Anyone Modified a Chipmunk or Cricket for Survival?

[kBob]

I have been talking with a buddy about go packs and car kits and the subject of take down rifles came up.

I recalled in the past seeing the little single shot rifles like the Cricket and Chipmunk modified to make take down rifles.

The most obvious is just undo the take down screw and take it appart. Next is cut of al but a little of the fore stock and do the same.

I will say it is difficult for me to get my adult face down to the really nice aperture rear sight. Also the existing stock is way to short for a 6’2” Orangutan.

Anyone modied out a Chip-crick to make a more packable yet use useful rifle?

-kBob

 

[chicharrones]

That was kind of a thing to do some years ago. I almost did it myself.

Then, Keystone came out with the Overlander with a sliding stock a while back. Sure was tempting.

Keystone Precision – Overlander Pack Rifle Threaded Carbon Fiber (Rifle Only)

Keystone Precision Model Overlander w/ 6061 Aluminum Chassis w/ Carbon Fiber Threaded Barrel and Adjustable Skeletonized Stock w/ Carbon Fiber Cheek Rest FAQ: If you are looking to mount an optic you should order the KSA00425 Crickettinny Scope Mount

keystonesportingarmsllc.com

Probably best to ignore the optic situation going on in this video.

Keystone Precision Overlander Pack Rifle .22 Review

Checking out the super lightweight budget offering from Crickett and Keystone Arms, the Precision Overlander Pack Rifle.Optic : Vortex Viper PST 2 3-15xAmmo ...

youtu.be

In theory, whatever keeps the sliding stock trapped* could be removed so the sliding section could be pulled out completely. Probably have to reshape the rod ends from flat to a ".22 LR bullet" profile for easier reinsertion when reassembling the gun.

*Per photos, looks like at least one allen head bolt. Easy Peasy.

 

[splattergun]

Keystone does sell an adult-size stock for the Cricket. I put 1 on my grandson's Cricket when he got old enough to drive. It's still doesn't have the LOP of a true adult's stock, but is a big improvement. A thumb screw would be a handy replacement for the single stock screw for takedown. It will fit in a backpack.

 

[Rlafever]

The Marlin Papoose comes to mind but they're not in production anymore.
You would need to find a used one

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Its relatively easy to mod the plastic Savage Rascal stock so the action can point backwards, reducing the overall length.
The Rascal also comes with sling swivels studs, a decent peep site, and, most importantly- is self-cocking compared to the Crickett.
All kinds of stuff can fit in the hollow space behind the buttpad too. It's also easy to drill cartridge-holding holes in the stock, or attach an ammo pouch.

 

[Varminterror]

Personally, if I were to go through the effort to put together a survival 22LR, it wouldn't be based on one of these sub-quality single shot actions, and it absolutely would not be any pull-cock model. Henry Survival Rifle makes more sense to me, or doing an SBR 10/22 with a folding chassis/stock (or a braced pistol for those folks afraid of the $200 NFA tax).

 

[MarshallDodge]

Personally, if I were to go through the effort to put together a survival 22LR, it wouldn't be based on one of these sub-quality single shot actions, and it absolutely would not be any pull-cock model. Henry Survival Rifle makes more sense to me, or doing an SBR 10/22 with a folding chassis/stock (or a braced pistol for those folks afraid of the $200 NFA tax).

I agree, and would much rather have a semi over an extremely slow pull-cock model. I raised my boys on a little Chipmunk and you need small fingers to load it.

 

[crstrode]

I have been talking with a buddy about go packs and car kits and the subject of take down rifles came up.

I recalled in the past seeing the little single shot rifles like the Cricket and Chipmunk modified to make take down rifles.

The most obvious is just undo the take down screw and take it appart. Next is cut of al but a little of the fore stock and do the same.

I will say it is difficult for me to get my adult face down to the really nice aperture rear sight. Also the existing stock is way to short for a 6’2” Orangutan.

Anyone modied out a Chip-crick to make a more packable yet use useful rifle?

-kBob

When either is prepared properly, they will do in a pinch. Fried in bacon fat is best.

 

[SterlingBullet]

Why does everybody forget the Ruger Charger as a packable 22lr?

 

[CraigC]

Slap a brace, sling and an optic on a Charger and you're there.

 

[Varminterror]

Why does everybody forget the Ruger Charger as a packable 22lr?

Not everybody...

SBR 10/22 with a folding chassis/stock (or a braced pistol for those folks afraid of the $200 NFA tax).

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Slap a brace, sling and an optic on a Charger and you're there.

Dunno if I see much advantage of a braced Charger over a 10/22 Takedown...
Slightly quicker deployment and shorter overall length with a can I guess.

10/22 Takedown gives you higher muzzle velocity and (with the Magpul stock), lots of onboard ammo storage.

 

[Varminterror]

Dunno if I see much advantage of a braced Charger over a 10/22 Takedown...
Slightly quicker deployment and shorter overall length with a can I guess.

Takedown accuracy is abysmal and variable with forend pressure and re-assembly. Charger's with solid barrel mounts don't have that weakness.

10/22 Takedown gives you higher muzzle velocity

My 10" Chargers generally run within +/-20fps of my 20" 10/22's, depending upon the ammo chosen. Little 22LR's just don't have the case capacity to really be pushing MV increases with longer barrels, so the penalty for shortening the barrel is really inconsequential.

 

[WestKentucky]

A tiny rifle is really no better than a long barreled pistol, and a 22lr is pretty weak against things like coyote or wolf. Why not use a .380 or 9mm with a long barrel for the task? Maybe a Glock 22 or 23 and keep an extra magazine or two and a 10” barrel from lone wolf in a bag together.

 

[CraigC]

Dunno if I see much advantage of a braced Charger over a 10/22 Takedown...
Slightly quicker deployment and shorter overall length with a can I guess.

10/22 Takedown gives you higher muzzle velocity and (with the Magpul stock), lots of onboard ammo storage.

The Charger is just about guaranteed to be more accurate with less stuff to go wrong. No issues associated with breaking a firearm in half at the barrel/receiver joint. Plus you can put any barrel you like on it. As you said, quicker deployment and shorter overall length with a can. Much shorter without.

Most .22LR ammo is going to yield peak velocity in 12-14" maximum. Only hyper velocity stuff like the Stinger benefits from a rifle length barrel. This one has a 6" Volquartsen carbon fiber.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

That was kind of a thing to do some years ago. I almost did it myself.

Then, Keystone came out with the Overlander with a sliding stock a while back. Sure was tempting.

Keystone Precision – Overlander Pack Rifle Threaded Carbon Fiber (Rifle Only)

Keystone Precision Model Overlander w/ 6061 Aluminum Chassis w/ Carbon Fiber Threaded Barrel and Adjustable Skeletonized Stock w/ Carbon Fiber Cheek Rest FAQ: If you are looking to mount an optic you should order the KSA00425 Crickettinny Scope Mount

keystonesportingarmsllc.com

Probably best to ignore the optic situation going on in this video.

Keystone Precision Overlander Pack Rifle .22 Review

Checking out the super lightweight budget offering from Crickett and Keystone Arms, the Precision Overlander Pack Rifle.Optic : Vortex Viper PST 2 3-15xAmmo ...

youtu.be

In theory, whatever keeps the sliding stock trapped* could be removed so the sliding section could be pulled out completely. Probably have to reshape the rod ends from flat to a ".22 LR bullet" profile for easier reinsertion when reassembling the gun.

*Per photos, looks like at least one allen head bolt. Easy Peasy.

I bought one of the wire stock rifles. The screw holding the rifle to the chassis was loose as a goose.

Oh and the stock collapses with every. Single. Shot. I haven't worked on a fix yet. Email to the company suggests maybe I dremel the notches but they don't really have a fix either.

I should have gone with the AR style chassis.

Everything else is... Okay... It doesn't have a safety and you chamber a round, then manually cock the firing mechanism.

What I found pretty wild is that the weight difference between the cricket and my 10/22 is not that much. I plan on putting the 10/22 in a chassis at some point as well.

 

[someguy2800]

I'm a fan of the savage rascal. I'm 6'4" and have no problem getting down on the sights and it's as accurate as the rest of the savage 22's. I actually really enjoy shooting the one I bought for my kids, it's definitely a permanent addition to the gun collection. I have thought about getting it cerakoted for weather resistance and making a little soft takedown case for it. I wish they made a stainless version like Henry.
I'm thinking about making a 3d printed trap door butt plate for the stock. The original butt plate is removable after turning out the sling stud. Could probably fit 50 rounds of vacuum sealed ammo, some waterproof matches, a mylar blanket and a small compass in there.

 

[doubleh]

My Crickett has taught 3 GG kids to shoot and has 2 more to go. I am too old and stove up to even consider backpacking so it will remain a rifle and hopefully will be used when GGG kids arrive. If I were in the market for backpack 22 I would consider the Ruger Charger or even better IMO the 15-22 pistol.

 

[Varminterror]

A tiny rifle is really no better than a long barreled pistol,

This certainly isn’t true. The shootability, especially unsupported field shootability is markedly higher for a rifle - having a buttstock - than for a pistol. This is the primary driver for why braced pistols and SBR’s are more widely favored over specialty pistols.

a 22lr is pretty weak against things like coyote or wolf. Why not use a .380 or 9mm with a long barrel for the task?

The reality of defense in a survival situation against a coyote is zero. Defense demand against wolves could be possible, depending on locale, but a 22LR hitting what is needed as opposed to missing with a pistol absolutely outweighs the small advantage a 380 brings over a 22Lr. A 9mm SBR is certainly a better option than 22LR, but for the far more critical demand of sustenance vs. defense, the 22LR will tend to be the more advantaged option. For the vast majority of the US landscape.

Of course, all of this planning ignores the reality of what exists already on the US landscape. If you’re driving a car, the demand for any survival rifle which involves visions of small game hunting or wolf/bear defense is largely a SHTF pipe dream.

 

[jmorris]

Personally, if I were to go through the effort to put together a survival 22LR, it wouldn't be based on one of these sub-quality single shot actions, and it absolutely would not be any pull-cock model. Henry Survival Rifle makes more sense to me, or doing an SBR 10/22 with a folding chassis/stock (or a braced pistol for those folks afraid of the $200 NFA tax).

I have a "thing" for take down rifles but agree, if seconds count the SBR is ready to fire first. Because it's always ready.

 

[WestKentucky]

This certainly isn’t true. The shootability, especially unsupported field shootability is markedly higher for a rifle - having a buttstock - than for a pistol. This is the primary driver for why braced pistols and SBR’s are more widely favored over specialty pistols

I think it is. Your point about shootability is valid but also voided by responsibility and reason. If I choose to carry something for emergency purposes, then I should be able to adequately and effectively use it. Modern pistols with red dot sights and a long barrel should be quite easy to get good hits with at reasonable range. That type of shooting accuracy should be similar to bow hunting, so 30 yards or so. Easy enough with patience to get within range for a shot on a rabbit or some other critter that is edible.

If we go with your view though, why would an 18” .410 not be the right answer every time? Far easier to get dinner with a shotgun than a rifle, and the available variety of ammo makes the shotgun even more advantageous as a defensive/survival gun. The only thing you lose is long range shots but realistically your not going to shoot a 22lr over about 40 yards and expect to hit dinner, so your losing roughly 10 yards of range in exchange for a much more versatile platform? Ammo is heavier and larger but that’s the only downside I see.

 

[Varminterror]

If we go with your view though, why would an 18” .410 not be the right answer every time?

Range.

 

[Varminterror]

your not going to shoot a 22lr over about 40 yards and expect to hit dinner

Maybe YOU can’t. I can.

 

[papajim2jordan]

.22? .410? Why not both?

Marble Game Getter - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[papajim2jordan]

Just out of curiosity, what is your definition of a survival situation? Not counting human threat.