Charter Arms Pro 22 Starter Pistol, 22 Blank, 6-Rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12 oz — less than a loaded pistol magazine for all-day carry.
- Features a 416 stainless steel barrel stop for long-term durability.
- Orange Cerakote finish provides unambiguous, safety-critical visual identification.
- 6-round cylinder allows for multiple starts without immediate reloading.
Trade-offs
- At $293.99, it's a premium investment for a single-purpose tool.
- No holster or lanyard included — adds $25-$50 for proper field setup.
- Limited to .22 blank caliber — cannot be adapted for other signaling blanks or theatrical loads.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charter Arms Pro 22 is a purpose-built, 12-ounce, 6-round cylinder starter pistol chambered exclusively in .22 blank for official track, range, and training use. Its orange Cerakote finish provides immediate visual identification as a non-projectile device, while its 7075 aircraft aluminum frame and familiar revolver handling make it a duty-specific tool. As a regulatory specialist, I value its uncompromising adherence to the legal definition of a starter pistol, not a firearm.
What is the Charter Arms Pro 22 Starter Pistol used for?
The Pro 22 is used for initiating races and training drills where an auditory signal, not projectile fire, is required. It is deployed by starters, referees, and range safety officers on tracks, shooting ranges, and athletic fields. Its legal status as a blank-firing device under federal law allows it to be purchased without an FFL transfer in most jurisdictions, which is a critical detail for administrative procurement.
How does the Charter Arms Pro 22 compare to a Walther P99 Starter Pistol?
The Charter Arms Pro 22 is mechanically simpler and more durable for field conditions than a Walther P99. While the Walther offers a semi-automatic action familiar to competition shooters, the Charter's 6-round cylinder and spurred hammer provide a more reliable ignition platform for .22 blanks, which are notoriously finicky. In this application, the Charter's revolver reliability and 3.75-inch overall length make it a better choice for officials who need a single, dependable signal device, not a simulation-training prop.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charter Arms Pro 22 weighs 12 ounces and has an overall length of 3.75 inches, with a cylinder diameter of 1.25 inches. This compact footprint, derived from its 7075 aluminum frame, allows it to be carried for hours on a starter’s lanyard without noticeable fatigue. Compared to many of our field-grade rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, it is a featherweight tool designed for a singular purpose.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for anyone seeking a firearm for personal defense, target practice, or recreational shooting. It will not fire live .22 LR ammunition—the barrel is obstructed, and attempting to modify it is illegal under the National Firearms Act. It is also not ideal for theatrical productions requiring the realistic cycling of a semi-automatic slide; its revolver action provides the bang, but not that specific visual cue.
What's in the box?
The box contains the Charter Arms Pro 22 starter pistol, a cable-style lock for storage, and a single-sided owner's manual detailing maintenance and safety protocols. It does not include .22 caliber blanks, a holster, or a lanyard. You will need to purchase blanks separately; I recommend a fresh, domestically produced box from a reputable supplier for consistent ignition performance.
Is the Charter Arms Pro 22 worth it at $293.99?
At $293.99, the Pro 22 is worth the investment for organizations that require a durable, regulation-compliant starter pistol from a known U.S. manufacturer. You are paying for the duty-specific engineering, the aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and the non-negotiable orange Cerakote that unequivocally identifies its function. For occasional personal use, the price is steep, but for an institution procuring a tool for a decade of service, as I've seen outfitted for training, it’s a justifiable capital expense compared to cheaper, less reliable imports.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958822908 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 82290 |
| caliber/gauge | 22 Blank |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Starter Pistol |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it is absolutely not compatible. The Charter Arms Pro 22 is designed and manufactured to fire only .22 caliber blank cartridges. The barrel is permanently obstructed to prevent the chambering or discharge of any projectile, which is the legal definition of a starter pistol under federal law. Using live ammunition will damage the device and is a violation of federal firearms regulations.
- Does it fit in a standard holster?
- Maybe, but not ideally. With a 3.75-inch overall length and an orange frame, it may fit some small-frame revolver holsters designed for a 2-inch barrel. However, the non-standard, non-firearm color and purpose mean a universal nylon range holster or a dedicated lanyard is a better choice for carry. I recommend measuring its dimensions against your existing holsters before purchase.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping for this item typically takes 5-7 business days for standard delivery to most continental U.S. addresses. Because it is a blank-firing device and not a firearm, it ships directly to your door via our standard carriers, unlike the FFL-required transfer process for rifles like the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting</a>.
- Can I return it if it malfunctions?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns of defective items within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or replacement. The manufacturer, Charter Arms, also provides a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you experience a failure to fire due to a mechanical issue, contact our customer service team with your order number to initiate a return authorization.