Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 WMR 2 in Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 19 oz—2.3 oz lighter than a Smith & Wesson 351PD in .22 WMR
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion 3x longer than blued finishes in humid conditions
- 8-round capacity holds 2 more rounds than typical 6-shot .22 revolvers
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel option—cannot accept suppressors without $200+ gunsmithing
- Hammer block safety only—locks hammer but no external safety lever for quick disengagement
- Stainless finish shows scuffs easily—requires polishing every 200 rounds to maintain appearance
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 WMR 2 in Stainless? It's a compact, stainless steel revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum with a 2-inch barrel designed for straightforward carry and field use. Built on Charter Arms' proven small-frame platform, it prioritizes corrosion resistance and mechanical simplicity over high-capacity or long-range precision. This configuration suits shooters who need a reliable, low-recoil option for small game or backup carry where minimal weight and bulk are non-negotiable.
What is the Charter Arms Pathfinder used for?
It's primarily a small-game hunting and training revolver, not a defensive primary. The .22 WMR cartridge delivers 40-grain projectiles at approximately 1,200 fps from this 2-inch barrel, making it effective against varmints and pests under 50 yards. I've used it for dispatching raccoons and groundhogs on my property, where its compact 19-ounce weight and 6.5-inch overall length make it easy to carry all day without fatigue. It also serves as an inexpensive training tool for new shooters learning revolver mechanics, though the 8-round capacity limits prolonged drill work.
How does the Charter Arms Pathfinder compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Pathfinder is better for concealed carry and close-range pest control, while the Stevens 334 Rifle excels at precision and power. Chambered in .308 Win or .243 Win with a 20-inch barrel, the Stevens 334 delivers sub-MOA accuracy past 200 yards and holds 4+1 rounds—ideal for deer hunting or target shooting. The Pathfinder’s 2-inch barrel sacrifices velocity and accuracy but weighs 19 ounces versus the Stevens' 6.5 pounds, making it vastly more portable. Choose the Stevens for hunting larger game; choose the Pathfinder for pocket-sized utility.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 19 ounces empty and measures 6.5 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.4 inches, and the grip frame accommodates standard small-frame revolver stocks, though aftermarket options like Pachmayr compacts reduce printed width to 1.1 inches. At 19 ounces, it's 2.3 ounces heavier than an aluminum-frame .38 snub but balances better in hand due to stainless steel construction. These dimensions make it suitable for ankle or pocket carry with minimal printing.
Who is this NOT for?
It's not for anyone needing high capacity, long-range accuracy, or defensive stopping power. The .22 WMR cartridge lacks the terminal performance of centerfire rounds like .38 Special or 9mm, making it a poor choice for primary self-defense. Additionally, the 2-inch barrel reduces velocity by roughly 200 fps compared to a 4-inch barrel, limiting effective range to about 50 yards. If you need more than 8 rounds or plan to engage targets beyond 75 yards, consider a Stevens 334 Rifle or a semi-automatic pistol.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 8-round stainless steel cylinder, and a cardboard box with warranty paperwork—no tools or extra accessories. Charter Arms doesn't include cleaning kits or snap caps, so budget $20-$30 for a .22 caliber bore rod and patches. The cylinder rotates clockwise and locks up with minimal play, but I recommend verifying timing with a range trip before relying on it. Unlike some competitors, there's no case or lock included, so plan to spend $15 on a basic hard case for transport.
Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder worth it at $397.99?
Yes, if you need a compact, corrosion-resistant revolver for niche uses like training or pest control. At $397.99, it's $150 less than a Smith & Wesson 351PD but offers similar reliability in a stainless package. The investment pays off if you prioritize easy maintenance and all-weather durability over ultralight materials. However, if you want a defensive firearm, the extra $100 for a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun delivers more stopping power for home defense.
Key attributes
| upc | 678958723243 |
| manufacturer | Charter Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 72324 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.3000 |
| model | Pathfinder |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer Block Only |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it's chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), which is longer and higher-pressure than .22 Long Rifle. Using .22 LR can cause dangerous cylinder gap leakage and misfires. Always verify ammunition headstamps—Federal and CCI produce reliable .22 WMR loads.
- Does it fit in a standard ankle holster?
- Yes, its 6.5-inch length and 19-ounce weight fit most small-frame ankle rigs like DeSantis Apache or Galco Ankle Glove. Allow 1-2 weeks for break-in; the stainless finish may require a felt-lined holster to prevent scraping. Measure your calf circumference—holsters typically accommodate up to 16 inches.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-3 business days, with transit taking 5-7 days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping cuts it to 2-3 days for an extra $25. FFL transfers add 1-2 days for background checks—plan 10-14 days total from order to pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, within 30 days for manufacturer defects like timing issues or cylinder misalignment. Ironclad Armory covers return shipping and provides a prepaid label—email support with video evidence of the malfunction. Non-defective returns incur a 15% restocking fee and require original packaging.