Charter Arms Police Undercover vs K6S vs Model 10

I tell you all about the Charter Arms Police Undercover in .38 Special

[@dilbertbob5420]

I bought a CA Police Undercover some time ago, cleaned it, and took it to the range to see what it could do. The trigger was gritty, and when I finished putting 50 rounds through it, my shooting hand was hurting. Took it to a gunsmith and he polished the innards and flushed out the filings that were generated during the manufacturing process. The gun is a pleasure to shoot now.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Glad it worked out for you!

[@PulpEraEnthusiast]

I have an Undercover and it's one of my favorites. From my rotation it's carried the most often. It really is undercover when carried and not uncomfortable. Shoots really well. Reliable and I don't feel uncertain when I carry it. It has made me a fan of Charter Arms.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Glad you hear you had a good experience with it. Thanks for your comment.

[@brentchurches4361]

I have a CA in 44 special and I put rubber grips with laser sights. In the 70's Mag-na-port took , I believe 224 guns and gave them a trigger job along with machine porting the barrel. It os a handful but a joy to carry and conceal. When you pull the trigger the sound along would make you want to give up or just plain run away.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Glad you found a keeper and thanks for sharing.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

I recently bought an Undercover, and can't adequately express how impressed I am with it. I intend to get a Police Undercover for my next gun. My first carry revolver was a Smith and Wesson 442, which I carried for something like 7 years till I'd worn it our, and even brand new, the Charter Arms trigger is astonishingly superior. The sights are much better than the 442 also. If there's any lowering in quality, I sure can't find it.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

They are the best kept secret in the revolver world. I'm glad yours is working out for you.

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

I like the feel of the Kimber revolver & the trigger pull on my Kimber K6S is really good. I think the K6S are about $200 overpriced. I think I paid $987 for mine… Once you pay it, you will be a happy owner in my experience. 🤠👮🏻‍♂️🇺🇸👍👋👻🍀😉. B9USA Sr.

[@easyfiveOsink]

I collect S&W and Colt short barreled revolvers, but they are collector investments. Charter Arms are my working / EDC wheel guns. They are decently made for the money and work as intended. Rugers will get the job done too, but are heavy unless you go to the LCR. I carry both five and six shot CA variants. I like them. After this video I'm thinking about the rubber off duty grips on my Police Undercover. The as purchased grips are comfortable, but the smaller grip might reduce printing. Going to give it a try!

[@cleondubois1270]

The Kimber is an excellent tool but disgustingly over priced for it's short barreled purpose. If one has the cash flow then more power to her or him. The average legally concealed revolver carrier would be better served with a Charter Arms, Taurus or something of that ilk. All that extra cash could be used for practice ammo.....Good Review BTW

[@stephanieroberts1394]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

The grip is wide, but not too wide. The stock grip is thin but longer. This one works good for pocket carry. I bought it on the CA website. All their grips are interchangeable as they all use the same grip frame.

[@PH-qi4ho]

That model 10 is plain beautiful. I wish S&W would still make a blued 2-inch K-Frame.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

And it shoots as good as it looks. A very fine weapon but a little heavy for every day carry. Thanks for your comment.

[@crankygunreviews]

I have a classic blued version of this from 1984 made in stratford CT. The machining/casting on the old ones is way better. I love these revolvers.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Thanks for your comment.

[@matttheknife8293]

I bought an Undercover last December and the stock trigger pull was far superior to any new J-frame. The trigger was so smooth, I ended up just bobbing the factory hammer rather than buying a DAO hammer because I didn’t want to risk affecting the pull weight.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I'm still happy with mine and I see a few more CA revolvers in my future. A 32 and a 45.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Part of our tax refund morphed into a Police Undercover, a birthday present from my wife. It is flat-out awesome!!!! It'll be hard to wait for my birthday to shoot it. Money I was saving up for ammo, if it ever gets on the shelf again, became a Bulldog grip. 😁

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Good choice Matt! I think you're going to like it a lot.

[@robertfarris9357]

for some reason charter arms puts big grips on their snubby's now, what i liked about them is that they were small, i have an old one that has the small wooden grips, it fits great in my pocket.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Lots of grip options out there Robert.

[@arthurjones9644]

Great video and your detailed information was excellent! I subscribed! Would love for you to compare a true budget series next by comparing your 856 vs the Charter arms. I have Taurus revolvers and have always been hesitant to get a CA. If you had to pick one would it be the CA or the 856! Thanks again and keep the reviews coming!

[@SuperSneakySteve]

When I get some time I'll do just that. Charter and Taurus both have a solid warranty and they both shoot great so I think it comes down to which one has the features you want most.

[@revearpthepackinpreacher8422]

I also own a charter arms and the Kimber k6s. However, my Charter is the 5 shot undercover lite that weighs only 12 ounces. It’s a great gun. I really like it. It’s very accurate and I can shoot it well. The recoil doesn’t bother me even though the gun is so light. It feels great in my hand and I can really lock it in when shooting. And it’s so lite, that carrying it is a breeze. I do think that Charter arms is underrated and they really make great guns at a great price. That all being said, I also really love my k6s. In my opinion, you can just tell the quality workmanship and precision with which it was made. A few steps above the Charter. I also like the 3 dot sights that mine has, and the the trigger is better than the charter, though the charter is good. It is balanced very well and shoots like a dream. And finally, having that one more round over my Charter is a big plus in my book. So, I love them both and I carry the both at different times and different applications. Just my thoughts here. Thanks for your video, it was enjoyable.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Thanks for your comment. The Kimber is really a great revolver too. I'd hate to loose it in some evidence locker.

[@skyraider1776]

Thanks very much for the excellent review. Much appreciated. I just picked up a Smith & Wesson K Frame Model 12-2 Airweight that should be arriving in a few days and I'm anxious to see how its 19oz weight works out. Thanks again.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Thanks for your comment. Enjoy your Smith!

[@TheRobman139]

Having just acquired a current production Undercover five-shot .38 snubbie in stainless steel, here’s my two cents: First, I also have a basis of comparison. I own both a S&W and a Taurus revolver. I used to own a Ruger but I sold it. I’ve only had my Undercover for a short while so I can’t speak to long term durability (though I have high expectations in this department; see below). My initial impressions follow. Cons - - Finish is not up to the standard of other major revolver manufacturers. Found tooling marks on the right side of the recoil shield behind the cylinder, and a bit on the left side of the barrel, that I doubt would appear on a Colt, S&W, Ruger, or Taurus. No impact on the functionality of the weapon but does not impress. - Trigger guard and grip frame are plastic. I know it saves weight and cost, doesn’t really affect the performance, and plastics are used extensively on many semiautomatic pistols. But aesthetically, I wish they had used aluminum. Still looks chintzy. - When ejecting spent shell casings, one always seems to get hung up on the top of the left rubber grip panel. This is a nuisance. I could probably address this by switching to some smaller grips, but that would probably negate the positives of these grips (see below). - Cylinder release mechanism is sticky. Requires some effort at times to get it open. Also a nuisance. Pros - - Barrel is very good. Nice muzzle crown provides a good gas seal, plus CA cuts more rifling grooves into their .38 snubbie barrels than other manufacturers. Helps with velocity and accuracy; gets the most out of whatever ammo you are running, for a .38 snubbie. - Sights are basic but effective. On my example, they were pretty much dead on from the factory. No need for “Kentucky windage”; point of aim is point of impact. - Trigger is very good. Double action is almost as good as my S&W and better than my Taurus. Single action is awesome, as good as or better than that of any other revolver I have fired. - Supplied rubber grips are very comfortable and soak up recoil nicely. Despite light overall weight of the gun (16 oz), the grips make even my Underwood 125 grain +P JHPs - among the most powerful commercially available .38 Special factory loads - perfectly manageable. Standard pressure .38 Special FMJ range ammo is a joy to shoot from this revolver. Overall, it’s a good value in terms of performance where it counts for the money. For anyone looking for a solid, easy to shoot, easy to carry .38 snubbie that may not be pretty, but goes when you pull the trigger and hits what you aim at, a CA revolver is a top choice. And still made in the USA! Final note re the cylinder crane: Some people complain that the crane is not as substantial as those on other revolvers, but they miss a key element of the CA design. The larger crane on other revolvers comprises the entire lower front portion of the frame beneath the barrel, forward of the cylinder. It is usually held in place by a single screw. The crane on a CA revolver locks into the frame structure, which is fixed. This is an inherently stronger design. Other durability features include a one-piece frame - no sideplate - where the internal workings are inserted through the bottom during production. Also, the barrel is threaded directly into the frame. Plastic trigger guard/grip frame notwithstanding, CA revolvers, overall, are built pretty tough. They may be a little rough around the edges appearance-wise, but they are not flimsy. They are made to last.

[@vickilewerenz7061]

Thank you

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrmann44]

Ah man, how'd that first scratch on the Kimber feel? The first one is always the worst!

[@SuperSneakySteve]

It always sucks to scratch an expensive gun but this is a carry gun so it's going to happen. At least with stainless you can easily work it out with a little sandpaper.

[@davevabch]

Great informative video. Thank you Sir. Ya got me really interested!

[@deana.blackburn4720]

What do you use for a holster?

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I made my own out of kydex. I have a build video on my channel.

[@curtshelp6170]

I own the K6S DASA 38 which is a piece of jewelry but a bit of a brick as you said but I prefer the 6 round capacity. For Carry I chose the LCRX in 327 fed. Lighter, smaller and a more powerful round. I've been interested in the 32 H&R mag Charter but that gives up a ton of power and is still heavier than the LCRX, much less recoil.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

When I can get my hands on a 3" LCRX in 327 federal I'll buy one too.

[@curtshelp6170]

@@SuperSneakySteve My 1.875" LCRX still gets 1311 fps out of the 100 gr gold dot and 1330 out of the 104 gr HST. My 3" SP101 gets 1360 out of the HST but you lose the small and light advantage of the LCRX.

[@BAmerican]

Do you know the cylinder width of the charter arms ?

[@gidim8367]

I've been watching videos like this for information for many years. This is one is top notch information. I work in construction. I POCKET carry every day. I don't work in great areas. This guy does a fantastic review for people who really carry. Ounces are pounds when you carry and move, squat down, bend in awkward positions for hours. A couple of firearm's I can recommend that are reliable(for me) to carry daily that really work for true pocket carry: LCR Max. Kel Tec P32. Various Snubbies. Snubbies as this gentleman pointed can be cumbersome. You definitely need a boot grip. The slightly fatter grips are good because when you loose the pinky it's nice to fill that palm swell. For what I do professionally I even give up six rounds for five to get the comfort I need. I have had good luck with the LCR, J Frame, Taurus 856ULCH(yes this one I can consider 6 on how it carries a little more bulky but not bad). The reason this video is relevant to me is because I have a Charter Arms off duty light on layaway and I'm researching the brand for reliability. Taurus has been my go to working gun but the Charter offers the off duty in an amazingly small platform. More I research the more I like about these. They all have their idiosyncrasies but I'm going to try these guys. Any thoughts or input with the off duty light always appreciated. I carry standard pressure 38. Thanks for your great videos. I subbed👍

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Thanks for the kind words. I made this video exactly for people like you.

[@gidim8367]

@@SuperSneakySteve Your purpose was fulfilled 😀

[@OceanKing6725]

I'm curious as to how this charter is holding up for you and what kind of round count you have through it.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I'd say around 500 and it's as good as new.

[@SteveL1100]

I have a 20 year old Charter 2000 Bulldog in .44 Special. I took it back to Charter Arms after the first range session revealed an out of spec crane and the gun would misfire on two chambers in DA mode. I live 20 minutes away from their Shelton, CT location and they fixed it in 30 minutes while I drank coffee and Nick Ecker gave me a short tour and let me examine and dry fire UC Lites from the test fire rack while I listened to "boom boom boom!" firing from the test fire tunnel as my gun was being repaired with a newly fitted crane. They test fired it 20-25 times and brought it out to me still warm. Nick handed it back to me smiling and saying that if it ever happens again, he'd replace the gun for free. I've put between 1,000-1,200 or so rounds through it since and use it for EDC and my nightstand gun 20 years later with full confidence.

[@h2otek312]

The SP101 might have been good to compare as well. All made in USA. I own a few Rugers, and will continue to, but not an SP. I have one Charter, a Professional in .32 Mag. After shooting it a bit, I can confidently say there will be at least one more Charter come to live with me when I can find one. I want to scale up the Professional to .357. I might have bought an SP101; even if I could actually find one I can't justify the difference in cost. Plus I frankly like the sight picture on the Charter much better than the fixed sight versions of the SP101.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I do have a SP101 3". I wanted to keep the comparison to 6 shot revolvers here. The Ruger is heavy but it would be my first choice for power magnum loads. For me, I prefer 38's for faster follow up shots.

[@easyfiveOsink]

@@SuperSneakySteve Ruger SP101s are also good work horses, but I like the weight of the CA guns for EDC. I did buy an LCR for my girlfriend's EDC.

[@jeffwinkler1137]

Got 15 rounds out of my SP101 in 38s even, then on 16th the recessed hammer/pin moved to left so far wouldnt connect with primer. Very disappointed, still waiting on Ruger, been 15 days

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Got an old SP101 357MAG and it's excellent and a revolver that is about the best with heavy 357 loads. Charter Arms is fine and also American made but it's not as good as an SP101. Still I would rate the Charter as worth the money and it's worth using.

[@RickOAA]

I have the Boxer version. Aside from shooting a bit low it's an impressive gun. It feels cheap and the trigger feels unrefined but it's a perfectly serviceable gun.

[@deanbasye764]

Thanks for the review. Where can you buy the grip shown?

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Direct from Charter on their website. Thanks for watching!

[@adenval7]

What model #? I cant find 6 round steel frame charter arms 38 spec avaliable.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Modle 73840 There are several on Gunbroker right now.

[@adenval7]

@@SuperSneakySteve I'm considering a spurless 6 shot snub 38 special stainless. TAURUS 856 spurless or M206 spurless? I don't see any other options besides those 2.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

@@adenval7 If you can afford it the K6S is the best, you can also consider the Colt Cobra. The Kimber you can load with 38's or .357s. I do own a Taurus 856 too.

[@adenval7]

@@SuperSneakySteve I might just enjoy what I've got for now.....but considering M206 RIA spurless. I like the Charter under C Pol but I read they only sell alu frame now and thats it. I wish they sold the steel frame I'd get that too. But I do like the aluminum ok too, its a nice piece. I also own a few others as well so its not like i have a shortage of stuffs.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

@@adenval7 Many on gunbroker. This one is only $330 www.gunbroker.com/item/945034812

[@frankbrowning328]

In cold weather I carry a S&W mod 60 357mag with CT laser grips in my rotation. This would make a better comparison than the S&W model 10 as the model 60 is much closer in size and weight to the Charter Arms pistol. Mine weighs 20 ounces even with the CT laser grips. I cover the hammer on revolvers when drawing them from concealment so the hammer is not an issue

[@SuperSneakySteve]

In this case I was comparing options for small 6 shot revolvers but the M60 is always a good choice.

[@JB-cs4jt]

That charter arms is quite nice all steel too.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Yes, It's becoming a favorite of mine. Thanks for checking it out!

[@adenval7]

@@SuperSneakySteve are you sure frame is all steel?

[@adenval7]

@@SuperSneakySteve if you check the charter arms website says the frame is aluminum. but I believe just the grip and trigger guard are aluminum. Any know know if this is correct?

[@SuperSneakySteve]

@@adenval7 I know for sure the frame is steel. The grip frame is aluminum. You can replace it with steel if you ask them for the part. I have no problem with the aluminum.

[@adenval7]

What do you think of this vs the modern colt cobra? I watched a video saying colt cobra is easy to short stroke trigger. Thoughts overall vs colt cobra?

[@crushthequarter6863]

How much larger is the Police Undercover compared to a J-Frame?

[@SuperSneakySteve]

Almost the same size.

[@roadking681]

I'll take that charter arms over those 2 overpriced ones any day of the week. Charter Arms are great guns!!

[@JR-pj8pz]

I don't know why every throws in that CA's are great guns "for the money". That's just stupid. they're great guns. smiths are just overpriced.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I couldn't agree more!

[@SouthernYankee679]

They're good , far from great. Smith's are far superior in build quality.

[@woody5563]

I just got one and ordered the old school wood grips. I must say the fit and finish is terrible, there are machining marks everywhere and the hammer has irregular sharp pieces on the sides of it. Not a big deal, maybe I can fix it. I still really like it, no regrets at all.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

These are definitely not show pieces. They should be good reliable guns though. CA has great customer service if anything should go wrong. They do offer some polished models which I assume would have less tooling marks.

[@jackgreenstalk777]

S&w makes lots of lighter j frame in 12 to 15 oz range

[@SuperSneakySteve]

They do. The 340PD has an MSRP of $1145 and it sucks to shoot. You are also limited on bullet weights.

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Love me a little snub wheel gun

[@davidmartinson1528]

Model 10 all day long

[@SuperSneakySteve]

It's a great handgun. The best performing by far, but just too heavy for me.

[@josephhaack5711]

Cerakote

[@michaelboldyga6239]

Wow a grown man can't carry a 32 ounce snubby all day ?

[@SuperSneakySteve]

In a good holster with a good belt it's not bad, but I prefer to pocket carry and that much weight makes it uncomfortable for me.

[@Sgt.7244]

A six shot steel revolver is just not a pocket gun. Too big and too heavy. They are however great belt guns especially iwb. They also hold the extra (sixth) round and are imminently easier to shoot well, especially with +P ammo. Different guns for different missions. 🇺🇸👮🏻‍♂️👍🏻

[@SuperSneakySteve]

@@Sgt.7244 This one is lighter than most but I generally agree which is why I bought the K6XS when it first came out. It's a perfect 6 round pocket gun.

[@JR-pj8pz]

Stop saying "for the money".