Keystone Davey Crickett Chipmunk .22LR Thumbhole Rifle

Description

I remember the first time I handed a single-shot .22 to a new shooter. The look of pure focus, the manageable report, the satisfaction of a clean hit—it’s a foundational experience. That’s the exact feeling the Keystone Davey Crickett Chipmunk 22LR 16″ Bull Barrel SS Finish Barracuda Style Black Laminated Thumbhole Stock is built to deliver. It’s a purpose-built, compact rifle designed for introducing shooters to the fundamentals, for quiet plinking sessions, and for packing light in the field. At $265.35, it’s an accessible entry point that doesn’t cut corners on build quality where it counts.

So, what exactly is the Keystone Davey Crickett Chipmunk? It’s a compact, single-shot .22 Long Rifle with a 16-inch stainless steel bull barrel, a distinctive Barracuda-style black laminated thumbhole stock, and a simple, safe action perfect for training. This rifle is drop-in ready for its intended role—no gunsmithing required, just add ammo and a willing student. The thumbhole stock isn’t just for looks; it promotes a consistent, natural hold, which is crucial for building good habits from the first shot. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from standard velocity to subsonic through this platform, and its simplicity is its greatest strength. There are no magazines to load or feeds to fuss with, just the direct, manual process of loading, aiming, and firing. That singular focus is invaluable for learning.

The key features start with that 16-inch bull barrel. The stainless steel finish resists the elements, a real plus for Missouri’s variable humidity, and the bull profile adds a bit of heft up front for stability. It’s not a heavy rifle by any means—total weight sits around 3.5 pounds—but that weight distribution helps steady a young shooter’s aim. The laminated stock is another highlight. Laminated wood is far more stable and resistant to warping than a standard hardwood stock, and the black layers give it a modern, tough appearance. The thumbhole design forces the shooting hand into a repeatable, ergonomic position. The single-shot action is as safe as it gets, with a positive manual safety and an action that must be opened manually for each new round. This controlled pace is a teaching tool in itself.

Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Barrel	16″ Bull Barrel, Stainless Steel
Action	Single-Shot, Break-Action
Stock	Black Laminated Wood, Thumbhole
Overall Length	Approx. 32.5″
Weight	Approx. 3.5 lbs

Let’s break down the pros and cons. On the plus side, you get incredible safety and focus for training, a very durable and weather-resistant build with the stainless and laminate combo, and an ergonomic stock that aids shooting form. The compact size makes it easy for smaller shooters to handle and a breeze to carry. The price point is also a major pro. Here’s the thing—the single-shot design, while a pro for training, is a clear limitation for any kind of rapid fire or pest control where follow-up shots are needed. The rifle’s compact dimensions, with an overall length around 32.5 inches, might feel a bit cramped for a full-sized adult shooter over a long session, though it’s perfect for its intended audience.

So who is this rifle for? Primarily, it’s for mentors. If you’re introducing a child, grandchild, or complete novice to the safe and responsible world of firearms, this is a nearly ideal tool. It’s also a fantastic, quiet plinker for the backyard (where legal and safe) due to its single-shot nature and compatibility with .22 LR subsonic ammunition. It’s a dedicated small-game rifle for the hunter who values the challenge of a single, precise shot. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases to your local dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between this and a standard Crickett rifle?

A: The main upgrades here are the stainless steel bull barrel for durability and stability, and the premium black laminated thumbhole stock. The thumbhole design offers better ergonomics than the traditional straight-grip Crickett stock, promoting a more consistent shooting posture.

Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?

A: No, this model features a standard crowned muzzle. It is not threaded. If you’re interested in suppressed shooting, you’d need to have a gunsmith thread the barrel, which is a common modification for these .22 platforms.

Q: What kind of optics can it mount?

A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard rimfire scope base. It works perfectly with popular, affordable rimfire scopes from brands like Simmons and UTG. Given the rifle’s role, a simple 4x fixed-power or a 2-7x variable scope is an excellent match for its capabilities.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-fuss foundation rifle to build a new shooter’s confidence and skill, the Keystone Davey Crickett Chipmunk in this configuration deserves a close look.