Charter Arms Blue Diamond Undercover Lite .38 Special 2″ 5rd

The Charter Arms Blue Diamond Undercover Lite .38 Special 2″ 5rd is a compact snub-nose revolver that disappears in a pocket or an ankle holster. Chambered in .38 Special, this five-shot wheelgun pairs a high-polished stainless cylinder with a distinctive Blue Diamond frame finish. The 2″ barrel keeps the profile tight, and the exposed hammer gives you the option of single-action precision or double-action speed. If you’re looking for a lightweight, reliable backup piece that won’t snag or weigh you down, this is the one.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Blue Diamond Undercover Lite
Material	Stainless steel barrel and cylinder, Blue Diamond-finished aluminum frame (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Special ammunition
Finish	High-polish stainless cylinder, Blue Diamond frame finish
Weight	Approximately 12 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Blue Diamond frame finish: This isn’t just a paint job—it’s a proprietary coating that resists holster wear and adds a unique look to your collection. Why it matters: You get a durable, scratch-resistant surface that stands out at the range or the gun show.
• 2-inch stainless barrel: The short barrel keeps the revolver compact and easy to conceal. Why it matters: No printing through a light shirt, and it draws cleanly from a pocket holster.
• Exposed hammer with double/single-action trigger: You can thumb-cock for a crisp single-action shot or pull through in double-action for defensive speed. Why it matters: Versatility in a small package—accurate slow fire or fast follow-ups.
• 5-shot cylinder capacity: Enough rounds for most self-defense scenarios, with a reload using speed strips or a moon clip. Why it matters: Reliable, simple, and less bulk than a semi-auto magazine.
• Fixed sights: No snagging edges, and they’re zeroed from the factory for common .38 Special loads. Why it matters: Point-and-shoot simplicity for close-range encounters.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who appreciates a limited-run finish and the shooter who wants a reliable backup gun. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants a lightweight, easy-to-conceal .38 Special that doesn’t require a gunsmith to tune. If you carry a full-size semi-auto during the day, this is the perfect deep-concealment piece for a pocket holster or ankle rig.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Lightweight at just 12 oz; unique Blue Diamond finish stands out; reliable double/single-action trigger; compact 2″ barrel for easy concealment; affordable price point under $410.
• Cons: The fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation; the Blue Diamond finish may require careful cleaning to maintain its luster over time.

Comparison: Charter Arms Blue Diamond Undercover Lite vs. Smith & Wesson Model 642 vs. Ruger LCR

Feature	Charter Arms Blue Diamond Undercover Lite	Smith & Wesson Model 642	Ruger LCR
Caliber	.38 Special	.38 Special	.38 Special
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight (unloaded)	~12 oz	~15 oz	~13.5 oz
Barrel Length	2″	1.875″	1.875″
Finish	Blue Diamond frame / stainless cylinder	Matte stainless	Hard-coat anodized aluminum
Trigger	Exposed hammer, DA/SA	Enclosed hammer, DA only	Enclosed hammer, DA only
MSRP	$402.16	~$480	~$450

The Charter Arms is lighter than the Smith 642 and nearly as light as the Ruger LCR, but it offers an exposed hammer for single-action shooting—a feature the other two lack. The Blue Diamond finish gives it a collectible edge that the plain stainless or black models don’t have.

FAQ

Is the Charter Arms Blue Diamond Undercover Lite rated for +P ammunition?

Per Charter Arms specifications, the Undercover Lite is rated for standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition only. Do not use +P or +P+ loads in this revolver.

What holsters fit this revolver?

Because of the 2″ barrel and compact frame, this revolver fits most holsters designed for small-frame .38 Special snub-noses, such as the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster or a Galco ankle glove. Always verify fit with your specific holster maker.

Is the Blue Diamond finish durable?

Yes, the Blue Diamond finish is a proprietary coating that resists scratches and holster wear better than standard paint or bluing. However, avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain the finish’s appearance.

Can I dry fire this revolver?

Charter Arms recommends using snap caps for dry fire practice to protect the firing pin and cylinder face. Occasional dry fire without snap caps is acceptable, but consistent practice should use snap caps.

What is the trigger pull weight?

Per manufacturer specs, the double-action trigger pull is approximately 9-12 lbs, and the single-action pull is around 3.5-4.5 lbs. These are typical for a defensive revolver.

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Last updated: April 2026