Can you still get a decent and cheap 22LR revolver? Charter arms Pathfinder snubby

Published on March 5, 2025
Duration: 9:31

This review details troubleshooting a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR revolver experiencing cylinder drag and light strikes. The presenter performed DIY maintenance, including filing down firing pin marks on the cylinder and polishing the chambers with a drill-powered bore brush. While improvements were noted, some issues persisted, suggesting potential timing or spring-related problems.

Quick Summary

DIY fixes for Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR revolvers include filing down firing pin marks on the cylinder and polishing chambers with a drill-powered bore brush. These steps can help alleviate cylinder drag, a common issue caused by dry firing. Flat-headcase .22LR ammunition also tends to perform better.

Chapters

  1. 01:05Introduction & Initial Problems
  2. 01:46DIY Cylinder Repair
  3. 02:42Testing with Aguila Ammo
  4. 04:50Testing with CCI Blazer Ammo
  5. 06:04Persistent Issues & Light Strikes
  6. 06:33Single Action Test
  7. 06:55Overall Assessment & Fix Effectiveness
  8. 08:13Manufacturer Year & Quality Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

What common issues can affect a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR revolver?

A common issue is cylinder drag caused by dimples in the chambers from dry firing. This can lead to the cylinder hanging up during double-action pulls. Light strikes can also occur, potentially due to weak springs or priming compound issues with .22LR ammunition.

How can I fix cylinder drag on a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR?

You can attempt DIY fixes by carefully filing down any high spots on the cylinder face caused by firing pin strikes. Polishing the cylinder chambers with a drill-powered bore brush can also help improve rotation and reduce drag.

What type of .22LR ammunition works best in revolvers like the Charter Arms Pathfinder?

The presenter noted that .22LR cartridges with perfectly flat headcases tend to perform better. Ammunition where the head casing has a slight dome around the priming compound can sometimes cause drag issues in revolvers.

Is the Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR a good value for a cheap revolver?

While the Charter Arms Pathfinder can be an affordable option, the presenter experienced quality control issues requiring DIY fixes. It's considered more of a range toy than a reliable carry firearm in its stock condition, though improvements can be made.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Cranky Gun Reviews

View all →