I have not read one positive thing about the Pathfinder. Doesn't seem like a gun one could count on... do you have any personal experience with it?
well, perhaps .22 magnum would be a better solution...
You are going to run into the same problem with a 22 mag, you will gain a little more fps in a short barrel. CA had some problems in the past, but I have heard nothing but good things about them. Other option might be a Taurus, not sure if they are still making a snub 22 revolver. The problem you get into with 22 revolvers is the 22 is not that powerful to begin with, it is designed for rifles, and barrel gap, and short barrel are two strikes against it. Personally for SD if I had to go with a 22 it would be a Ruger SR22, slightly longer barrel, no BC gap, strong reputation. But with any rimfire for SD only use premium ammo.
I use a 22 revolver around the yard, but it is a 4.75 inch barrel. Most of the time I carry a Colt PP for yard with handloaded 32-20. I am throwing a 90 grain wadcutter at 900fps, 380 performance, which is fine for around the yard. Like I said 22 is better than a sharp stick, but I would not count on 22 out of a short barrel.
You will also find good quality revolvers will run 400 bucks more, or less. You can get a P-32 for around $250, for her for SD, and take that extra money and buy a plinker 22LR for the range. I have a FIE E-15 that I have had for 30 years, it is exceptionally accurate, and has had bricks, and bricks of ammo through it. That is almost the same gun as a Heritage 22 revolver, my LGS has one for $184 that is both magnum, and LR. Mine is only LR.
If you do want to go with a revolver for SD, consider a 38 spl, loaded with 148 grain wadcutters. Because the wadcutter is loaded deeply in the case there is less muzzle flash(less powder) and is a good defensive round at close range. My wife's 352 Rossi is handloaded with custom rounds, 105 grain soft lead TC at 900fps(380 performance), BUT they are handloaded. To get that I am using a fast powder with a shortened case(23mm). That allows less powder, so less recoil and muzzle flash. I have been reloading for years, a novice probably should not do what I do. Pressures cannot exceed 20,000PSI for a 38spl revolver.
But most of the time when she is at work, and wishes to hide her gun it is a JA380, kick is not to bad, the gun is heavy for it's size. It throws a 93 grain FMJ at 950fps, much, much better than the weak performance from a 22 snubnose. The rest of the time we both open carry.