Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 LR, 4.2 in, 8-Rd, Black/Wood
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 20 oz (567 g)—significantly lighter than most steel-frame .22 revolvers for all-day range use.
- Adjustable rear sight allows for precise windage and elevation zeroing at 25 yards.
- 8-round cylinder capacity provides 33% more shots per loading than a standard 6-shot .22 revolver.
Trade-offs
- Frame is alloy, not steel—limits long-term durability under tens of thousands of rounds compared to a Ruger SP101.
- Not drilled and tapped for optics—no mounting option for red dots without expensive machining.
- Finish is a basic black passivate, which shows holster wear more quickly than a melonite or Cerakote treatment.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite .22 LR is a lightweight, eight-shot revolver with a 4.2-inch barrel, designed for cost-effective marksmanship practice and foundational training. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this model uses an alloy frame to achieve an unloaded weight of 20 ounces, making it easier to handle for extended range sessions than full-steel counterparts. The adjustable rear sight and fixed front provide a straightforward sight picture for precise work, while the wood grips offer traditional aesthetics.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite used for?
This revolver is primarily a training and target-shooting tool, not a defensive firearm. I recommend it for introducing new shooters to double-action revolver mechanics without the recoil and cost of centerfire cartridges, or for experienced hands wanting to maintain fundamentals with cheap ammunition—a session of 100 rounds costs about $15. Its 4.2-inch barrel and adjustable sights also make it capable for informal bullseye shooting at 25 yards.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite compare to a Ruger Wrangler?
The Pathfinder Lite offers a lighter double-action pull and an adjustable rear sight, which the single-action-only Ruger Wrangler lacks. The Wrangler, at roughly 35 ounces, is substantially heavier and more robust, making it feel more like a traditional six-shooter, but the Pathfinder's eight-round capacity and 20-ounce weight provide a distinct advantage for extended practice sessions. For deliberate single-action plinking, the Wrangler wins on durability; for learning double-action technique and sight adjustment, the Pathfinder is the better tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pathfinder Lite weighs 20 ounces (approximately 567 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 9 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.5 inches at its widest point, and the grip frame is 4.75 inches tall from the base to the top strap. These dimensions make it notably slimmer and lighter than a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, emphasizing its role as a dedicated handgun trainer.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for anyone seeking a primary defensive sidearm. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge lacks the terminal performance for reliable defense, and the alloy frame, while light, is not built for the constant stress of +P ammunition. It's also a poor choice for hunters needing pinpoint accuracy beyond 50 yards or for competitors in structured action-shooting events that favor semi-automatic platforms.
What's in the box?
You receive the handgun, one 8-round cylinder, and a basic plastic case. Charter Arms does not include speed loaders, additional grips, or a factory target. The manual covers basic operation and warranty details—expect paperwork compliance to take about 15 minutes for first-time owners. No tools for sight adjustment are provided, which is standard for this price point.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder Lite worth it at $418.99?
At this price, it occupies a specific niche between budget single-actions and premium .22 revolvers. It's worth the investment if your goal is affordable double-action trigger practice with the ability to fine-tune sights, a feature missing from models like the Heritage Rough Rider. However, if your budget is under $300 and single-action is acceptable, a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun might offer more recreational versatility for similar money. For dedicated .22 LR revolver training with adjustable sights, the Pathfinder Lite delivers a justifiable return.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958122435 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 12243 |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.2 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| length | 10.2500 |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No. The 4.2-inch barrel on this model is not threaded. Charter Arms offers a separate 'Pathfinder Lite Suppressor Ready' model with a threaded muzzle, but this standard version has a standard crowned barrel end. If suppressor use is a priority, you'll need to seek that specific SKU.
- Does it work with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- Yes, it can chamber and fire .22 Short and .22 Long cartridges, but you must manually eject each empty case as they are shorter than the .22 LR chamber. Firing these may result in slightly reduced velocity and potential fouling in the cylinder ahead of the case. For reliable function and easiest cleanup, stick with standard or high-velocity .22 LR.
- Are replacement wood grips available?
- Yes, but not directly from Charter Arms as a standard catalog item. Third-party makers like Altamont and Hogue produce compatible grip panels for the Charter Arms Pathfinder frame. Expect to spend $40 to $80 for a quality set, and allow 1-2 weeks for custom finishing if ordered.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- From our warehouse, processing and carrier handoff typically takes 2 business days. Ground shipping transit to most continental US FFLs adds 3-7 business days. Total timeline from order to FFL notification is usually 5-9 business days, barring local regulatory checks or carrier delays.