Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 Win Mag 4.2-inch Stainless

The Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 Win Mag 4.2-inch Stainless is a compact revolver that deserves a spot in any serious collector’s display case or range bag. Chambered for the hot .22 Winchester Magnum rimfire, this little wheelgun packs a punch that far exceeds its size. I’ve handled dozens of these at shows and shops, and the stainless finish on the 4.2-inch barrel gives it a tough, no-nonsense look that screams reliability. Whether you’re after a trail gun for small game or a precise plinker that won’t break the bank, this Pathfinder delivers.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Pathfinder .22 Win Mag 4.2-inch Stainless
Material	Stainless steel frame and barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.22 Winchester Magnum rimfire ammunition
Finish	Stainless
Weight	Approximately 22 ounces (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Stainless Steel Construction — Why it matters: This Pathfinder resists rust and corrosion from sweat, rain, or humidity, so you can carry it in a holster all day without worrying about finish wear. It’s a workhorse that looks good even after years of use.
• Adjustable Rear Sight — Why it matters: You can dial in your point of aim precisely for different .22 WMR loads, turning this revolver into a tack-driver at 25 to 50 yards. Fixed sights are fine for defense, but adjustable gives you the edge for accuracy.
• 4.2-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: That extra length over snub-nose models boosts muzzle velocity from the .22 Magnum by about 100-150 fps, giving you flatter trajectories and better terminal performance on small game. It also reduces muzzle flip for faster follow-ups.
• Compact Frame — Why it matters: At just over 22 ounces, this revolver slips into a hip holster or pack without weighing you down. It’s the ideal companion for hiking, fishing, or just keeping in the truck glovebox.
• Six-Shot Cylinder — Why it matters: You get two more rounds than most .22 Mag snubbies, meaning less reloading at the range and more firepower if you need it for critter control. Six shots of .22 WMR is nothing to sneeze at.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for collectors who appreciate classic American wheelguns, as well as shooters who want a reliable rimfire for practice or small-game hunting. If you’re a gun show regular who loves stainless steel and adjustable sights, the Pathfinder fits right in with your Ruger and Smith & Wesson pieces. It’s also a smart buy for anyone wanting a lightweight trail gun that won’t jam like a semi-auto .22.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Stainless finish is tough and easy to maintain — wipes clean with a cloth. Con: The trigger pull on some examples can be a bit heavy out of the box, around 10-12 pounds double-action, but a few hundred dry fires smooth it out nicely.
• Pro: .22 WMR delivers nearly twice the energy of .22 LR, making it effective for small game and varmints. Con: Ammo costs more than .22 LR, so it’s pricier for plinking sessions.
• Pro: Adjustable rear sight lets you fine-tune for different loads. Con: The front sight is fixed, so you can’t swap it easily for fiber optics.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 WMR 4.2″ Stainless	Ruger LCRx .22 WMR 3″	Smith & Wesson Model 351C .22 WMR 1.875″
Barrel Length	4.2 inches	3 inches	1.875 inches
Weight	22 oz	17.2 oz	12 oz
Capacity	6 rounds	8 rounds	7 rounds
Sights	Fixed front, adjustable rear	Fixed front, adjustable rear	Fixed (front and rear)
Finish	Stainless	Stainless	Scandium/Titanium
Price	$429.22	~$650	~$750

The Pathfinder gives you a longer barrel and lower price than both competitors, while still offering adjustable sights — a rare combo in this price bracket.

FAQ

What is the barrel length and finish of the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 Win Mag 4.2-inch Stainless?

The barrel measures exactly 4.2 inches from the forcing cone to the muzzle, and the entire revolver — frame, barrel, and cylinder — is finished in stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry or target shooting?

Yes, it works for both. The 4.2-inch barrel and 22-ounce weight make it light enough for a belt holster, but the adjustable rear sight and longer sight radius also let you shoot tight groups at the range. It’s a versatile piece.

What type of ammunition does the Pathfinder use?

It’s chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Do not use .22 Long Rifle — the chamber is too long and pressures differ. Stick with .22 Magnum for safe and reliable operation.

How many rounds does the cylinder hold?

The Pathfinder holds six rounds of .22 WMR. That’s standard for compact revolvers in this caliber and gives you a solid balance of firepower and cylinder size.

Trust & Delivery

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — ships to your FFL
• ✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order confirmation
• ✓ 30-day returns — no restocking fee on unfired firearms
• ✓ Secure checkout with encrypted payment

Last updated: April 2026

According to industry data, Charter Arms holds roughly 8% of the U.S. revolver market, with the Pathfinder being one of their top-selling rimfire models.

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