Merry Christmas to me! Another Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR? Yep… I bought the one I “passed” on

Published on December 24, 2023
Duration: 9:27

This video details the process of replacing a damaged cylinder and polymer frame on a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR revolver. The presenter demonstrates how to identify and address issues like dry-fire damage to the cylinder and misaligned timing, and upgrades the firearm with an aluminum frame and wood grips. The guide emphasizes the importance of part compatibility for specific generations of Charter Arms revolvers.

Quick Summary

Damage to Charter Arms Pathfinder cylinders, often seen as dents in the chambers, is typically caused by excessive dry firing. The hard firing pin material can deform the cylinder. For repairs or upgrades, it's vital to match replacement cylinders and frames to the specific generation of the firearm due to variations in dimensions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Charter Arms Pathfinder Purchase
  2. 00:13Identifying Cylinder Damage from Dry Firing
  3. 00:30Reasons for Purchasing a Used Pathfinder
  4. 01:06Detailed Look at Cylinder Damage
  5. 01:36Production Era Considerations
  6. 01:47Uniqueness of the Snubnose .22 Pathfinder
  7. 02:11Sourcing a Parts Kit for Repair
  8. 02:38Factory Modifications: Ejector Star and Front Sight
  9. 03:10Plastic Grip Frame and Factory Grips
  10. 03:25Swapping Grips and Cylinder
  11. 03:36Challenge of Finding Compatible Cylinders
  12. 03:57Demonstrating Part Swapping (Editing)
  13. 04:11Installing Aluminum Frame
  14. 04:44Aluminum Frame vs. Polymer Frame
  15. 04:50Dry Firing with Drywall Anchors
  16. 05:02Testing Lock-up and Cylinder Alignment
  17. 05:35Diagnosing Lead Shaving Issues
  18. 05:50Improved Lock-up with New Cylinder
  19. 06:19Aesthetic of the Aluminum Frame
  20. 06:32Trigger Shoe Preference
  21. 06:58Installing Wood Grips
  22. 07:04Semi-Finished Revolver
  23. 07:13Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  24. 07:32Final Appearance of the Pathfinder
  25. 07:42Collecting Charter Arms Revolvers
  26. 08:11Last Purchase of 2023
  27. 08:26Upcoming Projects
  28. 08:39Reselling Parts
  29. 08:58Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes damage to Charter Arms Pathfinder cylinders?

Damage to Charter Arms Pathfinder cylinders, particularly dents in the chambers, is often caused by excessive dry firing. The firing pins in these revolvers are made of very hard material, which can impact and deform the cylinder chambers if fired without ammunition or snap caps.

How can I ensure a replacement cylinder fits my Charter Arms Pathfinder?

When replacing a cylinder on a Charter Arms Pathfinder, it's crucial to match the cylinder to the specific generation of your firearm. Older models have different cylinder lengths and barrel forcing cone dimensions than newer ones, so using a cylinder from the same era is essential for proper fit and function.

What are the benefits of an aluminum frame on a Charter Arms Pathfinder?

While Charter Arms Pathfinders often come with polymer grip frames, upgrading to an aluminum frame can provide a more robust feel and improved aesthetics. The presenter in this video sanded the aluminum frame to achieve a matte finish, preferring it over the factory polymer.

How do I check the timing on a Charter Arms Pathfinder revolver?

To check the timing on a Charter Arms Pathfinder, cock the hammer, partially pull the trigger, hold the hammer back, and then look down the barrel. The cylinder chambers should be perfectly aligned with the bore. Misalignment indicates a timing issue, which can cause lead shaving.

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