CHARTER ARMS UNDERCOVER LITE
Posted May 26, 2023
Charter Arms Undercover Lite – An In-Depth Review
When it comes to small, concealable firearms, it’s hard to beat Charter Arms’ Undercover Lite revolver. This well-designed revolver has something to offer for everyone, from the novice shooter to the experienced professional. Even though the frame is made from aluminum, it still feels solid, reliable, and robust.
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite has been available since 2018 and is one of the more affordable concealed carry handguns on the market. It offers a lightweight, slim, and easily concealable frame that won’t break the bank like some of the larger name brand guns.
The OverAll Design and Quality
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite has a smooth, matte, black anodized frame with no sharp edges. The cylinder is made from steel and features a six-shot capacity with a standard length of 8.5 inches. The sights are fixed and open, making quick target acquisition easy. The trigger is single-action only and quite smooth.
The revolver has a lightweight, slim design that makes it easy to carry and conceal. It only weighs 14.2 ounces and is only 1.25 inches wide at its widest point, making it an excellent choice for deep concealment. The rubber wrapped cylindrical grip adds to the comfort and maneuverability of the gun.
The aluminum frame makes the revolver lightweight and easy to carry, but it also makes it more susceptible to corrosion than a revolver made of steel. However, the black anodized finish helps resist corrosion.
The gun comes with an internal transfer bar safety mechanism, a unique feature for revolvers in this class. This safety enables the gun to remain inoperable when it’s not cocked. This is a great feature that adds another layer of safety.
While the gun is designed as a concealed carry firearm, it is also compact enough to make a great backup gun for law enforcement officers. It can easily fit in a pocket, ankle or shoulder holster and makes a great option for officers who need a lightweight concealed carry gun.
The Shooting Experience
The gun’s slim profile makes it great for concealed carry, but it also makes it easier to control and easier to shoot. The rubber grip adds to the control and comfort when shooting.
The trigger is single-action only and has a nice, smooth pull that’s easy to master. This makes the revolver great for recreational shooting, but it’s also suitable for self-defense.
The recoil is surprisingly light considering the light weight of the gun. The lightweight aluminum frame absorbs most of the recoil, making it comfortable and easy to fire.
The revolver is chambered in .38 special, so it’s capable of firing a variety of ammo, including .38 Special +P rounds. The cylinder locks up tight and shoots rounds accurately.
The gun is accurate at defensive ranges and is more than capable of producing accurate groups at close range. The sights are fixed and open, making quick target acquisition easy.
Reliability
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is extremely reliable. It’s very well-made and constructed of quality components, making it a great choice for a defensive handgun. The internal transfer bar safety ensures the gun won’t fire if not cocked, and the tight cylinder lockup ensure that it won’t misfire.
The revolver is also designed to be low maintenance. Its internals are sealed, which keeps dust, dirt, and debris out of the moving parts. This increases the gun’s reliability and lifespan.
The gun is also very easy to clean. This helps keep it in tip-top shape and running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Charter Arms Undercover Lite is an excellent concealed carry revolver. It’s lightweight, slim, well-designed, and reliable, making it an ideal choice for defensive use. It’s also fairly affordable and comes with a few nice features, such as an internal transfer bar safety For the cost, it’s hard to beat this revolver for concealed carry.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact size and light weight make it ideal for concealed carry.
- Low profile and sleek design make for comfortable carrying.
- Reliable and simple to operate.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- Limited cartridge selection (only .38 special).
- Limited grip size and poor ergonomics make it difficult to shoot comfortably.
- Poor accuracy, especially with hollow point ammunition.
- Poor customer service from the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy
The Charter Arms Undercover Lite is a good choice for those who want a reliable and concealable revolver. It is light enough to carry all day and it is a good choice for those who are new to revolvers due to its ease of use and simple design. However, those looking for a powerful gun or a gun with a high capacity should look for other options.
Comparisons
| Product Name | Caliber | Height | Barrel Length | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Arms Undercover Lite | .38 Special +P | 4.2" | 2.2" | 5 |
| Smith & Wesson Model 442 | .38 Special +P | 4.3" | 1.9" | 5 |
| Taurus Model 85 | .38 Special +P | 4.2" | 1.75" | 5 |
| Ruger LCR | .38 Special +P | 4.5" | 1.87" | 5 |
| Ruger LCRx | .38 Special +P | 4.5" | 3" | 5 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Length: 6.3”
• Height: 4.2”
• Barrel Length: 2”
• Weight: 15 oz
• Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Barrel Material: Steel
• Finish: Matte Black Anodized
• Grips: Synthetic Rubber
• Sights: Fixed
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Charter Arms Undercover Lite are:
- Holsters – A variety of styles to carry your gun safely and comfortably.
- Speedloaders – Speedloaders help you quickly and easily reload your gun during shooting sport competitions, home defense or range sessions.
- Lasers and Lights – Crimson Trace Lasers and Streamlight tactical lights are two popular aftermarket accessories for the Undercover Lite.
- Grips – Rubberized grips help improve control while shooting, while also providing additional comfort.
- Magazine Extensions – Extension kits are available for the Undercover Lite, helping to improve performance and capacity.
- Concealment Carry Systems – Products such as belly bands, pocket holsters, shoulder holsters and ankle holsters are great for concealed carry.
Accuracy
The CHARTER ARMS UNDERCOVER LITE boasts excellent target accuracy, thanks to its easy-to-use fixed sight and improved barrel and action design. It is both easy to use and highly accurate at short range, making it ideal for home defense or concealed carry. This model is also surprisingly accurate for off-hand shooting, allowing it to be used for disciplined recreational shooting. With a reliable trigger pull, fast reloads, and a comfortable grip, the Undercover Lite offers excellent accuracy for its small size.
