Chipmonk and Cricket

[ArcticFox]

I was looking at a SS Ruger 10/22 at a gun shop today and my Grandson (15) kept handling the Chipmonk and Cricket kids .22 He wanted to shoot it so bad that here I am asking about it. I do have younger grandkids so I would get my money's worth out of it over the years. Any experience with these little rifles?

 

[ArcticFox]

I was looking at a SS Ruger 10/22 at a gun shop today and my Grandson (15) kept handling the Chipmonk and Cricket kids .22 He wanted to shoot it so bad that here I am asking about it. I do have younger grandkids so I would get my money's worth out of it over the years. Any experience with these little rifles?

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Can't speak to those specific rifles but I once cut one down to fit my son. He sure had a good time with it.

Some guys - grown men - like them for coon hunting due to portability & light weight.

 

[trapper704]

I'm in the same boat, I have a grand daughter that wants a pink cricket. I have no problem getting her a small 22 to learn with---but--will she still want to shoot that pink one when she gets a little older?

 

[klondike]

I had a chipmunk for the kids growing up. I think that for a 15 year old that he will quickly want to move up to a nicer rifle.
My youngest daughter has a Reminton 512 and has been happy with it. You could find an older quality bolt action .22 for about the same as the Chipmunk.

 

[RonJ]

I've seen several kids shooting the Chipmonks at our range. They invariably shoot at 25 yards and seem to do well with them. They have a lock on the bottom of the stock so the kids can't use them without supervision.

 

[toroflow1]

If you can find one, get one of the older walnut stocked Chipmonks. I got one for my son (who is 24 now) back in 1989 and its a "peach"!

 

[7.62foryou]

I've heard nothing but good things about those guns. Although as some stated at 15 he will grow out of it quick.

 

[izzwins]

My daughter has a pink cricket. It was the first gun that she paid for with her own money. She shoots it well. It functions fine. It took her a few rounds to get used to the peep sights but she loves them now. She bought it just after her 13th birthday. It is my opinion that she is the one shooting it and if she likes it, it's ok with me.

 

[Ohio Outdoorsman]

I still have the Chipmunk my sons used. I picked up a Savage "CUB" for my grandkids and like it much better. It cocks when opening the bolt. Some times small hands slip in the cocking knob of the chipmunk.

 

[Alpo]

I bought a Chipmunk when they first came out. For me. Just because it was cute. It was too small for me to shoot comfortably, so I gave it to my sister-in-law.

When my daughter was 11, I went looking for another one. Couldn't find one, but got an Anschutz Woodchucker. They were only made for a short time. The stock on it is long enough that I can shoot it. Now that she is grown, she can also still shoot it. Five or ten shot removable box mag.

Last year I bought my granddaughter a pink Crickett. It has a longer stock than the Chipmunk. I don't know if she will continue to shoot it when she grows up. She might outgrow the "pink". She might outgrow the "gotta pull the cocking knob first". She might outgrow the "single shot". But she might not. I know her father uses it to shoot chipmunks in the back yard, out of his second-story bedroom window, using Super Colibris. The "pink" doesn't seem to bother him.

 

[don95sml]

You might want to take a look at the CZ452 ZKM Scout model. This is a bolt action .22 that in 2005 cost $213. It's heavier than a Cricket or Chipmunk, but my 13yo granddaughter loves to shoot it sitting at a table at our range. It comes with a dummy mag that acts as a loading platform for single shots, but 5 or 10 shot mags are available. These kids grow up fast, so I would hesitate to buy too small a gun. If you end up buying the CZ, also consider getting an Eric Brookes trigger kit (about $14). Eric has a web site which you could Google.

 

[Glitch]

The CZ Scout is definitely the highest quality of the options. It's too heavy for little kids, though, IMHO, unless shooting off a sandbag. I got a Savage Cub for my girls and they are deadly accurate with it. It is a well-made gun, if you can overlook the cheesy plastic trigger guard. Made in Canada. Mine is pre-AccuTrigger, but RimfireCentral has details on a shimming trick that gets the trigger pull down to a really nice level.

 

[gregintenn]

My oldest son recieved one five years ago for his fifth birthday. It is great. I found one on sale at Dick's last week for $99. I bought it to put up until my younger son turns five. I'd highly recommend one. I prefer the ones without the lock. You can find them with or without.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Chipmonk and Cricket???

I thought you were talking about a new show on Saturday Morning-like "Moose and Squirrel"

BTW if you really love your grandson, may I suggest an Anschutz Model 54 Meister Grade with a nice 2x7 Leoupold rimfire scope on it

Keep it at your house to be used only under your direct supervision.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Each one of my Grandchildren (8) were given a Chipmonk/Crickett .22 for their first Birthday.
I have to purchase another one as I have another Grandchild due in June.
Negative problems with any of the rifles.
Jimmy

 

[sigp220.45]

My three kids all learned to shoot on a Chipmunk rifle, starting at about the age of three. I still have it, and hope to teach grandkids on it someday.

 

[Grayfox]

Try one of these.

Marlin Model 915Y

Taught my sons to shoot on one of the older Model 15YNs. Still have it and still shoot it now and then. Not only is it alot of fun, but the accuracy is downright incredible. Been thinking for years that I should look for an adult size stock to put it in.

 

[ArcticFox]

Thanks for the info. Was looking for a 10/22 for myself to shoot w/grandkids when they visit but may need to add one of these little rifles to the mix as six of the grandkids are 4 - 11 yrs old.