Cricket 22

[Delbert]

Been thinking about this for awile and I'm debating about getting a little Cricket 22 that WalMart sells for around $100. I believe they're made by NEF Firearms which are New England Firearms(something like that) and they're suppose to be good little guns. I want a little rifle like this because it'll fit in a softsided trunk which I have mounted on my ATV and for the price, where you don't mind getting a few scratches(of course keep it in good operating condition and well oiled). Might even get a little 4 power scope that WalMart sell also to top it off for those squirrels/rabbits or bobcats I see around in the back 40, IF it's tapped for scopes? Anybody got any feedback/experience about this little gun? Looking for mini type rifles out there for ATV usage that are cheap(but good)and this is the only one I could think of besides the take apart survival rifles like the Papoose where the prices are around 2 Benjamin's now.
Del

[alleydude]

I don't have any experiance with them, but they are pretty small, even by kids standards. I also think, but am not sure, that you have to pull the firing pin back to cock it in order to shoot.

I think a Marlin Model 915 (or older Model 15) would be a better choice. They have nice solid bolt action, but are just a tad bit beefier than the Cricket. And mounting a scope is a non-issue, it has the grooves already cut in the reciever for scopes.

http://www.firearmspriceguide.com/forum/...d=88#pid88

[Delbert]

Nice guns, those Marlins, Alleydude, but not what I'm looking for. They're too long/large. I'm looking for what you could call a "micro rifle". Something I can have along with me in a bag that NOBODY knows I have, unless I bring it out. Don't get me wrong, this isn't to go with me into town and it's placed under the car seat. It's for ATV usage when going to back pastures and will stay in an enclosed bag I have mounted on ATV, except during winter times. I don't mind the quirkiness of having to pull back onto a cocking bolt. I've also looked at a "Chipmunk" model by Rogue Arms that looked good. Also the Cricket comes in 22magnum and 17HMR. Of these 2 calibers, I would choose the 17HMR because of better range and stopping power with only 1 shot. You're probably saying, why not just take/use a pistol? It's because a rifle will have better distance accuracy for up to 150yds if using a 17HMR(little less with 22mag). As of now, my cheapest rifle, a Ruger 10/22 is worth over $300(and it's a 1971 model). So ya see, putting together a micro rifle/scope combo and have it less than $200 is a good investment. A 17HMR can bring down animals bigger than coyotes(of course bullet placement plays a big part). There will be those times, I would also probably need more than one shot, but I'll take my chance. Have ya ever tried a 17HMR? Amazing little bullet. Anyway, still looking and debating on rifle manufactures and what's offered. Might just have to settle for a good/older rifle that I wouldn't mind scuffing up like a Stevens/Marlin/Winchester or even a newer(used) model of Ruger 10/22. I know they're all good rifles.
Del