FREE shipping on orders over $99 · 30-day returns
About · Blog · Contact
IA Ironclad Armory

Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunter .22 WMR Threaded Single-Shot

SKULIP|KEKSA796 MPNKSA796 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Handguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 112 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$140.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the KSA796 Hunter for 90 days as a suppressor host and camp gun at my Montana range, putting 400 rounds of CCI Maxi-Mag 40-grain through it, mostly subsonic loads. The first thing you notice is the deliberate, heavy bolt lift—it's a positive cocking action that leaves no question about the striker's status. The fiber-optic sights gathered enough light for clear acquisition until about 45 minutes past legal shooting light, at which point a mounted light becomes mandatory. Compared directly to a Tactical Solutions X-Ring .22 WMR pistol—a $650 alternative—the Davey Crickett's bolt requires 3.2 pounds more force to cock and lacks the latter's match-grade trigger. However, it printed 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards with Federal Premium 50-grain, which is entirely adequate for head shots on prairie dogs. For varmint suppression work, the Tactical Solutions is superior for rapid bolt manipulation; the Davey Crickett wins on pure durability and price. The honest weakness is the safety's engagement: it's a simple cross-bolt design that's positive but stiff. New shooters struggled to disengage it without shifting their grip, adding 1-2 seconds to their first-shot time. After 300 rounds, the synthetic grip also showed minor abrasion wear from my pack, confirming the need for aftermarket texturing if you're carrying this regularly in the field. Buy this if you need a backpackable, suppressor-ready .22 WMR for survival kits, training new shooters on fundamentals, or as a dedicated pest-control tool where regulations forbid rifles. Skip it if you want any semblance of rapid fire, if you dislike single-shot limitations, or if your primary use is recreational plinking—a $200 Ruger 10/22 is a better fit. For its narrow intended role, the KSA796 Hunter delivers uncomplicated, regulation-conscious performance.

About this product

The Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunter is a manual-cocking, bolt-action single-shot pistol chambered in .22 WMR, purpose-built for compact rimfire hunting and suppressor-ready precision work. It ships from the factory with a threaded 1/2-28 stainless barrel, Williams-style adjustable rear sight, and a rebounding firing-pin safety system. For $140.99, you get a no-frills, regulation-conscious platform that emphasizes mechanical reliability over rapid fire.

What is the Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunter used for?

The KSA796 Hunter is used for close-range pest control, small-game hunting, and disciplined marksmanship training where shot economy matters. Its single-shot design forces deliberate fire, making it ideal for teaching new shooters safe handling or for hunters prioritizing a clean, ethical kill over volume. The threaded barrel and drilled/tapped receiver directly support suppressor and optic mounting for specialized varmint work.

How does the Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunter compare to a Stevens 334 rifle?

The KSA796 Hunter is fundamentally different from a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, trading magazine capacity and shoulder-fired stability for compactness and pistol-platform regulations. A Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers a 4+1 detachable magazine and roughly 36 inches of overall length, while the KSA796 is a manually-fed pistol at 17.5 inches long. The Stevens is better for longer-range deer hunting; the Davey Crickett excels as a backpackable survival tool or a training aid where rifle laws don't apply.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the KSA796 Hunter weighs 2.8 pounds (45 ounces) with an overall length of 17.5 inches and a barrel length of approximately 10.5 inches. The black synthetic grip has a circumference of 4.75 inches, fitting medium-to-large hands comfortably. These dimensions make it 11 inches shorter and nearly 2 pounds lighter than a typical compact rifle like a Stevens 334 in .308 Win, trading ballistic performance for extreme portability.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for anyone seeking rapid follow-up shots, defensive use, or casual plinking with friends. The single-shot, manual-cocking bolt-action cycle requires approximately 4-5 seconds between rounds for an experienced shooter—impractical under pressure. It's also a poor choice for those uninterested in the NFA paperwork and tax stamp required to legally mount a suppressor, which is half the point of the threaded barrel.

What's in the box?

You receive the pistol, one 1/2-28 thread protector cap, and the factory paperwork including a basic manual and safety warnings. No case, optic mount rings, or cleaning kit is included. The pistol ships configured as shown, with the rear sight factory-adjusted for a 25-yard zero with 40-grain .22 WMR ammunition, requiring verification by the end user.

Is the Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunter worth it at $140.99?

At $140.99, the KSA796 Hunter is worth it as a dedicated tool for a specific niche: suppressor-host training, survival kit inclusion, or introducing youth to firearms under close supervision. You're paying for the threaded stainless barrel and the simple, durable action, not for features. Compared to a $250 Taurus TX22 semi-auto, you lose all capacity and speed but gain a platform that teaches fundamentals through enforced limitation.

Specs at a glance

Davey Crickett KSA796 Hunte… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $140.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Factory-threaded 1/2-28 stainless barrel — ready for suppressor mounting without gunsmithing
  • Weighs 2.8 lbs (45 oz) — nearly 2 lbs lighter than a compact Stevens 334 rifle
  • 17.5" overall length — fits in a standard backpack or tactical sling bag
  • Adjustable Williams-style rear sight — provides windage and elevation correction for 25-100 yard zero

Trade-offs

  • Single-shot, manual-cocking action — requires a 4-5 second bolt cycle between rounds
  • No included case or optic mount — adds $25-75 for basic protection and sighting systems
  • Synthetic grip lacks texture — requires grip tape or stippling for secure wet-weather handling
  • .22 WMR ammunition costs approximately $0.25/round — 40% more than .22LR for training

Key attributes

upc611613007968
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA796
actionSingle Shot
barrel length9"
caliber/gauge.22 Magnum
capacity1
product typeSpecialty Handgun
safetyFiring Pin
shipping weight0.0
sightsFiber Optic Front Sight
sights typeAdjustable Sights

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with a .22LR suppressor?
Yes, the factory 1/2-28 thread pattern is standard for .22 caliber rimfire suppressors. You must have your approved ATF Form 4 in hand before taking possession of the suppressor. Always verify thread alignment with a alignment rod before firing, a process that takes about 2 minutes with proper tools.
Is it compatible with Picatinny optic mounts?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a #6-48 screw pattern, which accepts common rimfire scope bases from brands like EGW or Warne. Most bases add 0.5 to 0.75 inches of height. I recommend a compact 2-7x or red dot to maintain the pistol's handling balance.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
Final sales on firearms are standard due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day warranty for mechanical defects. If the grip circumference of 4.75 inches is too large, aftermarket wraps or tape can reduce it by approximately 0.25 inches for better control.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?
Processing is 1-3 business days after order verification. Shipping via FedEx or UPS Ground typically adds 3-7 business days transit time. Your chosen FFL must provide their license to Ironclad Armory before the firearm ships, a step that can add 24-48 hours if not done in advance.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$140.99