Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter .22 LR 16.25″ 7+1 Blued/Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4 pounds — 3.5 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 .308 Win
- 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates shooters down to 24-inch arm length
- 7+1 detachable magazine enables rapid reloads versus tube-fed .22s
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- No included Picatinny rail — adds $25-$50 to initial setup cost
- Walnut stock lacks checkering — requires $120-$180 aftermarket texturing for secure grip
- Fixed front sight non-adjustable — limits windage correction to rear sight only
- Rebounding firing pin design increases trigger pull weight to 5.5 pounds
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter is a bolt-action .22 LR rifle designed for compact handling and straightforward operation with a 16.25-inch blued barrel and walnut stock featuring a 13.5-inch length of pull. Built with a rebounding firing pin and drilled-and-tapped receiver, it prioritizes safety and optics compatibility while maintaining a traditional aesthetic. At 32.5 inches overall length and 4 pounds unloaded, it balances portability with solid rimfire performance.
What is the Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter used for?
The Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter is optimized for small-game hunting, introductory marksmanship training, and compact-field carry scenarios. Its 16.25-inch barrel and 4-pound weight make it ideal for wooded terrain or extended off-hand shooting sessions, while the 7+1 detachable magazine capacity provides practical shot sequencing without excessive bulk. The 13.5-inch length of pull specifically accommodates younger shooters or smaller-framed adults, though it remains functional for full-sized users with minor stock modifications.
How does the Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Davey Crickett 722 outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in weight reduction and beginner-friendly operation, weighing 4 pounds versus the Stevens' 7.5 pounds and firing lower-recoil .22 LR ammunition. However, the Stevens 334 chambered in .243 Win delivers significantly greater terminal energy for medium-game hunting at ranges beyond 150 yards, making it the superior choice for deer or coyote where legal. The Crickett's 32.5-inch overall length also provides a 7-inch advantage in compact storage over the Stevens' 39.5-inch profile.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 4 pounds (64 ounces) unloaded and measures 32.5 inches in overall length with a 16.25-inch barrel. The walnut stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and approximately 1.5-inch drop at comb, prioritizing compact ergonomics over full-sized adult comfort. The detachable magazine adds 3.2 ounces when fully loaded with seven .22 LR rounds, bringing the total field-ready weight to 4.2 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters requiring centerfire power for game larger than squirrel or rabbit, nor for competitors needing rapid follow-up shots due to its manual bolt-action operation. The 13.5-inch length of pull may prove uncomfortably short for shooters with arm lengths exceeding 34 inches, necessiring aftermarket stock spacers or replacement. Those seeking optics-ready platforms without additional purchases should note the Picatinny rail requires separate acquisition despite drilled-and-tapped receiver preparation.
What's in the box?
The package includes one Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter rifle, one 7-round detachable magazine, and owner's manual with compliance guidelines. Notably absent are optics mounting hardware, sling swivels, or cleaning equipment, requiring approximately $40-$75 in additional accessories for field readiness. The manual specifies proper headspace verification procedures and recommends initial bore cleaning before first firing to remove factory preservatives.
Is the Davey Crickett 722 Compact Sporter worth it at $317.99?
At $317.99, the Davey Crickett 722 represents fair value for entry-level shooters or those seeking a dedicated small-game rifle with traditional aesthetics. Compared to synthetic-stocked alternatives like the Stevens 334 starting at $449, it sacrifices caliber versatility but gains weight savings and classic walnut styling. Budget-conscious buyers should factor in the mandatory $25-$50 rail purchase for optic mounting, bringing total initial investment to approximately $343-$368.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613204114 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA20411 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Davey Crickett 722 cycles standard velocity .22 LR rounds reliably, though I recommend avoiding hyper-velocity loads exceeding 1,400 fps due to potential extraction issues. During testing, it consistently grouped 1.5 inches at 50 yards with CCI Standard Velocity 40-grain rounds. Always verify chamber dimensions with headspace gauges when using non-standard ammunition types.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates shooters with arm lengths as short as 24 inches, making it suitable for most youth aged 10 and above. The 4-pound weight remains manageable for shooters under 100 pounds, though a shooting rest is recommended for initial zeroing. For smaller children, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun with 26-inch barrels as an alternative.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically requiring 5-7 days continental U.S. transit. All firearms ship to your selected FFL holder, who must complete the mandatory 4473 background check before transfer. International customers should allow 3-4 weeks for export compliance verification and customs clearance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Fired weapons undergo mechanical inspection and may be denied return if headspace marks or chamber erosion are present. Always consult your local FFL regarding fit before completing transfer to avoid non-refundable fees.
- Does this work with Weaver-style rails?
- The drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts #6-48 screws spaced 0.860 inches apart, compatible with most Weaver and Picatinny bases. I recommend EGW's 0.75-inch rail for optimal scope positioning, though Warne Maxima rings may require shimming for proper alignment. Avoid rails exceeding 2 ounces to maintain the rifle's balance point forward of the receiver.