Charter Arms Pathfinder 22 magnum. Opinions?

[JSnover]

Lady friend (60 years old) is interested in owning a gun for home defense. Her health is good, wits are sharp but small hands and overall thin build dictates a gun that's easy to handle and doesn't weigh a ton. 22 magnum is all the recoil she's ready for at this point (I assume after some training and range time she'll trade up).
At $350-400 Pathfinder looks like a good deal. If you have one, what to you think of it?

[rintinglen]

I don't currently own one, but back in the 80's I used one in 22 LR to help teach my daughters to shoot. It was a little rough, and the DA was pretty heavy, but it was quite accurate. I would assume the 22 magnum version is pretty much the same. I would think it be pretty "much of a muchness".

[FergusonTO35]

May want to just stick with the .22 LR version. Most .22 mag ammo is varmint stuff with bullets that may not penetrate a bad guy too well.

[JSnover]

Most .22 mag ammo is varmint stuff with bullets that may not penetrate a bad guy too well.
Hadn't thought about that

[RJM52]

Will take a .22 Magnum over a LR for defense any time... There are lots of different loads now so you can use the bullet you like the penetration vs. expansion characteristics of. Most of the older 40 grain HP ammo doesn't expand very much if at all from handguns let alone snubbies...

Would also look at the Ruger LCRX3" along with the CA. A little more money but the trigger pull may be a lot better. Like the above poster I had a older CA 3" .22 LR that was a very nice gun...but did a have a heavy DA pull...

Bob

[JSnover]

I do like the LCR just wish the barrel was a bit longer, this would be for home defense only. I actually hadn't even thought about Charter until I found out they offered 4" barrels.

[fatboy]

Ruger SP 101 in 22, more expensive, about 600.00 but very good handgun for women with smaller hands. i use it when introducing people to hand guns. only comes in 22 LR but makes the transition over to 38 special later very easy. just trade up to SP 101 in 38/357 and all remains the same except 5 rounds vs 9. if you do a trigger job on the 38/357 it is smooth as silk and very ergonomic. the 22 version does have a stiffer trigger pull and i havent found a spring combo that works yet to lighten it up to match the 38/357 after the work over, and stay reliable. if you watch gun broker though i bought a 22lr sp101 for 425.00 just last winter. hope this helps

[onelight]

If you want to compare 22lr to 22mag go here
http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/22mag.html
Main difference in 2” barrels is muzzle blast

[3leggedturtle]

Hadn't thought about that
At chronoed 1925fps out of a Contender carbine and Henry lever they blow thru a 2 liter bottle of water with nice sized chunks punching thru the cardboard behind it, to see how they act. Im assuming at the 1200-1400fps out of a 4-6.5" barrels (1365fps in 6.5" Single Six) they would act more like controlled expansion bullet, i will have to try that this weekend. Will let you know how they act. Might 7-10 days before get back from the woods.. I was using the W-W 40gr HP and CCI 40gr hp's. Todd/3leg

[JSnover]

Thanks!

[Apocalypse]

No exposure to Pathfinder, but to let you know that Hornady markets a Critical Defense load in 22 WMR. Claims its for handgun barrel lengths.

[str8wal]

Most .22 mag ammo is varmint stuff with bullets that may not penetrate a bad guy too well.

Perhaps, but the reduced velocity from a shortgun may result in more controlled expansion.

[rfd]

IMHO, i would let the lady get started with .22lr and not .22mag - far better choices of guns and ammo, more readily available everywhere and cheaper, a better introduction to firearms, even less recoil and "boom" factor, and as far as the "stopping power" (or whatever) between .22lr and .22mag, that's a subjective arguing point that a lot of dead people killed with .22lr won't be able to argue over.

[JSnover]

True enough. My hope is that she will trade up to something better soon. Spending a little more just means she'll something better to trade.

[scattershot]

Instead of trading up, how about starting with something she can stay with over the long haul? A K frame Smith & Wesson comes to mind, something like a M10 in .38 Special. She can use 148 grain target wadcutters to begin with, and progress as far as she wants to go. The wadcutters should be plenty, though, with less blast and flash than a .22 mag from a pistol length barrel. Just a thought....

[Gewehr-Guy]

You might find a little S&W Hand Ejector in .32 Long, they have a nice smooth action and you could load them down for practice till she got used to more recoil. Even with a 4 inch barrel they are pretty small. I also have a Charter in .22, neat little gun, but would rather carry a 32 for protection.

[pietro]

.

FWIW, I have both a 1970's .22 Mag-only 3" Pathfinder and a 2008 Target Pathfinder 4" Dual Cylinder (LR/WRM) Model.

I bought the 1970's CA used, and the 2008 CA new/ordered - and have had zero issues with either.

They are good Trail Guns for close ranges shooting, but despite the factory model name, are not accurate enough to be a target pistol.

If you acquire a stainless model, I will tell you that the sights are hard to distinguish from the barrel, as they are the same color - which I remedied with a dollop of Ithernational Orange on the front sight blade's top and a white line around the sides/bottom of the rear sight notch (both are model paint).

Also, the Pathfinder grip frames are the same as every other Charter DA revolver regardless of caliber, which means the the issue rubber bumpers on the newer guns can be switched out for the walnut grips of older/other models ( I installed the square butt target grips on my stainless CA - the 1970's CA was issued with walnut carry grips).

Your lady friend may in fact be more comfortable with the smaller Undercover walnut grips.


https://i.imgur.com/DMrQMdyl.jpg



Undercover grips:

http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/7/70/CharterArmsOffDutySS.jpg/400px-CharterArmsOffDutySS.jpg




Although Charters are not as well regarded as (say) a S&W or a Ruger, at the Charter's much lower price point, the value received (bang for your bucks) is hard to beat.





.

[JSnover]

I got an eyeball peeled for a .32 revolver (she really didn't like my Tomcat). I agree with all of the advantages of larger defensive cartridges but I've been down this road with other new shooters. In this case 22-to-32 looks like the best place to start.

[cwlongshot]

May want to just stick with the .22 LR version. Most .22 mag ammo is varmint stuff with bullets that may not penetrate a bad guy too well.

I NEVER HERD such silliness...


Hadn't thought about that

Because its unfounded, that's why!

Sure SOME projectiles loaded in the 22 magnum are designed for rapid and complete expansion but EVERY SINGLE CALIBER OFFERS inappropriate projectiles as well!!!

The 22 Mag uses a REAL JACKETED bullet, generating foot pounds of energy on par with some 9mm and 45 ACP loads. It surpasses the smaller calibers like all the 32's (san the 327) & 380 completely. It has FMJ loads are offered( NOT found in a LR). Has more than a few loads SPECFICALLY designed for personal Defense. Made from such names as Winchester PDX1, Gold Dot and Critical Defense. Yet you feel its not gonna penetrate as well as a LR??? 22 Mag is a VERY UNDERATED caliber. its touted as nearly perfect for treed Mountain lions and Javalina. Its legal for BIG GAME in a few states.

Such silliness is something I have not herd before!:groner:

CW

[JSnover]

Thank you, Pietro, I did wonder about the grip frame!

[pietro]

.

You're welcome, JS !

You could get a new .32 CA Undercoverette for her ($328 @ Bud's), and cover all the bases.

.

[onelight]

.

FWIW, I have both a 1970's .22 Mag-only 3" Pathfinder and a 2008 Target Pathfinder 4" Dual Cylinder (LR/WRM) Model.

I bought the 1970's CA used, and the 2008 CA new/ordered - and have had zero issues with either.

They are good Trail Guns for close ranges shooting, but despite the factory model name, are not accurate enough to be a target pistol.

If you acquire a stainless model, I will tell you that the sights are hard to distinguish from the barrel, as they are the same color - which I remedied with a dollop of Ithernational Orange on the front sight blade's top and a white line around the sides/bottom of the rear sight notch (both are model paint).

Also, the Pathfinder grip frames are the same as every other Charter DA revolver regardless of caliber, which means the the issue rubber bumpers on the newer guns can be switched out for the walnut grips of older/other models ( I installed the square butt target grips on my stainless CA - the 1970's CA was issued with walnut carry grips).

Your lady friend may in fact be more comfortable with the smaller Undercover walnut grips.


https://i.imgur.com/DMrQMdyl.jpg


.
What a nice pair rare to see da 22s with both cylinders

[JSnover]

.

You're welcome, JS !

You could get a new .32 CA Undercoverette for her ($328 @ Bud's), and cover all the bases.

.
Now THAT is interesting!

[RJM52]

238441

238442

238446

238444

238443

238445

238447

238448

[Gewehr-Guy]

RJM52,very good post.

[Texas by God]

RJM52- your post confirms what I have observed in the hunting fields. That a .22 Magnum handgun is equal in power to a hi-speed .22 LR fired from a rifle.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[onelight]

I know that 22lr from small handguns can be lethal , and all that some feel they can handle and when you get to 4” or better barrels the 22mag is starting to build some velocity ,
but after seeing high speed 36 grain hp from a 31/2 inch barrel get stopped in a 21/2 pound squirrel it does not give you a lot of confidence in its effectiveness against 200 lb man ,I guess aim for the eyes.:-(

[JSnover]

Well, I do believe the rimfires are underrated but I also believe someone who doesn't know what they're doing won't do it any better if you hand them a bigger hammer.
So I'm on the prowl with a better idea of what's best in this case, thanks for all of your opinions!

[onelight]

Well, I do believe the rimfires are underrated but I also believe someone who doesn't know what they're doing won't do it any better if you hand them a bigger hammer.
So I'm on the prowl with a better idea of what's best in this case, thanks for all of your opinions!
22 or 32 may be the best choice I don’t mean that it’s not if she is not going to cary it a 4” 22mag might her best option if she if she can pull it through DA

[FergusonTO35]

S&W now has a .380 version of the Shield which was designed to be easy to use by folks with limited hand strength. I may end up getting one for the wifey.

[cwlongshot]

While its surely true very short barrels inhibit some cartritages abiliity to attain respectable velocity. ESPECIALLY when its designed for rifle barrels , as the majority of 22 mag ammo is designed. The above examples are STILL unfair/ slanted as the 22 Mag is a RIFLE ROUND. If one was to choose PISTOL designed 22 MAG ammo, and re test, you will find the littlest Magnum improves quite acceptably.

As previously stated manufacturers are now offering QUALITY BULLETS DESIGNED FOR SHORT PISTOL BARRELS! NOT OFFERED IN A LR! Edjucated testing provides meaningful results. :-P

CW

[onelight]

:smile:
While its surely true very short barrels inhibit some cartritages abiliity to attain respectable velocity. ESPECIALLY when its designed for rifle barrels , as the majority of 22 mag ammo is designed. The above examples are STILL unfair/ slanted as the 22 Mag is a RIFLE ROUND. If one was to choose PISTOL designed 22 MAG ammo, and re test, you will find the littlest Magnum improves quite acceptably.

As previously stated manufacturers are now offering QUALITY BULLETS DESIGNED FOR SHORT PISTOL BARRELS! NOT OFFERED IN A LR! Edjucated testing provides meaningful results. :-P

CW
I don’t question or disagree with any point you make , modern bullets are amazing in the way they perform. My concern is penetration from rimfire rounds fired from short barreled pistols into clothing meat and bone to stop a dangerous attacker I don’t want any expansion I would use solids. If my handgun was limited to a rimfire for whatever reason.
But my research is totally limited to autopsies on what would soon be my dinner.:p
We all get to choose and I hope we never have the opertunity to prove we are right.

[cwlongshot]

https://youtu.be/6wZbKWiN2ZE

https://youtu.be/XitMlki0t0k

https://youtu.be/eB-vaGV8wy0

I think we all respect this mans opinions based upon facts he presents.

CW

[Earlwb]

The Charter Arms is OK, I don't see any problems with the choice. But I would tend to lean towards a small Ruger LCR or LCRx instead.

One issue that may be worth checking her out on is whether she can pull the trigger or not. When I was at the range some time ago, we had a couple of elderly women who couldn't rack the slides on semi-autos and couldn't pull the trigger on revolvers either. They had trouble cocking for single action with the revolvers too. But they could fire them single action though.

[RED BEAR]

I would shy away from charter arms if i were you bought two over last summer 32 hr mag and 41 mag the 32 had to be sent back twice once for light primer strikes and again when transfer bar broke in half. The 41 had to be sent back for light primer strikes. The 32 was the wifes and just didn't feel i could trust it so bought her a sw 38. Lighter than the 32 and cost less to boot. The 41 haven't had a chance to get to the range so the verdict is still out. Its a shame because i really liked the guns. But the whole point of using a revolver is for it to go bang every time for them not to is a real big problem.

[dkf]

A .22mag handgun is not an ideal choice for self defense IMO but it is better than nothing. At least we have some decent loads for .22mag handguns like the Speer Gold Dots. A Ruger LC9S or a 9mm or .38 revolver (if that is what she prefers) would be better. You could always load up some low recoil ammo for her to practice with until she gets better and more confident with the gun.

[FergusonTO35]

Another thing to consider is, what kind of ammo is commonly available to her? If she is restricted to big retailers or just a single gun shop, .22 Magnum may be completely unavailable at times. Whereas, normally some sort of 40 grain HV .22 LR is in stock anywhere you go.

[JSnover]

There are a couple of decent shops nearby, plus the Oaks (Pa) gun show. I lean towards the .32 but there were none available at a reasonable price so the CharCo 22 mag followed me home. The trigger isn't bad, no heavier than the Smiths and Rugers I sampled, though it could be smoother. If it's not right for her it has a good home in my safe.

[onelight]

There are a couple of decent shops nearby, plus the Oaks (Pa) gun show. I lean towards the .32 but there were none available at a reasonable price so the CharCo 22 mag followed me home. The trigger isn't bad, no heavier than the Smiths and Rugers I sampled, though it could be smoother. If it's not right for her it has a good home in my safe.
There are situations where all choices are a compromise If she can operate the gun I’m sure it will serve the purpose.
Good job.

[Buzz Krumhunger]

I do like the LCR just wish the barrel was a bit longer, this would be for home defense only. I actually hadn't even thought about Charter until I found out they offered 4" barrels.

I believe Ruger offers the double action .22 mag LCRX in a longer barrel version with an exposed hammer now. It’s a much smoother functioning, better built gun than the recently made Charter .22 I have, which the barrel isn’t even clocked correctly in. I’ve noticed that most DA rimfire revolvers seem to typically have heavier trigger pulls than the equivalent models in center fire calibers.

The S&W M&P .380EZ is made specifically for people with weak/arthritic hands. The slide is very easy to retract, magazines are easier to load, and the pistol is very soft recoiling and light weight. I bought one to train female friends who couldn’t easily manage a double action revolver’s trigger or a typical semiauto slide. The .380EZ cost around $350 at the local emporium, which put it in the ballpark with a Charter Arms .22.

[JSnover]

Thanks Buzz, at this point I don't think an automatic is best but when the time is right the EZ might be the best next gun.

[onelight]

I think that revolvers are a great choice for people who are not interested in shooting much simpler to load and unload or check to see if loaded if you have a misfire you pull the trigger again . I watched quite a few people jam autos just checking to see if loaded or chambering 1st round. You can say it will get better with experience but the fact is some are not interested enough in shooting to get experience.
My wife is a good shot knows safety and hates autos but content with her LCR and 649 in 38 special.

[JSnover]

I agree with every word, onelight. I have a few automatics because I like them but my favorite handgun for home defense is a six inch Redhawk in .41 magnum. A little too big for EDC.