Charter Arms built its reputation on compact revolvers, and the Undercover remains one of the clearest examples of that approach.
This version keeps the traditional five-shot .38 Special format intact.
A 2-inch barrel, full grip, standard hammer, and Blacknitride+ finish give it a more modern look without changing its basic character.
At 16 ounces, it stays light enough to remain genuinely compact while avoiding the stripped-down feel of some ultra-light snubnose revolvers.
A Familiar Foundation
The Undercover name goes back to Charter Arms’ beginnings. The company introduced its first five-shot .38 Special revolver in 1964, establishing a compact format that still shapes the modern Undercover line.
The UNDERCOVER [Model: 63820] uses a small frame and a five-shot cylinder chambered in .38 Special.
Its exposed hammer allows conventional double-action shooting as well as manual cocking for single-action fire.
Anyone familiar with a traditional revolver will understand the layout immediately. Charter Arms keeps the controls simple and leaves the basic operating system alone.
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Grip, Grip, Griiip
The full grip matters more than the dimensions suggest.
Short-barreled revolvers can be difficult to hold consistently when the grip shrinks too far. Here, the shooter gains more surface area without making the gun oversized.
Grip shape also changes how a compact revolver settles in the hand. Charter Arms uses a fuller profile rather than reducing the grip to the smallest possible footprint.
Compact dimensions remain, but the gun does not chase minimum size at every turn.
What Blacknitride+ Adds
Blacknitride+ gives this Undercover its most obvious visual difference.
The finish increases surface hardness while reducing friction and wear. This improves scratch resistance and extends service life in the rifling and chambers.
On the gun itself, the finish creates a uniform matte-black appearance across the barrel, frame, and cylinder. It looks restrained rather than decorative, which suits the Undercover.
Finish matters on a revolver that may see regular handling. Blacknitride+ serves a practical purpose while giving this version a distinct identity.
Why 16 oz. Works
Weight often defines how a compact revolver feels.
At 16 ounces, the Undercover avoids both extremes.
It stays light, but still carries enough mass to feel like a complete revolver rather than a frame built around the smallest possible footprint.
The 2-inch barrel reinforces that balance. The profile is short and familiar while preserving the proportions expected from a classic snubnose.
Combined with the full grip, the package feels complete. Each part supports the same objective: keep the revolver compact without cutting away useful surface area or familiar controls.
Ideal for Concealed Carry
The Undercover makes its purpose clear through its proportions.
A 2-inch barrel, small frame, and 16-ounce weight make the revolver easy to carry discreetly. The full grip gives the shooter more surface area and a steadier hold.
Charter Arms focuses on portability without complicating the layout. The exposed hammer and five-shot .38 Special cylinder preserve the familiar revolver setup. Its compact profile also limits bulk for everyday carry.
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These design choices give the Undercover a clear role: a compact .38 Special that stays simple, familiar, and practical for everyday carry.
For questions about Charter Arms’ Undercover or anything else in our lineup, the K-Var team is always available to help.
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