New Charter Arms Revolvers Pathfinder II and Walker – Where’s the Best Deal?
Charter Arms has breathed new life into their legendary rimfire revolver lineup with the introduction of the Pathfinder II and Walker models. These .22 caliber wheelguns combine the company’s time-tested reliability with modern manufacturing techniques and updated features that today’s shooters demand. Whether you’re a plinker, a small game hunter, or someone looking for an affordable training revolver, these new offerings deserve serious consideration.
With so many retailers stocking these revolvers and prices varying wildly across the internet, finding the best deal can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what makes these revolvers special, compare the two models head-to-head, and most importantly, help you find where to buy them without emptying your wallet. Let’s dive into what Charter Arms has cooked up and where you can score the best price on your next rimfire revolver.
Charter Arms Unveils Pathfinder II & Walker
Charter Arms has officially launched two reimagined classics that are turning heads in the rimfire revolver market. The Pathfinder II represents an evolution of their popular Pathfinder line, maintaining the full-size frame that shooters have loved for decades while incorporating improvements based on customer feedback and modern manufacturing capabilities. The Walker, on the other hand, takes a different approach as a compact carry-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice shootability for size.
Both revolvers chamber the versatile .22 LR cartridge, making them incredibly economical to shoot and perfect for everything from backyard plinking to introducing new shooters to revolvers. Charter Arms has positioned these models to compete directly with offerings from Ruger and Smith & Wesson, but at price points that typically undercut the competition by a significant margin. The company’s Connecticut manufacturing ensures these guns meet rigorous quality standards while keeping costs reasonable for American shooters.
Key Features: What Makes These Revolvers Stand Out
The Pathfinder II boasts a 4-inch barrel and a 10-shot cylinder capacity, giving you more rounds before reloading compared to traditional 6-shot designs. This extended capacity is a game-changer for plinking sessions and small game hunting, reducing reload frequency when you’re in the zone. The revolver features Charter’s one-piece frame construction, which enhances durability and provides a solid foundation for consistent accuracy. Fiber optic front sights come standard, making target acquisition quick and easy even in varying light conditions.
The Walker takes a more compact approach with its 3-inch barrel and 8-shot cylinder, striking a balance between portability and capacity. Weighing in at just over 20 ounces, it’s light enough for all-day carry in the field or on the trail without being so light that recoil becomes uncomfortable with standard velocity .22 LR ammunition. Both models feature Charter’s traditional spurless hammer option for those who prefer double-action-only operation, along with standard exposed hammer versions for shooters who like the option of single-action precision. The variety of finish options—including black nitride, stainless steel, and various Cerakote colors—means there’s a version to match virtually any taste.
Pathfinder II vs Walker: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing between the Pathfinder II and Walker ultimately comes down to your intended use and personal preferences. The Pathfinder II is the clear winner if you’re primarily shooting at the range, hunting small game, or want the most capacity possible in a .22 revolver. That 10-shot cylinder means less time reloading and more time shooting, which is particularly appealing during extended plinking sessions or when you’re trying to dispatch multiple pests in quick succession. The longer 4-inch barrel also provides a slightly longer sight radius and potentially better velocity, though the difference in .22 LR is minimal.
The Walker shines when portability and versatility are priorities. If you’re hiking, camping, or need a trail gun that won’t weigh you down, the Walker’s compact dimensions and lighter weight make it the superior choice. The 8-shot capacity is still respectable—more than most .22 revolvers on the market—and the 3-inch barrel is long enough to maintain adequate velocity and accuracy for practical shooting distances. For someone who wants one .22 revolver to do it all, the Walker’s compromise between size and capability makes it incredibly appealing. Consider where you’ll use the gun most: if it’s primarily leaving your gun safe for range trips, get the Pathfinder II; if it’s accompanying you on outdoor adventures, the Walker is your companion.
Best Online Prices for Charter Arms Revolvers
After scouring dozens of online retailers, we’ve found that prices for the Pathfinder II typically range from $329 to $419, depending on the finish and specific model variant. The basic black nitride versions consistently hit the lower end of that spectrum, while stainless steel and special Cerakote finishes command premium prices. Several retailers are currently running promotions that bring the entry-level Pathfinder II models down to around $335 shipped, which represents excellent value for a 10-shot American-made revolver.
The Walker generally prices between $349 and $449, with similar variation based on finish options. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that the price gap between the two models is often minimal—sometimes as little as $20—which makes the Walker an even more attractive proposition if you value compactness. The best deals we’ve found on Walker models hover around $355 for standard finishes, with some retailers throwing in free shipping for orders over a certain threshold. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate regularly, and local transfer fees (if buying online) can add $25-50 to your final cost, so factor that into your decision-making process.
Where to Buy: Top Dealers & Current Deals
Several major online firearms retailers consistently offer competitive pricing on Charter Arms revolvers. Palmetto State Armory frequently runs sales on Charter products and often has the lowest advertised prices, though their stock can sell out quickly during promotions. Sportsman’s Warehouse and Academy Sports + Outdoors are worth checking if you have local stores, as they sometimes offer in-store pickup options that save on transfer fees. GrabAGun and Kygunco are also reliable options with good reputations and fair pricing, typically falling in the middle of the price range but with excellent customer service.
For the absolute best deals, consider signing up for email notifications from multiple retailers and monitoring gun deal aggregation sites like gun.deals or wikiarms. These platforms scan hundreds of retailers simultaneously and can alert you when prices drop. Don’t overlook smaller regional gun shops either—many have online presences and may offer competitive prices with more personalized service. Some dealers will price match if you find a lower advertised price elsewhere, so don’t hesitate to ask. Finally, if you’re not in a rush, waiting for holiday sales (Black Friday, July 4th, etc.) can sometimes net you an additional 5-10% off already competitive prices.
The new Charter Arms Pathfinder II and Walker represent outstanding value in the .22 revolver market, offering features and capacity that punch well above their price point. Whether you choose the higher-capacity Pathfinder II or the more compact Walker, you’re getting a reliable American-made revolver that will provide years of shooting enjoyment without breaking the bank. The key to getting the best deal is patience and diligent price comparison across multiple retailers.
By monitoring the dealers mentioned above and timing your purchase strategically, you can easily save $50-100 compared to impulse buying at the first retailer you check. Remember that the "best" deal isn’t always the lowest sticker price—factor in shipping costs, transfer fees, and dealer reputation when making your final decision. With these new Charter Arms revolvers, you’re getting quality craftsmanship at a budget-friendly price, and with a little shopping savvy, you can make that deal even sweeter. Happy shooting, and may you find the perfect rimfire revolver at a price that makes you smile every time you pull it from the safe.
