Meet the Cricket Compact 22 Mag
The world of firearms is a vast and fascinating landscape, filled with tools designed for a myriad of purposes. From the long-range precision of a specialized hunting rifle to the quick handling of a defensive pistol, there’s a firearm for nearly every need. However, within this diverse array, a specific niche holds particular appeal: the realm of compact, easily carried firearms. These are firearms designed for convenience, maneuverability, and often, for a specific set of tasks where size and weight are critical. The Savage Arms Cricket Compact 22 Mag enters this arena, a bolt-action rifle that punches above its weight class. This article dives deep into this intriguing little rimfire, exploring its features, performance, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
The Savage Arms Cricket Compact 22 Mag is a bolt-action rimfire rifle known for its diminutive size and easy handling. Built by a manufacturer with a well-earned reputation for producing accurate and reliable firearms, this rifle caters to shooters seeking a lightweight, easily managed platform. The “Cricket” name itself hints at its size, implying a small, nimble package. It’s designed with beginners and young shooters in mind, yet it offers performance that will also appeal to experienced shooters looking for a compact, capable option.
One of the most striking features of the Cricket Compact 22 Mag is its compact form. This makes it exceptionally portable, easy to carry in the field, and suitable for scenarios where maneuverability is crucial. Whether you’re navigating dense brush, hiking through the wilderness, or simply looking for a rifle that doesn’t take up much storage space, the Cricket Compact excels. The bolt-action design further contributes to its inherent safety and simplicity. This action type is known for its reliability and often, its contribution to inherent accuracy.
Unpacking the Features and Design
The Cricket Compact 22 Mag is thoughtfully designed, prioritizing both functionality and ease of use. The rifle’s overall aesthetic is clean and practical, reflecting its purpose-driven design. The stock is typically constructed from a durable synthetic material, known for its resistance to weather and wear. This makes it a low-maintenance option, ideal for use in a variety of conditions.
Consider the ergonomics. The rifle is designed to fit a wide range of shooters. The stock is often of a length that is good for beginners, while also working for adults. The bolt action is easily manipulated, even for those with smaller hands. The trigger pull is generally crisp for a rifle of this price point, contributing to improved accuracy.
Safety is paramount in firearm design, and the Cricket Compact incorporates several key features. It typically includes a manual safety that is easily accessed, allowing the shooter to quickly and safely render the rifle safe when necessary. These features, combined with the inherent safety of the bolt-action mechanism, make it a good option for new shooters.
The rifle often features a simple iron sight system that’s adequate for close to medium range shooting. This allows the shooter to engage targets without needing to immediately invest in optics. However, the receiver is often pre-drilled for scope mounting, which makes it easy to upgrade the rifle with a scope. This expands the range and versatility of the rifle, making it suitable for more precise shooting.
Performance: Beyond the Size
Don’t let its compact size fool you. The Cricket Compact 22 Mag chambers the powerful 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) cartridge. This is an important point, and understanding the 22 WMR cartridge is key to appreciating the rifle’s capabilities.
The 22 WMR is a step up in power from the more common .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) cartridge. It fires a bullet at a significantly higher velocity, resulting in greater downrange energy and a flatter trajectory. This translates to a longer effective range and increased effectiveness on small game and varmints. The 22 WMR allows the Cricket Compact to be effective at distances the .22LR cannot reach.
Accuracy is always a crucial factor, and the Cricket Compact, when paired with quality ammunition, can deliver impressive results. While not a precision target rifle, it is capable of producing tight groups at reasonable distances. Factors such as the barrel quality, the quality of ammunition, and the shooter’s skill all play a role in achieving optimal accuracy. Regular practice and experimentation with different ammunition brands can help shooters discover the loads that perform best in their specific rifle.
Recoil is typically light, making the rifle comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The bolt action is easy to cycle, allowing for quick follow-up shots when needed. The manageable recoil is a key advantage for beginners and those sensitive to recoil.
In terms of reliability, the bolt-action design of the Cricket Compact generally contributes to smooth and consistent operation. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, will further enhance its reliability. It’s a firearm built to perform consistently, round after round.
The overall shooting experience is enjoyable. The lightweight nature of the rifle makes it easy to carry and handle. The crisp trigger pull combined with the inherent accuracy of the platform makes it a pleasure to shoot. The 22 WMR cartridge provides enough power for various applications while still offering a manageable recoil.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Like any firearm, the Cricket Compact 22 Mag has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects can help potential buyers determine if it’s the right choice for their needs.
The pros of the Cricket Compact 22 Mag are numerous. The compact and lightweight design is a major advantage, making it exceptionally portable and easy to handle. The 22 WMR cartridge provides a noticeable step up in power from a .22LR, extending the rifle’s effective range and increasing its utility for hunting or pest control. The ease of use, stemming from the simple bolt-action design, makes it accessible to shooters of all skill levels. It offers good value for the price, especially considering its performance and build quality. The rifle’s reliability, particularly when properly maintained, is another positive factor.
However, there are also some considerations. The magazine capacity is typically limited, often to a few rounds. This might be a consideration for those who anticipate needing to engage multiple targets quickly. The bolt action, while a contributing factor to reliability, may be slower than semi-automatic alternatives. Additional accessories like a scope are usually not included, so those who desire this type of optic will need to account for those additional costs. The recoil, although manageable, is noticeably greater than that of a .22LR, which may be a concern for some shooters. The cost of 22 WMR ammunition is generally higher than that of .22LR, which should also be considered in terms of a purchase.
Putting the Rifle to Work: Applications and Uses
The Cricket Compact 22 Mag is a versatile rifle suitable for a variety of applications. One of its primary uses is for hunting small game. The 22 WMR cartridge has enough power to effectively take down rabbits, squirrels, and other small varmints at reasonable ranges. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in the field, and its accuracy makes it capable of taking precise shots.
The rifle is also suitable for recreational target shooting. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to bring to the range and enjoy a day of plinking. The bolt-action mechanism encourages deliberate shooting, which can improve shooting skills.
It also serves as an excellent training platform for new shooters. Its light recoil, simple operation, and accurate performance make it easier for beginners to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. The manual safety and bolt-action design help to instill safe gun handling habits.
There is some debate about self-defense use, but it is not a widely recommended option. The legality of using the rifle in self-defense varies significantly by location, and its effectiveness in a defensive situation might be a concern.
Comparisons, Considerations, and Alternatives
When considering the Cricket Compact 22 Mag, it is important to compare it to other options in the rimfire market. The Henry Mini Bolt 22 Mag, with its similar size and bolt-action design, presents itself as a primary competitor. The Savage Rascal, another offering from Savage Arms, is in the same price point, but might appeal to different buyers. Finally, the Ruger American Rimfire offers a feature-rich platform at a reasonable price point.
When comparing, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. The Henry Mini Bolt and Cricket Compact share many similarities. The Savage Rascal is a bit smaller, making it a choice for children or those looking for an even more compact solution. The Ruger American Rimfire generally offers more features and a higher degree of precision at the cost of a bit more size.
The .22LR cartridge also presents a viable alternative. The .22LR ammunition is significantly less expensive, and .22LR rifles are generally more readily available. The .22LR cartridge offers less power but still is sufficient for many applications.
Upgrading the Cricket Compact
The Cricket Compact 22 Mag allows for a degree of customization. The receiver typically includes mounting holes for scope bases, allowing shooters to easily attach optics. This is a major advantage, as scopes can significantly improve accuracy and extend the effective range of the rifle.
Aftermarket stocks are not readily available as this is a less modular platform. However, the original stock is durable and easy to maintain.
Other accessories, such as slings, can also enhance the rifle’s usability. A sling allows for easy carrying in the field, while also keeping the rifle accessible when needed.
Keeping the Cricket Compact in Top Shape
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the Cricket Compact 22 Mag functions reliably for years to come.
The cleaning process should begin with a field stripping of the rifle. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, the bolt should be removed from the receiver. The barrel should be cleaned with a cleaning rod, brushes, and solvent, removing any fouling. The bolt should also be cleaned and lubricated.
Lubrication should involve applying a light coat of gun oil to moving parts. This helps reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Pay attention to the bolt, trigger mechanism, and any other parts that move during operation.
When storing the rifle, it is essential to protect it from the elements. Store it in a dry, secure location.
A Look at Value and Pricing
The Cricket Compact 22 Mag typically offers excellent value for its price. When comparing its features, performance, and build quality to those of other rimfire rifles, it consistently stands out as an affordable, yet highly capable option. It is often available at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters, making it a great choice for beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly rifle.
The Verdict
The Cricket Compact 22 Mag is a powerful and well-designed rifle that packs a significant punch into a pocket-sized package. Its compact size, the power of the 22 WMR cartridge, and its ease of use make it a versatile firearm suitable for a variety of applications. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking a highly specialized or high-capacity platform, it excels at what it’s designed to do: providing a lightweight, reliable, and accurate rimfire rifle for hunting, target shooting, and training. It’s a great option for beginners, those looking for a compact and easily handled rifle, and shooters who want a versatile rimfire platform that’s easy to own and operate.
If you value portability, manageable recoil, and the versatility of the 22 WMR cartridge, the Cricket Compact 22 Mag deserves serious consideration. It represents a compelling blend of performance, value, and practicality, making it a worthy addition to any shooter’s collection.
Finally, if you’re looking for more information, be sure to share your experiences with the rifle. Do more research and read other reviews.
