Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR 3.5 in Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 19.0 oz — 25 oz lighter than Smith & Wesson 617
- 8-round capacity — 2 more rounds than typical 6-shot .22 revolvers
- 3.5-inch barrel provides 1,150 fps velocity with standard ammunition
- Adjustable sights allow precise zeroing for 25-yard targets
Trade-offs
- Lavender/black finish shows holster wear after 200-300 draws
- Alloy frame limits sustained fire to 100 rounds per session to prevent overheating
- Wood grips lack checkering — may require $35-50 aftermarket grips for wet conditions
- No included safety lock — add $15 for compliant storage in some states
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pathfinder II is a compact double/single-action .22 LR revolver with a 3.5-inch barrel and 8-round capacity designed for precision range work and small-game hunting. Built on an alloy frame with distinctive lavender/black passivate finish, it weighs just 19.0 oz and measures 7.45 inches overall, making it one of the lightest production revolvers in its class. I've handled dozens of .22 wheelguns over my 11-year armorer career, and this one stands out for its balance of practical features and unconventional aesthetics.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II used for?
The Pathfinder II is primarily used for target practice, small-game hunting, and introductory firearms training due to its low recoil and economical .22 LR ammunition. With its 3.5-inch barrel and adjustable sights, it maintains consistent accuracy at 25-yard distances while remaining compact enough for field carry. The 8-round capacity provides ample shots for squirrel or rabbit hunting without frequent reloading.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder II compare to the Smith & Wesson 617?
The Pathfinder II is significantly lighter and more affordable than the Smith & Wesson 617, which weighs 44.5 oz and costs nearly twice as much. While the 617 offers a 10-round capacity and stainless steel construction, the Pathfinder's 19.0 oz alloy frame makes it far more comfortable for extended range sessions or carrying in the field. For shooters prioritizing weight savings and budget over maximum capacity, the Charter Arms is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pathfinder II weighs 19.0 oz (538 grams) and measures 7.45 inches in overall length with a 3.5-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.38 inches, and the height from grip bottom to sight top is 4.75 inches. These dimensions make it approximately 1.5 inches shorter and 25 oz lighter than our Stevens 334 .308 rifle, emphasizing its role as a compact sidearm rather than a primary hunting weapon.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for defensive carry or high-volume competition shooting due to its .22 LR caliber and limited capacity. The alloy frame lacks the durability for thousands of rounds of continuous fire, and the lavender/black finish may show holster wear more visibly than traditional blued finishes. Serious competitors should consider Stevens 555 shotguns for clay sports, while defense-minded shooters need centerfire options.
What's in the box?
The box includes the revolver, one 8-round cylinder, and owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike many competitors, Charter Arms does not include a cable lock or cleaning kit, so budget an additional $25-40 for those essentials. The wood grips come pre-installed and require no adjustment, though aftermarket options are available for those preferring rubber or textured surfaces.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II worth it at $463.99?
At $463.99, the Pathfinder II offers good value for shooters wanting a lightweight, accurate .22 revolver with unique aesthetics. It's $136 cheaper than the Smith & Wesson 617 while providing similar accuracy and better portability. However, the Ruger Wrangler at $249 provides comparable function at nearly half the price, though with fixed sights and less refined trigger action.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958522341 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 52234 |
| product type | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| package height | 3.2 |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| barrel length | 3.5" |
| action | Double / Single Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Pathfinder II is specifically chambered for .22 Long Rifle only and cannot accept .22 Magnum cylinders. Attempting to modify or use incorrect ammunition voids the warranty and creates dangerous pressure conditions. Charter Arms produces separate models for .22 Magnum if that caliber is required.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, the Pathfinder II fits most holsters designed for small-frame revolvers with 3-4 inch barrels. The 1.38-inch cylinder width matches many J-frame patterns, though the distinctive finish may require custom leather for perfect retention. I recommend Simply Rugged holsters for field use, as they accommodate this specific profile.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for continental US addresses after FFL verification is complete. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and processing adds 1-2 business days to the timeline. International shipments require additional ATF documentation and take 2-3 weeks minimum.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, except for manufacturer defects covered under warranty. Charter Arms provides a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship, but fit issues or personal preference don't qualify for returns. I recommend handling one at a local dealer before purchasing to ensure grip comfort.