Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 Mag 2″ Barrel Revolver

The Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 Mag 2″ Barrel Revolver is a no-nonsense rimfire snub that punches way above its weight class. I’ve had my hands on plenty of these little wheelguns over the years, and this one—the Pathfinder Lite—is the perfect trail companion for anyone who wants a reliable .22 Magnum without the bulk. Chambered in .22 WMR and built on a compact frame, it’s light enough to carry all day, simple enough for a new shooter, and tough enough for serious practice. If you’re looking for a charter arms pathfinder lite .22 mag 2″ barrel revolver that just works, you’ve found it.

Manufacturer	Charter Arms
Model	Pathfinder Lite
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, steel cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.22 Magnum (.22 WMR) ammunition only
Finish	Black Passivate cylinder, matte black frame
Weight	Approximately 12 oz (unloaded, per Charter Arms)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ultra-Lightweight Build – At just 12 ounces, this revolver disappears on a belt or in a pack. Why it matters: You’ll actually carry it instead of leaving it in the truck, which is the whole point of a trail gun.
• Double/Single Action Trigger – Smooth double-action pull for quick follow-ups, plus a crisp single-action for precision. Why it matters: One gun does double duty—defensive speed and target accuracy in the same package.
• Fixed Sights – Low-profile, snag-free sights that are zeroed from the factory. Why it matters: No adjustments needed, no snagging on holsters or brush, just point and shoot.
• Black Passivate Cylinder – A corrosion-resistant finish that holds up to sweat, rain, and humidity. Why it matters: This revolver is built for the outdoors, and the finish keeps it running season after season.
• 2-Inch Barrel – Balances concealability with enough barrel length for solid velocity from .22 Magnum. Why it matters: You get real magnum performance without the bulk of a 4-inch barrel.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the shooter who wants a lightweight, low-maintenance rimfire that can handle everything from plinking at the range to riding in a holster on a long hike. It’s ideal for new shooters learning fundamentals, experienced collectors adding a classic American snub, and anyone who wants a .22 Magnum that won’t weigh down their belt. If you’ve ever wished your .22 pistol was simpler or your revolver was lighter, the Pathfinder Lite is your answer.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Incredibly light (12 oz), simple fixed sights, reliable double/single action, affordable price point, made in the USA.
• Cons: Fixed sights are not adjustable for windage or elevation—if you need precision beyond 25 yards, you’ll want a different setup. Also, the lightweight frame means recoil is snappier than a steel-frame revolver, though .22 Mag is still mild.

Comparison

Feature	Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite	Ruger LCR .22 Magnum	Smith & Wesson Model 351C
Weight	12 oz	13.5 oz	11.8 oz
Barrel Length	2″	1.875″	1.875″
Capacity	6 rounds	8 rounds	7 rounds
Sights	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
Trigger	DA/SA	DAO	DAO
Price	$404.03	~$550	~$650
Action Type	Double/Single	Double Only	Double Only

The Pathfinder Lite undercuts both competitors on price by $150–$250 while offering a traditional DA/SA trigger that many shooters prefer for accuracy. The Ruger LCR holds more rounds, but the Charter Arms is lighter and simpler.

FAQ

What is the cylinder capacity of the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 Mag 2″ barrel revolver?

It holds 6 rounds of .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). That’s enough for a day of plinking or a full cylinder of defense loads on the trail.

Is this revolver safe to carry with a round under the hammer?

Yes. The Pathfinder Lite has a transfer bar safety that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear. You can safely carry all six chambers loaded.

Can I use .22 Long Rifle in this revolver?

No. This revolver is chambered exclusively for .22 Magnum (.22 WMR). Do not attempt to fire .22 LR—it will not chamber safely and could cause a dangerous malfunction.

What is the barrel twist rate?

Per Charter Arms specifications, the 2-inch barrel has a 1:14″ twist rate, optimized for stabilizing .22 Magnum projectiles.

Ready to Add This Lightweight Rimfire to Your Collection?

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time revolver buyer, the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 Mag 2″ Barrel Revolver delivers exactly what you need: light weight, simple operation, and proven American craftsmanship. At $404.03, it’s one of the best values in rimfire revolvers today.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Browse more in our Revolvers category, or check out Rimfire Pistols and Concealed Carry for similar gear.

Last updated: April 2026