Charter Arms.
- Thread starter RT
- Start date
I have both handled and fired them. While there was nothing offensive about the grip, the overall quality of the gun is a bit suspect. At $450, it is a budget option, but I wasn't personally thrilled with it. While I know that it's common for people to just say they didn't like a gun and sometimes that's based on cost, I can tell you in this instance my issues with the CA Pathfinder.
- Finish is kind of ugly. It's not a nice stainless sheen, it's not parkerized, it's not blued... it's some weird, sort of cloudy in-between. I personally find it ugly, but beyond that, it already appeared a bit dinged-up for something the owner described as relatively new. This would indicate a questionable finish overall.
- Trigger was heavy, as it tends to be on DA rimfires, but was not smooth. At all. It felt like it staged in two spots during the pull, requiring uneven pressures. In SA, it was ok but nothing to write home about.
- Sights could use some work, and the front post doesn't seem to have a whole lot of aftermarket options. It just doesn't pop nicely. This is less of an issue if you shoot with only one eye open.
- Ejector rod seemed to fail a disproportionate amount. It tended to leave one or two cases left in the cylinder, which made extraction a pain.
Overall, I don't think the gun is worth it even as a sort of introductory gun. All guns have potential for trouble, but online reports also show a disproportionate amount of trouble with these little guns. I would say go for a Taurus before you scoop one of these. Optimally, make the plunge into a S&W Model 17. They are expensive, but used ones can be found for the $650-$800 range and they are worth every penny.
- Finish is kind of ugly. It's not a nice stainless sheen, it's not parkerized, it's not blued... it's some weird, sort of cloudy in-between. I personally find it ugly, but beyond that, it already appeared a bit dinged-up for something the owner described as relatively new. This would indicate a questionable finish overall.
- Trigger was heavy, as it tends to be on DA rimfires, but was not smooth. At all. It felt like it staged in two spots during the pull, requiring uneven pressures. In SA, it was ok but nothing to write home about.
- Sights could use some work, and the front post doesn't seem to have a whole lot of aftermarket options. It just doesn't pop nicely. This is less of an issue if you shoot with only one eye open.
- Ejector rod seemed to fail a disproportionate amount. It tended to leave one or two cases left in the cylinder, which made extraction a pain.
Overall, I don't think the gun is worth it even as a sort of introductory gun. All guns have potential for trouble, but online reports also show a disproportionate amount of trouble with these little guns. I would say go for a Taurus before you scoop one of these. Optimally, make the plunge into a S&W Model 17. They are expensive, but used ones can be found for the $650-$800 range and they are worth every penny.
I have one and it was the first handgun I bought. The course stainless steel finish is hard to clean and because there seems to be a lot of gas escape between the cylinder and barrel it gets very dirty and fast. It's a very hard gun to site in. The original screw in the adjustable rear site was too short to site the gun in so I had to order longer ones at Fastener centre. When it's cleaned up and polished a bit it looks awesome but if I had to do it over I would spend a little more and get a Browning or Ruger. You asked about the grip and I have a fairly large hand and the finger molded grip fits nice.
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Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
Overall you get what you pay for, and revolvers are more expensive to make then autos. I'd pick up an old high standard or H&R revolver before one of the pathfinders....they just look and feel, well, coarse...
redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
I think I saw one in the EE, 12(6) though, priced accordingly...
