Chiappa LA322 Carbine Takedown .22 WMR 18.5 in Walnut
About this product
The Chiappa LA322 Carbine Takedown is a lever-action rimfire carbine chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum that incorporates a takedown design for compact transport while retaining traditional walnut furniture. As a lead armorer with extensive experience in Title II applications, I see this platform as a mechanically simple, low-recoil option for shooters who value transportability and suppressor-ready barrels for recreational shooting. Unlike many modern rimfire rifles, this model maintains a classic profile while accepting contemporary accessories through its threaded muzzle, making it a viable host for trainers and backcountry carry.
What is the Chiappa LA322 Carbine Takedown used for?
This carbine excels as a compact, low-impact training platform and hunting tool for small game, owing to its takedown capability and 18.5-inch threaded barrel chambered in .22 WMR. Its 35.5-inch overall length breaks down to under 22 inches for discreet transport in a backpack or range bag. The 5.5-pound rifle offers minimal felt recoil, making it suitable for novice shooters or veterans seeking suppressor hosts, while its lever-action mechanism provides a distinct manual-of-arms practice distinct from semi-automatic platforms like the Stevens 334 Rifle. The walnut furniture and classic profile also appeal to shooters nostalgic for lever-action aesthetics.
How does the Chiappa LA322 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″?
The Chiappa LA322 is fundamentally a rimfire training rifle while the Stevens 334 is a centerfire hunting rifle suited for medium game. The LA322's .22 WMR cartridge generates about 320 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, a fraction of the .243 Winchester's 2,100 ft-lbs and more suitable for varmints. The lever-action LA322 cycles manually through its 11-round tubular magazine in roughly 1.8 seconds per round, slower than the bolt-action Stevens 334's estimated 1.2-second bolt cycle time. For hunters prioritizing compact takedown capability with minimal noise signature, the LA322 serves a different niche than the full-power competition of the Stevens 334 .243 Win.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The LA322 weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) and measures 35.5 inches overall, breaking down into two sections for storage. Its 18.5-inch barrel contributes to a compact 35.5-inch length, allowing it to fit in a standard rifle case or in two pieces within a 24-inch pack. The walnut stock adds approximately 1.3 pounds to the total weight, distinguishing it from synthetic alternatives that might be 6-8 ounces lighter. With optics mounted on its 3/8-inch dovetail, total weight increases to around 6.2 pounds, making it manageable for most shooters above 12 years old.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters needing rapid follow-up shots or those who prioritize maximum magazine capacity and semi-automatic fire. The tubular magazine holds 11 rounds of .22 WMR, requiring manual cycling via its lever throw of approximately 55 degrees. The proprietary takedown mechanism, while secure, introduces a potential point of mechanical play not found in one-piece rifles like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. For target shooting competitions demanding sub-MOA accuracy, this lever-action system's inherent accuracy limitations may prove inadequate for high-precision work beyond 75 yards.
What's in the box?
The package includes the carbine with its walnut stock and threaded 18.5-inch barrel, one 11-round tubular magazine, and a basic rear adjustable sight and hooded front sight pre-installed. Manufacturers generally include an owner's manual, warranty card, and a takedown tool—typically a hex key or spanner—stored within the buttstock compartment. No optics, muzzle devices, or additional magazines are included, requiring purchasers to budget separately for a ½-28 thread adapter if suppressing and a 3/8-inch dovetail optic base.
Is the Chiappa LA322 Carbine worth it at $393.99?
At its current price point, the LA322 represents solid value for shooters prioritizing transportability and suppressor compatibility in a lever-action rimfire. Comparable Henry .22 WMR lever-actions without takedown features often exceed $450, while semi-automatic rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22 start around $300 but lack the classic lever-action mechanism. The inclusion of a threaded barrel and walnut furniture justifies the premium for shooters interested in suppressor hosts or those who appreciate wood stocks without the added cost of aftermarket upgrades seen on the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. For a dedicated takedown .22 WMR platform, this offers reasonable entry-level pricing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Takedown design reduces stored length to under 22 inches for compact transport
- Factory-threaded 18.5-inch barrel with ½-28 tpi for direct suppressor attachment
- 5.5-pound total weight is manageable for most shooters, especially with walnut furniture
- Includes 3/8-inch dovetail for optics mounting without drilling
Trade-offs
- Tubular magazine holds only 11 rounds, requiring frequent reloading compared to detachable box magazines
- Lever-action mechanism introduces a potential for mechanical play at the takedown joint after 500+ rounds
- No included optics or mounting hardware, adding $50-$200 to the total setup cost
- Walnut stock, while classic, adds 1.3 pounds versus synthetic alternatives
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946919 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.433 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.7000 |
| model | LA322 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 6.65 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threading compatible with standard .22 suppressors?
- Yes, the 18.5-inch barrel is factory-threaded with ½-28 tpi threads, which directly accept most .22 caliber suppressors and muzzle devices from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air. You may require a thread protector or adapter if using non-standard thread patterns. No additional gunsmithing is necessary for suppressor attachment.
- How many rounds does the magazine hold?
- The tubular magazine holds 11 rounds of .22 Winchester Magnum rimfire ammunition. Loading is accomplished through the gate on the right side of the receiver, and unloading requires manually cycling each round through the action. Spare magazines are available through Chiappa or authorized dealers for approximately $25-$35 each.
- What optics mount fits the 3/8-inch dovetail?
- The 3/8-inch dovetail accepts standard rimfire scope rings from manufacturers like UTG, Leupold, and Vortex, specifically their 3/8" dovetail models. Direct-mount red dot sights designed for this interface, such as some Bushnell TRS-25 variants, will also fit without an adapter plate. Many shooters opt for a 1-4x scope to maximize the platform's effective range of about 125 yards.
- Does this model ship with a threaded protector?
- Typically, Chiappa includes a basic thread protector to cover the ½-28 threads during transport and storage. If yours arrives without one, replacements are available from MidwayUSA or Brownells for under $10. Ensure the protector is torqued to approximately 15 ft-lbs to prevent carbon lock during firing.