Chiappa LA322 Bandit Take Down 22 LR 12″ Wood
About this product
What is the Chiappa LA322 Bandit Take Down 22 LR 12″ Wood? It is a compact, lever-action rimfire rifle with a 12-inch barrel designed as a takedown model, making it exceptionally portable for shooters who need to minimize their logistical footprint without sacrificing the mechanical satisfaction of a traditional lever gun. This configuration isn't just about nostalgia; it's about the practical application of a short-barreled rifle (SBR) form factor in a rimfire caliber, where overall length and weight directly impact its utility as a packable tool or a suppressor host. The LA322 Bandit occupies a specific niche, blending classic aesthetics with modern convenience for the shooter who understands the value of a compact, disassemblable platform.
What is the Chiappa LA322 Bandit Take Down used for?
The LA322 Bandit is primarily used as a compact, low-recoil firearm for recreational plinking, small-game hunting at close ranges (under 50 yards), and as a suppressor host due to its .22 LR chambering. Its takedown capability and 23.6-inch overall length make it ideal for backpacking, survival kit assembly, or discreet transport in a vehicle or case. The light 2-pound weight and 12-inch barrel shift its ballistic profile slightly, making it less effective for precision target shooting at longer distances compared to a standard 18-inch .22 rifle barrel.
How does the Chiappa LA322 Bandit compare to the Stevens 334?
The Chiappa LA322 Bandit is categorically better for ultra-compact transport and suppressor use, while the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle in .308 Win is superior for hunting medium game at range. The LA322 features a takedown design allowing it to break down for storage, weighs 2 pounds (versus the Stevens 334's approximately 6.5 pounds), and fires the low-cost .22 LR round. The Stevens 334 offers significantly greater power and effective range for serious hunting, a trade-off for portability that defines the LA322's specialized role.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs exactly 2.0 pounds (32 ounces or 907 grams) and measures 23.60 inches in overall length with a 12-inch barrel. When disassembled via the takedown mechanism, the longest component (the barrel/receiver assembly) measures approximately 15 inches, allowing it to fit into a compact case or pack. Its 1:16 twist rate barrel is standard for stabilizing .22 LR ammunition up to 40-grain projectiles reliably.
Who is this NOT for?
The LA322 Bandit is not for a shooter seeking a primary hunting rifle for anything larger than squirrel or rabbit, nor is it suitable for competitive target shooting. The short barrel sacrifices some muzzle velocity, and the alloy frame construction, while lightweight, may not appeal to shooters who prioritize a solely-steel firearm for durability or heft. If your priority is long-range .22 plinking or you dislike the maintenance of a tube-fed magazine system, consider a bolt-action rifle with a detachable box magazine instead.
What's in the box?
The standard package includes the disassembled rifle, a magazine tube (with a published capacity of 11 rounds of .22 LR), and a set of simple iron sights comprising a short buckhorn rear and a blade front. You will not find a case, cleaning kit, or additional accessories; this is a bare-bones presentation from the factory, requiring the owner to source their own takedown case, optics mount if desired, and appropriate cleaning implements for the .22 caliber bore.
Is the Chiappa LA322 Bandit worth it at $390.99?
At $390.99, the LA322 Bandit is worth the investment specifically for the shooter who values its unique combination of takedown capability, compact size, and lever-action mechanics in the rimfire space. You are paying a premium for the specialized takedown engineering and the nostalgic lever-action operation over a more conventional bolt-action .22 rifle. If your use-case perfectly aligns with ultra-portable plinking or suppressed backyard shooting, the cost is justified; if you simply want a cheap .22, standard fixed-barrel models can be found for nearly $200 less.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs only 2.0 lbs (907g) — exceptionally lightweight for a lever-action platform.
- Breaks down for transport — longest component is ~15 inches when disassembled.
- 12-inch barrel with 1/2x28 threads — ready for suppressor mounting without modification.
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame construction — lacks the solid steel feel of higher-end lever guns and may show wear faster on stress points.
- Tube magazine feed — slower to load than a detachable box magazine and can be awkward with a suppressor mounted.
- Minimal included accessories — no case or optic mounting solution is provided.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800948265 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.441 |
| action | Lever Action |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| shipping weight | 5.2 |
| sights | Short Buckhorn Style Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded barrel tip is standard for many .22 LR suppressors. However, because this is a lever-action with a fixed barrel and tube magazine under the barrel, you must ensure your chosen suppressor's diameter does not interfere with the tube magazine's loading port or the lever's full travel. A compact, sub-1-inch diameter can is highly recommended.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When assembled at 23.6 inches overall, it will not fit in most pistol cases and requires a compact rifle case. When disassembled via the takedown feature, the longest component is approximately 15 inches, allowing it to fit in a compact, discreet case like a 16-inch laptop bag or a specialized takedown rifle case from brands like Savior Equipment or Allen.
- How long does shipping take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships within 1-2 business days. Transit time via our primary carriers (FedEx or UPS) to the lower 48 states is usually 3-5 business days after the shipment label is created. We do not ship firearms directly to customers; they must be sent to a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder of your choice for transfer.
- Does this work with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- It is chambered specifically for .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridges. While .22 Short may sometimes feed and fire due to similar dimensions, it is not recommended as it can lead to unreliable cycling in the lever action and potential fouling issues. Use only standard, high-velocity, or subsonic .22 LR ammunition for reliable function.