Taurus 94 vs Charter Arms pathfinder

[Lonestar]

I'm looking for a NIB .22lr DA snub nose revolver, that will not cost +$500 like a S&W.

Has anyone own handled or owned either of these revolvers? Both are about the same price, but which is the better buy?

 

[azredhawk44]

I have a Taurus 94 with a 5" barrel.

It's accurate enough, and it is a great trainer for learning to shoot DA revolvers. The DA trigger pull is literally in the area of 20 pounds or so, so be warned. The SA pull is alright... there is a little bit of grit/creep in it at the break point. I'm sure a gunsmith could smooth it up a bit, but I get acceptable minute-of-bunny with mine as it is.

I would lean more towards a 6-shot 22 revolver rather than a 9-shot, however. Cleaning is a PITA due to the number of cylinders, and the cylinder lock up notches could be significantly deeper to aid secure lockup.

You get what you pay for... I paid for a cheap 22 plinker that ruins the day of bunnies and soda cans.

 

[tuckerdog1]

94

Never even held the Charter Arms. But did own a 94UL snubbie. Would have to agree with AZREDHAWK44 almost across the board. Except I never really minded the cleaning part. I recently traded my 94. Not because I didn't like the gun. I did. But I have several other 22LRs I like shooting better. The 94 was bought for my wife, and she didn't like that heavy trigger.

Tuckerdog1

 

[Lonestar]

I like the fact that Taurus has 9 round, but like you guys mentioned, the DA triger pull is real heavy. This gun is not for me, but its actually an eldery lady in the neighborhood, so I would rather her NOT have a DA trigger that even big guy would complain about. Does anyone know if the Charter arms pathfinder has a lighter pull?

 

[ACP230]

I posted about my Charter Arms Pathfinder a few months ago.
Should be in the archives somewhere.

 

[Colt46]

I've got the 4" model 94

Hellacious trigger pull. Can't seem to shoot any brand of ammo well and overall a major disappointment. My least favorite gun.

 

[jad0110]

This gun is not for me, but its actually an eldery lady in the neighborhood, so I would rather her have a DA trigger that even big guy would complain about.

Most small framed 22s like the Taurus 94 are going to have a super heavy pull in order to reliably ignite the primer. If possible, I'd see if you can take her to a range where she could try some different guns out (if you've not already done that). For example, if she can handle standard pressure 38 special in an all steel, K Frame sized snubbie, that might be a very good option. Used 2" S&W Model 10s can be found for under $250. I saw a pristine Model 10-7 recently for $249 (probably could have been talked down to $230). Much nicer trigger pull than a small 22LR too.

 

[drj3828]

I did some swapping for the 94 from Tuckerdog1, I like the little pistol myself. But my wife can't pull the double action trigger but that's OK I will still keep it for my self. I have speed loaders for it and it is a blast at the range.
DRJ

 

[Lonestar]

I posted about my Charter Arms Pathfinder a few months ago.
Should be in the archives somewhere

ACP230 your old thread never mentioned how the trigger pull was. I sampled the trigger pull on an OLD pathfinder and it seemed nice, but it looks like your pathfinder was purchaces more recently. Just curious, is the pathfinder's trigger as bad as everyone describes the Taurus 94 DA pull?

 

[Doggy Daddy]

I agree with the others: The trigger pull is heavy, and cleaning 9 chambers is a pain... but I still enjoy shooting the li'l rascal. If the trigger pull is a deal-breaker, and an auto is not out of the question, I can recommend the Walther P22. Good thing .22 food is so cheap. With the Walther I go through it real quick. Oh, and the Walther is cheaper than the Taurus.

 

[mbt2001]

.25 ACP and .32 ACP... With the tip up barrels like the taurus and beretta have might be a better idea for an older woman. All she would have to do to load / unload the gun is to tip the barrel up and take the round out and then insert / eject the mag.

Those slides are pretty light, she should be able to manipulate it OK, but the tip up barrel means that when she is 300, she should still be able to use that gun.

Most small framed 22s like the Taurus 94 are going to have a super heavy pull in order to reliably ignite the primer.

That is why I would suggest the centerfire auto option over the rim fire.

 

[Lonestar]

Those slides are pretty light, she should be able to manipulate it OK

Nope those slides are a bitch to rack, that why they have tip up barrels