Charter Arms Pathfinder II: crisp trigger, heavy double-action pull

Thomas Christianson spent three months waiting on a Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22LR revolver, and at SurvivalBlog he reports it was worth the delay, with a crisp single-action trigger and solid reliability on cheap bulk ammo.

Snapshot

The Pathfinder II is an eight-shot .22LR revolver with a stainless steel barrel and anodized aluminum frame, weighing 20 ounces unloaded. Christianson's review covers trigger pull measurements, range accuracy across three ammo types, and the gun's handling, concluding it's a rugged, enjoyable shooter despite a heavier-than-ideal double-action pull.

Key points

• Trigger: Christianson measured single-action pulls averaging 2.67 pounds and double-action averaging 11.51 pounds, calling the single-action break "especially crisp" while finding the double-action heavier than he'd like.
• Reliability: The revolver ran cleanly on inexpensive bulk .22LR, including Remington ammo that had caused feeding issues in his semi-autos.
• Accuracy: At 15 yards from rest, three-shot groups averaged roughly 1.18 to 1.99 inches depending on ammo, with Federal 38-grain hollow points producing the tightest results.
• Fit: He noted good overall fit and finish, with one small tool mark on the frame, and found the compact rubber grip a touch small for his large hands.
• Price: All three finish options — black passivate, stainless, and OD green/black passivate — carry an MSRP of $510.61.

Quick take

Christianson calls the Pathfinder II the most fun revolver he's shot, and the numbers back up his enthusiasm: a reliable, reasonably accurate .22LR wheelgun that shrugs off ammo quality issues that trip up semi-autos. The double-action trigger weight is the one real knock against it.

Read the full story: survivalblog.com