Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in police trade-in firearms. The Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special Police Trade-In Double-Action is a compact, reliable revolver. These are genuine police trade-ins, offering a proven track record. In stock now for $325.0.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special Police Trade-In Double-Action Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Action | Double-Action Only (DAO) |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | Approximately 2 inches |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black or Blued (may vary slightly due to trade-in condition) |
| Sights | Fixed |
| Grips | Rubber (various styles possible) |
| Weight (unloaded) | Approx. 16 oz |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good condition, cosmetic wear expected) |
| SKU | CA-UC-38-PT |
Key Features of the Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special
This Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special is a double-action police trade-in, meaning it’s seen some holster time but is ready for more. These revolvers are known for their straightforward design and function. Here’s what makes them a practical choice:
- Compact and Lightweight: The aluminum alloy frame keeps the weight down, making it comfortable for concealed carry or as a backup.
- .38 Special Caliber: A common and effective self-defense cartridge, readily available.
- Double-Action Only (DAO): Simple operation with a consistent trigger pull, reducing snag points.
- Proven Reliability: Charter Arms revolvers have a reputation for being simple, robust tools that go bang when you need them to. These are police trade-ins, so they’ve been vetted in the field.
- Fixed Sights: No-fuss, snag-free sights suitable for close-range engagements.
- Affordable Entry: As a trade-in, it offers a budget-friendly way to acquire a reliable revolver.
Who This Charter Arms Undercover Is For
This revolver fits a few specific needs well:
- Buy it if:
- You need a reliable, no-frills self-defense revolver for concealed carry.
- You’re looking for an affordable backup gun.
- You appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a double-action revolver.
- You want a gun that’s easy to maintain and operate.
- You’re on a budget but still want a reputable brand.
- You need a gun for home defense that’s simple to use for multiple family members.
- Skip it if:
- You want a high-capacity firearm. (See our semi-automatic pistols for higher capacity options.)
- You prefer a very light, crisp single-action trigger for target shooting.
- You require optics compatibility or extensive customization options.
- You’re looking for a pristine, factory-new firearm with zero cosmetic wear.
Pros and Cons of the Charter Arms Undercover Police Trade-In
- ✅ Reliable Function: Revolvers are inherently simple and less prone to certain malfunctions than semi-autos.
- ✅ Compact & Lightweight: Easy to carry concealed or as a backup.
- ✅ Simple Operation: Point and shoot, no safeties to manipulate under stress beyond the long DAO trigger pull.
- ✅ Affordable Price Point: A solid value for a proven firearm.
- ✅ Police Trade-In Provenance: These guns have been carried and maintained, not just sat in a closet.
- ❌ Limited Capacity: 5 rounds of .38 Special is less than many modern semi-autos. (Consider a semi-automatic pistol for higher capacity.)
- ❌ Cosmetic Wear: As a trade-in, expect holster wear, dings, and finish imperfections. This is not a collector’s piece.
- ❌ Heavy DAO Trigger: The double-action only trigger pull is long and heavy, which can take practice to master for accuracy.
Charter Arms Undercover vs. Competitors
When considering a compact .38 Special revolver, the Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special police trade-in double-action sits in a specific niche. Here’s how it stacks up against a couple of other options you might consider:
| Feature | Charter Arms Undercover (.38 Special Police Trade-In) | Taurus 856 (New Production) | Smith & Wesson J-Frame (New Production) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel cylinder | Aluminum alloy frame, steel cylinder | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel cylinder |
| Quality | Good, solid working gun. Trade-in condition means some cosmetic wear. | Good, modern manufacturing standards. | Very good, generally higher fit and finish. |
| Compatibility | Fits most J-frame style holsters, common .38 Special ammo. | Fits most J-frame style holsters, common .38 Special ammo. | Excellent, wide range of holsters and accessories. |
| Shipping | Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS (Kansas Gunshop) | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven durable, designed for regular use. Expect many more years of service. | Good, with proper care. | Very good, known for longevity. |
| Price | ~$325.0 (Police Trade-In) | ~$350-$450 (New) | ~$550-$700+ (New) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special
What is a police trade-in firearm?
A police trade-in firearm is a used firearm that was previously issued to or carried by law enforcement personnel. These firearms are typically well-maintained mechanically but often show cosmetic wear from holster use and handling. They offer a cost-effective way to acquire a reliable firearm.
Is the Charter Arms Undercover suitable for concealed carry?
Yes, the Charter Arms Undercover is designed to be a compact and lightweight revolver, making it a popular choice for concealed carry. Its small size and snag-free profile make it easy to carry discreetly.
What kind of ammunition does the Charter Arms Undercover use?
The Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special uses .38 Special ammunition. It is generally safe to use standard pressure and +P rated .38 Special ammunition, but always consult the firearm’s manual or a qualified gunsmith if you have concerns.
What is the difference between double-action and single-action?
In a double-action (DA) revolver, pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and releases it to fire the gun, resulting in a longer, heavier trigger pull. In a single-action (SA) revolver, the hammer must be manually cocked before pulling the trigger, which then only releases the hammer, typically resulting in a lighter, crisper pull. The Charter Arms Undercover is double-action only (DAO), meaning the hammer is always actuated by the trigger pull.
Where can I buy revolvers online?
You can buy revolvers online, including this Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We ship firearms to your local FFL dealer for transfer.
Does this Charter Arms Undercover come with any accessories?
Police trade-in firearms typically come as the firearm only. We do not guarantee original boxes, manuals, or additional accessories unless explicitly stated in the product description. What you see pictured is generally what you get.
What is the return policy for police trade-in firearms?
We offer a 30-day return policy for police trade-in firearms. If you are not satisfied with the condition upon inspection at your receiving FFL, you may refuse the transfer, and we will process a return. Please review our full return policy for details.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Revolvers | Full Shop
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.