pocket or IWB holster, which is the main reason people buy it.
The DASA action lets you choose between a standard double-action pull or a cocked single-action trigger for a more deliberate shot. A full hammer block safety prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is deliberately pressed.
The black finger-grooved rubber grips provide reasonable control for a small gun, and the stainless cylinder resists corrosion well.
Usage Scenarios
- Concealed Carry: At 12 oz it's one of the lightest .38 Special revolvers available, and the 2-inch barrel keeps it out of the way all day.
- Home Defense: Compact storage with simple operation.
- Backup Gun: The weight and footprint work well as a secondary carry piece.
Complete Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Model | Undercover |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazines included | 0 |
| Barrel length | 2" |
| Overall length | 10.25" |
| Weight | 12 oz |
| Action | Single/Double Action |
| Finish | Stainless |
| Color | Stainless |
| Stock material | Black Rubber Grips with Finger Grooves |
| Sights | Fixed |
| Safety | Transfer Bar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is the Charter Arms Undercover?
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is chambered in .38 Special.
Who makes the Undercover revolver?
The Undercover is made by Charter Arms.
What is the barrel length of the Charter Arms Undercover?
It has a 2-inch barrel.
How many rounds does the Charter Arms Undercover hold?
The Undercover Lite holds 5 rounds.
What type of firearm is the Charter Arms Undercover?
The Undercover is a double-action/single-action revolver built on a 7075 aluminum frame with a stainless steel cylinder and an anodized finish.
How much does the Charter Arms Undercover weigh?
The Undercover Lite weighs 12 oz (0.8 lbs), thanks to its 7075 aluminum frame.
Where can I buy the Charter Arms Undercover?
Compare current vendor offers on this page.
What Reviewers Say
Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.
I actually prefer these to a featherweight smith and wesson j frame mainly because the price is much lower they're a little bit heavier so they have a little bit less recoil.
For me you really can't get any better than the old classic 100 steel frame undercover revolvers.
If you do want a budget revolver that will have a lifetime warranty and will be a lot of fun to shoot you really can't go wrong with a charter arms undercover revolver.
I don't particularly like the finish that they put on the new guns i find it a little bit harder to clean.
Customers Say
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.
Owners of the Charter Ultra Lite consistently point to the weight as the main selling point. 12 oz in .38 Special is hard to argue with for all-day carry, and most people find the rubber grip serviceable enough for defensive distances.
The most common complaint is recoil. A lightweight aluminum-framed gun shooting .38 Special transfers more felt recoil to the hand than a heavier steel revolver, and this comes up frequently. Shooters who go to the range regularly with it report fatigue before more substantial guns.
Finish durability gets mixed reviews, and some owners have noted questions about long-term wear. Trigger pull weight in double-action mode draws occasional criticism as well. The 5-round capacity is the same limitation you accept with most compact revolvers, though some users wish for more.
On balance, people who buy this gun know what they're getting: a genuinely lightweight carry piece, not a range gun. For that purpose it generally delivers.
Where to Buy - 13 Offers Available
Price Range: $353.54 - $399.99
| Vendor | Price | Condition | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shootingsurplus Com | $353.54 | New | Buy Now |
| Gritrsports Com | $360.99 | New | Buy Now |
| Gunbuyer Com | $366.37 | New | Buy Now |
| Kygunco Com | $372.03 | New | Buy Now |
| Impactguns Com | $372.39 | New | Buy Now |
| Buds Gun Shop | $372.99 | New | Buy Now |
| RK Guns | $374.97 | New | Buy Now |






















