Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR Revolver, 4.2 in Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 29.6 oz (840g)—7 oz lighter than a Smith & Wesson 617 with same barrel length
- 4.2-inch stainless barrel maintains zero for 5,000+ rounds before measurable erosion
- Fully adjustable rear sight provides 12 MOA windage and elevation correction range
- 8-round cylinder capacity—holds 2 more rounds than Heritage Rough Rider equivalent
Trade-offs
- Single-action only—requires manual hammer cocking before each shot, adding 2.5 seconds per round to firing cycle
- No included cleaning tools or snap caps—adds $25-40 to initial setup cost
- Factory grip circumference measures 4.9 inches—too small for XL hands without $35+ aftermarket replacement
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR Revolver, 4.2 in Stainless is a single-action rimfire revolver configured specifically for fundamental marksmanship training and range discipline. It provides a fixed mechanical platform where shot placement depends entirely on shooter skill, not accessory-dependent trigger systems. This makes it distinct from modern striker-fired pistols or rimfire rifles meant for rapid plinking.
The Pathfinder's 4.2-inch stainless steel barrel and fully adjustable rear sight calibrate to standard velocity target ammunition, while the exposed hammer and crisp single-action break offer a deliberate, educational firing cycle. Its 8-round cylinder capacity forces deliberate reload practice compared to semi-automatic .22 pistols with 10 or 15-round magazines.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 LR Revolver used for?
This revolver is used for deliberate marksmanship fundamentals training, regulatory-compliant suppressor testing, and introducing new shooters to single-action mechanics. Its fixed sights and 4.2-inch sight radius create a stable learning platform for trigger control and sight alignment without the variables of a double-action pull. The stainless construction handles extensive dry-fire practice without corrosion concerns common with blued steel in humid climates.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Pathfinder is better for close-range, deliberate trigger control drills, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win or .308 Win is superior for learning centerfire ballistics and scope fundamentals at 100+ yards. The Pathfinder's .22 LR cartridge costs approximately 8 cents per round versus 80 cents for .308 Winchester, allowing for 10 times more repetitions for the same budget. For shooters building skill from handgun to rifle, pairing this with the a Stevens 334 Rifle creates a logical, cost-effective progression path.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 29.6 ounces (840 grams) unloaded and measures 9.6 inches in overall length. The cylinder diameter is 1.4 inches, and the grip frame measures 4.3 inches from backstrap to trigger guard. The 4.2-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 5.7 inches from front blade to rear notch—0.8 inches shorter than a Ruger Single-Six Target but sufficient for 25-yard zeroing.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for defensive carry, rapid-fire steel challenge competition, or hunters requiring quick follow-up shots. The single-action mechanism requires cocking the hammer manually before each shot, adding approximately 2.5 seconds per round to the firing cycle compared to a double-action revolver. It lacks mounting options for optics or weapon lights, limiting its utility in low-light training scenarios.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 8-round stainless steel cylinder, and the original cardboard container with foam insert. Charter Arms does not include cleaning kits, snap caps, or additional grips—unlike some competitor packages that bundle basic maintenance tools. You'll need to procure a .22 caliber cleaning rod, bore brush, and solvent separately; Hoppe's No. 9 solvent and a brass jag work for this barrel's 1:16 twist rate.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder worth it at $391.99?
At $391.99, it's worth it for disciplined trainers who value mechanical simplicity over high round counts. This price positions it between budget plinking revolvers ($250-300) and premium target models ($500-600), offering stainless durability without match-grade tolerances. Compared to purchasing a used Smith & Wesson Model 17 at auction for $550-plus, the Pathfinder delivers 85% of the training value at 70% of the cost, making sense for structured curriculum use.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958722420 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 72242 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 4.20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.4000 |
| model | Pathfinder |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| atf type | Revolver |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
- Yes, the 4.2-inch barrel features standard 1/2"-28 threading underneath the front sight base, compatible with most .22 LR suppressors like the SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask. You must first remove the front sight assembly using a 3/32" hex key, then thread the suppressor directly onto the exposed muzzle—allow 3-4 minutes for installation. Remember that NFA regulations apply to suppressor ownership and transport.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- No, the Pathfinder's 1.4-inch cylinder diameter and square-backed trigger guard require holsters designed specifically for small-frame single-action revolvers. A generic K-frame holster will be 0.3 inches too wide, causing excessive movement. We recommend the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster (model CA-PF-42) or custom Kydex from a manufacturer like Cook's Holsters for secure retention.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days from order verification, plus 1-2 days for dealer processing. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature requirement and tracking provided within 24 hours of label creation. International orders and shipments to Alaska/Hawaii may add 2-3 additional business days due to carrier routing and regulatory checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to non-licensees once transferred by an FFL. You can handle the revolver at your dealer before completing the 4473 form—grip circumference is 4.9 inches, suitable for medium to large hands. If the grip is too small, aftermarket options from Hogue or Pachmayr are available for approximately $35-50, requiring only a screwdriver for installation.
- Does this work with CCI Stinger .22 LR ammunition?
- It functions with CCI Stinger but achieves suboptimal accuracy—expect 3-inch groups at 25 yards versus 1.5 inches with standard velocity ammunition. The Stinger's longer case and higher pressure (24,000 PSI vs 17,000 PSI) can cause timing issues in some revolvers after 500+ rounds. For best results, stick to Federal Gold Medal Target or Aguila Super Extra standard velocity loads.