Charter Arms Pathfinder II 22 LR 3.5in 8rd OD Green/Black
About this product
The Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR with a 3.5-inch barrel is a small-frame, eight-shot revolver purpose-built for economical training and fundamental marksmanship practice. It combines a passivated steel barrel and cylinder with an OD green aluminum frame to achieve a light handling weight while maintaining traditional revolver ergonomics. This creates a platform designed for low-recoil operation and skill development, distinct from more common semi-automatic .22 LR trainers.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II used for?
The Pathfinder II is used for mastering revolver fundamentals and conducting affordable, high-volume shooting practice. Its primary practical application is training new shooters on double-action trigger control, sight alignment, and reloading in a low-cost, low-recoil system. I also recommend it for suppressor use, as the 3.5-inch barrel is ideally threaded for subsonic ammunition, unlike many 4-inch rimfire revolvers. This makes it a prime candidate for a host firearm in an Introduction to NFA Firearms scenario.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder II compare to a Smith & Wesson 317?
The Pathfinder II offers a more robust barrel and cylinder construction at a lower price point, making it superior for dedicated range use where hundreds of rounds are common. The Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite uses a lighter Scandium alloy frame, resulting in a weight of 10.8 ounces compared to the Pathfinder II’s 20 ounces. For pure carry weight, the S&W wins, but for sustained accuracy during a 200-round training session, the Pathfinder II’s heavier frame provides greater stability and less felt recoil impulse with bulk ammunition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pathfinder II has an unloaded weight of 20 ounces (567 grams), an overall length of 7.45 inches, and a barrel length of exactly 3.50 inches. The cylinder width is 1.38 inches, and the grip height from the base to the top of the hammer is 4.75 inches. These dimensions result in a compact package with a sight radius of 5.1 inches between the front and rear notches.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters seeking a defensive primary or a competition-ready rimfire pistol. The double-action trigger pull weight of 12 pounds is heavy by design and not ideal for speed shooting or bullseye competition. It's also a poor choice as an only firearm for someone focused on modern semi-automatic pistol mechanics, as the operation is entirely different from platforms like a Glock 19 or a Stevens 334 rifle.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 8-round cylinder, a polymer speedloader, and a simple cardboard shipping box. There is no factory hard case, lockable storage, or comprehensive manual, which is standard for firearms at this price tier. You receive the functional tool and nothing else, so budget for a proper case like a Plano All Weather 4-Pistol.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II worth it at $473.99?
At $473.99, the Pathfinder II is worth it as a dedicated, no-frills training tool, not as a feature-rich collector's item. The build quality is functional, focusing investment on the steel wear components rather than premium finishes or packaging. For a shooter who will put 5,000 rounds of .22 LR through it annually, the per-round training cost justifies the investment, especially when compared to centerfire practice with a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 20 oz — balances training stability with all-day carry comfort.
- 3.5-inch barrel provides a 5.1-inch sight radius, optimal for deliberate practice.
- 8-round capacity exceeds the typical 6-round rimfire revolver by 33%.
- Passivated steel on barrel/cylinder resists fouling better than standard bluing.
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures a heavy 12 lbs — requires dedicated practice to master smoothly.
- No included hard case or lock — adds $25-$50 for secure transport and storage.
- Rubber grip lacks aggressive texturing, leading to grip shift during extended rapid-fire strings.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958522365 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 52236 |
| barrel finish | Black Passivate |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights | Aluminum Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the model described here does not come from the factory with a threaded barrel. Charter Arms offers a separate "Pathfinder Target" model with a 4.2-inch threaded barrel. You would need to have a qualified gunsmith professionally thread the 3.5-inch barrel, which adds approximately $120-$200 to the project cost.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR speedloaders?
- Yes, it is compatible with HKS 22-A speedloaders designed for 8-shot .22 LR revolvers. The factory includes a basic polymer speedloader, but aftermarket metal loaders from HKS provide far more reliable ejection and typically cost between $15 and $20 each from vendors like MidwayUSA or Brownells.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days. The firearm must ship to a licensed dealer, where you will complete a Form 4473 background check. Total time from order to pickup often spans 7-10 days, contingent on your local FFL's processing speed.
- Is this compatible with .22 WMR ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle (LR) rimfire ammunition. Attempting to fire .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) in this cylinder is hazardous and will cause case rupture. If you require a convertible platform, consider the Charter Arms Pathfinder models specifically designated for .22 LR/.22 WMR interchangeability.