Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR 2″ Revolver

The Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR 2″ Revolver is your ticket to building real shooting fundamentals without punishing recoil or a bulky frame. This stainless-steel, 5-shot wheelgun is built for city dwellers who want a reliable training tool that doubles as a light-duty range companion. At $405.44, it brings old-school revolver simplicity to modern apartment life.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Pathfinder
Caliber	.22 LR
Barrel Length	2 inches
Action	Double and single action
Sights	Fixed sights
Grip	Full rubber grip
Finish	Stainless steel
Weight	Approx. 16 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Capacity	5 rounds

Key Features

• 2″ Stainless Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: A short barrel keeps this revolver compact for easy storage in a nightstand drawer or range bag, while stainless steel resists corrosion from sweat or humidity.
• Exposed Hammer — WHY IT MATTERS: Lets you shoot single-action for precision practice or double-action for realistic defensive drills, all with .22 LR’s soft recoil.
• Full Rubber Grip — WHY IT MATTERS: Fills the hand and absorbs vibration, so new shooters or arthritis sufferers can run 200 rounds without fatigue.
• Fixed Sights — WHY IT MATTERS: No adjustments needed — just point and shoot. Perfect for close-range plinking and building muscle memory.
• 5-Round Cylinder — WHY IT MATTERS: Keeps the frame slim and light, making it easy to carry in a jacket pocket or small holster for apartment-to-range trips.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for urban CCW holders who want a low-recoil training gun to sharpen their fundamentals. Apartment dwellers will appreciate the compact size for discreet storage. It’s also a solid choice for introducing a partner or teen to revolver shooting without the noise and flip of centerfire calibers.

Pros/Cons

• Pros: Affordable price under $410; soft .22 LR recoil; stainless finish is low-maintenance; simple fixed sights for fast acquisition; lightweight at 16 oz.
• Cons: Fixed sights limit elevation adjustments for longer-range accuracy; 5-round capacity means more reloads at the range.

Comparison: Charter Arms Pathfinder vs. Ruger LCR .22 LR vs. Smith & Wesson Model 43C

Feature	Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR	Ruger LCR .22 LR	Smith & Wesson Model 43C
Barrel Length	2″	1.875″	1.875″
Weight	~16 oz	~14.5 oz	~12.3 oz
Capacity	5 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds
Action	DA/SA	DAO	DA/SA
Sights	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
MSRP	$405.44	~$579	~$659
Best For	Budget training, plinking	Lightweight carry	Ultralight backup

According to Charter Arms specs, the Pathfinder’s 2″ barrel gives you a touch more sight radius than the Ruger and S&W, which helps when you’re dialing in your double-action pull. The trade-off? You get 5 rounds vs. their 8-round cylinders, but you also save over $150 off the Ruger’s price.

FAQ

Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR 2″ revolver good for self-defense?

While .22 LR is not ideal for primary defense, this revolver can serve as a training tool to practice trigger control and sight alignment. For apartment dwellers, the low recoil and reduced noise make it a viable option for introducing others to shooting — but stick with .38 Special or 9mm for your bedside gun.

Does this revolver come with a manual?

Yes, every new Charter Arms Pathfinder ships with a factory owner’s manual that covers disassembly, cleaning, and safety instructions. If you buy used, you can download the manual from the Charter Arms website.

What ammunition works best for plinking?

Standard velocity .22 LR rounds (like CCI Standard Velocity or Federal AutoMatch) cycle reliably and keep groups tight at 10-15 yards. Avoid hyper-velocity loads — they can cause leading in the barrel and reduce accuracy in short barrels.

Can I mount a red dot on this revolver?

No, the fixed sight dovetail is not milled for optics. This is a classic iron-sight-only revolver. If you want a dot, look at the Ruger LCRx with a rail adapter.

Get Your Charter Arms Pathfinder Today

Order now and we’ll ship your Pathfinder to your FFL within 1-2 business days. Ready to build your revolver skills without breaking the bank? Click add to cart.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
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Last updated: April 2026