Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 WMR 2″ Revolver
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 18.5 oz — 35% lighter than an all-steel Charter Pathfinder of the same barrel length.
- Corrosion-resistant frame: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum won’t rust like blued carbon steel.
- 6-round cylinder capacity: Standard for .22 WMR wheelguns, avoiding the odd 8 or 9-round capacities that complicate speed loader compatibility.
Trade-offs
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights: Limits zeroing beyond 15-20 yards; no drift-adjustable rear notch.
- No factory-threaded barrel option: Eliminates direct suppressor use without expensive aftermarket gunsmithing.
- Shorter ejector rod stroke: Due to the 2-inch barrel, fully ejecting six spent casings requires precise alignment and a firm stroke compared to 4 or 6-inch barreled revolvers.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 WMR 2″ Revolver? This compact revolver is a lightweight, US-made firearm chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum, designed for straightforward, low-recoil handling. It combines an anodized aluminum frame with stainless steel components to achieve a specific weight-to-durability ratio seldom found in rimfire wheelguns at this price point, making it a utilitarian tool rather than a showpiece.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite used for?
The Pathfinder Lite is used primarily for informal range practice and as an introductory revolver for new shooters or a lightweight field companion. Its low recoil and simple fixed-sight operation make it ideal for 50- to 100-round plinking sessions, while its compact size lends itself to being a small-game or varmint dispatch tool when paired with high-velocity .22 WMR ammunition.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite compare to a Heritage Rough Rider?
The Pathfinder Lite is a superior choice for durability and modern mechanics when compared directly to the Heritage Rough Rider. Where the Rough Rider often utilizes a simpler, cost-saving transfer-bar safety and can be found in blued finishes, the Pathfinder Lite employs a more robust internal hammer block and uses corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and stainless steel, offering better long-term resistance to holster wear and field moisture for about $100 more MSRP.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 18.5 ounces empty and spans 6.7 inches in overall length. The 2-inch barrel contributes to an overall width of 1.38 inches at the cylinder, which, when combined with its 6-round capacity cylinder, fits standard small-frame holsters designed for J-frame sized revolvers like the S&W 43C but without the moon clip requirement or polymer frame of many modern compact rimfire options we've tested, such as the S&W M&P 22 compact.
Who is this NOT for?
The Pathfinder Lite is not for those seeking precision or a dedicated training analog for larger centerfire revolvers. Its short, 2-inch sight radius and rudimentary fixed sights limit consistent accuracy beyond 25 yards, and its .22 WMR chambering means it does not simulate the recoil impulse, trigger pull weight, or cylinder swing mechanics of duty-caliber revolvers like a Smith & Wesson 686 or those chambered from our Stevens 334 Rifle series in .308 Win.
What's in the box?
You will receive the revolver, one empty 6-round stainless steel cylinder, a single set of rubber grip panels installed, and the factory owner's manual complete with the Charter Arms warranty card. Notably, you will not find a cable lock supplied with most modern handguns, and you must purchase .22 Winchester Magnum ammunition and speed loaders separately, which is a common cost-saving measure in this price segment but a point of awareness for new buyers accustomed to the more inclusive kits of brands like Taurus.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite worth it at $404.99?
At $404.99, the Pathfinder Lite is worth the investment if your primary metrics are domestic manufacturing, alloy/stainless construction for actual weight savings, and a no-frills wheelgun in a potent rimfire chambering. For $50-75 less, you could opt for a polymer-framed, semi-automatic .22 LR like the Taurus TX22 with higher capacity, but you sacrifice the absolute reliability and simple mechanics of a double-action revolver.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958523706 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 52370 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 6.75 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | No Safety |
| shipping weight | 1.95 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Yes, the Pathfinder Lite's 1.38-inch cylinder width and 6.7-inch overall length fit most leather or Kydex holsters designed for small-frame, 5 or 6-shot revolvers like the S&W 43C or 642. Always verify fitment with your specific holster model, like those from Galco or DeSantis, before relying on it for carry.
- Is it compatible with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, it is not compatible or safe to fire .22 Long Rifle ammunition. This revolver is chambered specifically for the longer, higher-pressure .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) cartridge. Firing .22 LR can cause dangerous obstructions and pressure issues. Only use ammunition clearly marked .22 WMR or .22 Magnum.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, without modification. The barrel is not threaded for a suppressor. Permanently attaching a suppressor would require barrel threading by a qualified gunsmith (a Class 2 SOT) and potentially machining the front sight, costing $150-300 plus the NFA tax stamp and wait, making it impractical versus a factory-threaded option like the Ruger Wrangler with a threaded barrel.
- How long does shipping take after ordering?
- After receiving a valid FFL copy from your chosen dealer, Ironclad Armory ships within 2-3 business days via UPS or FedEx with 2-5 day transit time. The entire process from order to dealer notification is typically 7-10 business days, contingent upon your local FFL's processing speed for the 4473 background check.