The Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR Revolver, 4.2 in Stainless is a dedicated target and training revolver built for shooters who demand precision without the recoil of centerfire calibers. This single-action six-shooter combines a matte stainless barrel and cylinder with adjustable rear sights, giving you a durable, range-ready platform for honing marksmanship fundamentals or introducing new shooters to revolver operation.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Charter Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | Pathfinder (Target series) |
| Material | Stainless steel barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammunition |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | Approximately 22 ounces (6.2 kg) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 4.2-Inch Stainless Barrel — Why it matters: The longer sight radius and stainless construction improve accuracy and resist corrosion, making this revolver a reliable choice for repeated range sessions in any weather.
- Exposed Hammer with Single-Action Operation — Why it matters: You get a crisp, predictable trigger pull every time, which is critical for building precision shooting muscle memory and teaching safe revolver handling.
- Adjustable Rear Sight with Fixed Front Post — Why it matters: Fine-tune your point of impact for different .22 LR loads or distances, so you can zero in on bullseyes without guesswork.
- Matte Stainless Cylinder — Why it matters: The subdued finish reduces glare in bright range conditions, and the cylinder’s six-round capacity gives you ample practice strings before reloading.
- Compact, Range-Oriented Profile — Why it matters: At 4.2 inches, the barrel balances portability with accuracy, so it fits easily in a range bag and handles like a full-size revolver without the extra weight.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for concealed carriers who want to practice revolver fundamentals with low-cost .22 LR ammo, home defense owners training family members on safe revolver use, and target shooters who prefer single-action accuracy. It also serves as a reliable trail gun for small-game hunting or plinking.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable price point under $400, stainless steel construction resists rust, adjustable sights allow precise zeroing, single-action trigger aids accuracy training, lightweight enough for all-day carry in a belt holster.
- Cons: Single-action only limits speed in defensive scenarios, six-round capacity is low compared to modern semi-autos, and the .22 LR round lacks stopping power for serious self-defense against human threats.
Comparison: Charter Arms Pathfinder vs. Ruger SP101 vs. Smith & Wesson Model 617
| Feature | Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR (4.2 in) | Ruger SP101 .22 LR (4.2 in) | Smith & Wesson Model 617 (6 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Single-action only | Double-action/single-action | Double-action/single-action |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 8 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Weight | 22 oz | 30 oz | 38 oz |
| MSRP | $391.15 | $719.00 | $1,159.00 |
| Best For | Budget target training, light carry | All-around revolver, defensive use | Competition target shooting |
FAQ
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR revolver good for self-defense?
While .22 LR can be used in a pinch, this revolver is optimized for target shooting and training. Its single-action-only trigger and low recoil make it ideal for practice, but for dedicated self-defense, consider a double-action revolver in .38 Special or 9mm.
What is the barrel length of this Pathfinder model?
This specific model features a 4.2-inch stainless barrel, which provides a good balance between accuracy and portability for range use or carry.
Does this revolver have adjustable sights?
Yes, the Pathfinder Target series comes with an adjustable rear sight and a fixed front post, allowing you to dial in your point of impact for different loads or distances.
Can I use this revolver for concealed carry?
At 4.2 inches and 22 ounces, it’s compact enough for IWB or OWB carry, but the single-action design and six-round capacity limit its defensive practicality. It’s better suited as a training or trail gun.
What is the finish on this revolver?
It has a matte stainless finish on both the barrel and cylinder, which reduces glare and resists corrosion, making it low-maintenance for frequent range use.
Trust & Delivery
- ✔ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states (firearm transfers handled per local laws)
- ✔ Ships within 1–2 business days from our FFL-licensed warehouse
- ✔ 30-day return policy on new, unfired firearms
- ✔ Secure checkout with 256-bit SSL encryption
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Last updated: April 2026
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