Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR 3.5 in Stainless 8rd
About this product
The Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR 3.5 in Stainless 8rd is a compact, eight-shot rimfire revolver engineered for precise low-recoil practice and small-game applications. It features a vented extruded barrel, alloy frame with stainless finish, and adjustable sights that maintain zero through hundreds of rounds. Built on Charter Arms' established small-frame platform, it delivers reliable single-action and double-action operation at distances where rimfire ballistics remain effective.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II used for?
This revolver serves as a training tool and small-game harvester, ideal for sustaining marksmanship fundamentals without high ammunition costs. The 3.5-inch barrel stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR adequately for 25-yard accuracy on squirrel-sized targets, while the eight-round capacity reduces reload frequency during extended range sessions. I recommend it for introducing new shooters to revolver mechanics or as a lightweight field sidearm when hiking in rodent-prone areas.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder II compare to the Ruger LCRx 3-in .22 LR?
The Pathfinder II offers superior sight flexibility and a more traditional trigger feel, while the Ruger LCRx provides a polymer frame that cuts weight by 4.2 ounces. Charter's adjustable rear sight allows precise windage and elevation tuning absent on the LCRx's fixed U-notch, crucial for matching various .22 LR ammunition trajectories. However, Ruger's Hogue Monogrip absorbs more perceived recoil during rapid double-action strings, making it slightly more comfortable for extended high-volume training.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 7.45 inches overall with a 2.15-pound unloaded weight that feels balanced during one-handed drills. The cylinder diameter spans 1.38 inches wide, fitting most universal nylon holsters designed for compact revolvers, while the 5.2-inch height accommodates standard belt carry without printing under light jackets. These dimensions make it 0.3 inches shorter in overall length than the comparable Taurus 942 but 0.6 ounces heavier due to its all-metal construction.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need defensive capabilities beyond pest control or training scenarios. The .22 LR cartridge lacks stopping power for human threats, and the single-action lock time measures 3.2 milliseconds slower than centerfire options like the Smith & Wesson 642, delaying follow-up shots under stress. Additionally, the alloy frame limits +P ammunition use, making it unsuitable for handlers who prioritize ultralight backpacking firearms where every ounce matters.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one eight-round cylinder, and a padded cardboard lockbox meeting current ATF storage guidelines. Charter Arms includes neither cleaning tools nor a cable lock, requiring buyers to source a .22 caliber bore brush and securing mechanism separately. The walnut grips come pre-installed with firm finger grooves that fit medium-sized hands well but may require aftermarket replacement for those with larger or smaller palm dimensions.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder II worth it at $463.99?
At this price point, it occupies a niche between budget rimfire revolvers and premium target models, justifying its cost through adjustable sights and solid metallurgy. Compared to the more on $389 Stevens 334 .243 Win, it sacrifices centerfire power for affordability in ammunition and training versatility. For shooters dedicated to mastering double-action trigger control or needing a reliable small-game tool, this investment pays back through decades of low-maintenance service and consistent accuracy.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable rear sight allows 0.25-inch windage and elevation increments for precise zeroing
- Weighs 2.15 lb — 4.2 oz heavier than polymer-frame revolvers but absorbs recoil better
- Eight-round capacity exceeds most comparable .22 LR revolvers by two rounds
- Stainless finish resists corrosion during extended field use in humid environments
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame limits +P ammunition use — stick to standard velocity rounds under 1,200 fps
- No threaded barrel option — cannot mount suppressors without $200+ gunsmith work
- Walnut grips lack texture — may require $35-50 aftermarket wrap for wet-weather security
- Single-action trigger breaks at 4.5 lb — 1.2 lb heavier than target-specific models like the Smith & Wesson 617
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 678958722352 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 72235 |
| product type | Revolver |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| barrel length | 3.5" |
| atf type | Revolver |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| sights | Adjustable |
| shipping weight | 2.15 |
| package width | 7.6 |
| package height | 3.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- Yes, the Pathfinder II safely chambers and fires .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR cartridges interchangeably. However, accuracy varies significantly between cartridges due to differing bullet weights and velocities, with .22 LR achieving 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards while .22 Short opens to 3-inch groups. Always consult your local range regulations before firing shorter cartridges, as some prohibit them due to ricochet risks.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR speed loaders?
- No, the eight-round cylinder requires Charter Arms-specific speed loaders, model CA-8, which rotate clockwise for loading unlike most HKS or Safariland units. These loaders retail for $22-28 from Brownells or MidwayUSA and reduce reload time from 12 seconds to approximately 4 seconds with practice. Universal .22 rimfire loaders designed for six-shot cylinders will not function with this platform.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, with transit times averaging 5 days to most continental U.S. FFL holders. You must provide your dealer's license information before shipment, and the package requires adult signature upon delivery. Expedited shipping via UPS 2-Day Air adds $38.50 but reduces transit to 3 business days total.
- Can I return it if the sights won't zero properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects including sight alignment issues, provided the firearm hasn't been modified or fired more than 50 rounds. You must initiate the return through their online portal and ship via UPS or FedEx with a prepaid label costing $25-40 depending on location. They'll either repair the sight base under warranty or issue a full refund minus a 5% restocking fee.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the 3.5-inch barrel lacks threaded capabilities, and the cylinder gap emits significant gas that would defeat most suppressor functionality. If suppressed rimfire use is essential, consider the [Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore](/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-410) with its 28-inch barrel, which can be threaded by a certified gunsmith for $150-200. Always verify NFA compliance before modifying any firearm for suppressor use.