Chiappa LA322 Deluxe Take Down .22 LR 18.5″ 15+1
Pros & cons
What works
- Breaks down to ~22 inches — fits a standard backpack for discreet transport
- 15+1 tubular magazine capacity — holds 4 more rounds than many .22 lever guns
- 3/8-inch dovetail receiver — ready for optics without drilling or tapping
- 5.50-pound weight — stable offhand despite compact takedown design
Trade-offs
- Half-cock hammer safety only — no external safety flag or bolt lock
- Barrel not threaded for suppressors — requires $120-$200 gunsmith work
- Single-stage trigger — breaks at approximately 5.5 lbs with noticeable creep
- No case or sling included — adds $40-$80 for proper storage/carry
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Chiappa LA322 Deluxe Take Down .22 LR 18.5″ 15+1? It is a rimfire lever-action rifle designed for compact transport through a take-down mechanism and built with a hybrid of traditional walnut furniture and modern Cerakote finishes. This model specifically addresses the recreational shooter who values portability without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of walnut and lever-action mechanics, offering a 15+1 round tubular magazine capacity and an optics-ready receiver for versatility from plinking to small-game hunting.
What is the Chiappa LA322 Deluxe Take Down .22 LR 18.5″ 15+1 used for?
I consider this rifle a dedicated tool for rimfire training, recreational plinking, and dispatching small pests at modest ranges under 75 yards. Its .22 LR chambering and 18.5-inch barrel provide a low-cost, low-recoil platform ideal for introducing new shooters to lever-action fundamentals, while the take-down design means it stows to a 22-inch approximate package for discreet transport in a backpack or vehicle trunk—making it practical for ranchers or campers needing a compact varmint solution.
How does the Chiappa LA322 Deluxe Take Down compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?
The Chiappa LA322 is superior for casual, high-volume .22 LR shooting where manual cycling speed and mechanical simplicity are priorities, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win dominates for precision, reach, and terminal effect on medium game. You buy the LA322 for its 15+1 capacity and fast lever-cycling capable of about 3 rounds per second with practice, versus the Stevens 334’s bolt-action which demands about 2 seconds between aimed shots but delivers over 2,300 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle compared to the .22 LR’s roughly 140 ft-lbs.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle has an unloaded weight of 5.50 pounds (88 ounces) and measures 35.50 inches in overall length when assembled. Broken down into its two primary components—the barrel/receiver group and the stock/action group—the longest piece is approximately 22 inches, fitting into a standard 24-inch rifle case or backpack. The 18.5-inch round barrel contributes to its 5.50-pound heft, which is noticeable for a .22 LR but provides a stable 8.5-inch sight radius between the hooded front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not purchase the LA322 if your primary need is sub-MOA precision, defensive use, or compatibility with high-end aftermarket triggers and chassis systems. The half-cock hammer safety and single-stage trigger, while functional, lack the crisp break and external safety flag of a modern bolt-action like the Stevens 334 series; this rifle’s mechanical design prioritizes traditional operation and portability over match-grade accuracy, making it a poor choice for formal NRL22 competitions or situations requiring instant, ambidextrous safety manipulation under stress.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle broken down into two main components, one Allen key for the takedown screw, and basic documentation including a manual and warranty card—no optics, sling, or case are included. The rifle ships with the tubular magazine empty and the action clear, requiring you to provide your own .22 LR ammunition and immediately verify the headspace and takedown lockup before first use, a standard procedure I perform on any factory-fresh firearm to ensure the barrel-to-receiver interface is secure and the lever linkage is free of binding.
Is the Chiappa LA322 Deluxe Take Down worth it at $521.99?
At $521.99, this rifle represents fair value for a shooter who specifically requires the takedown feature and appreciates the walnut/Cerakote hybrid finish, but it demands acceptance of its traditional safety system and rimfire-limited caliber. Compared to a non-takedown .22 lever gun like a used Henry H001 at around $350, you are paying a $170 premium for the convenience of breaking it down and the modern Cerakote finish on the receiver—justifiable if portability is non-negotiable, but excessive if you merely want a basic .22 plinker and can store a full-length rifle.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800944069 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.427 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| length | 40 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor mounts?
- The LA322’s 18.5-inch round barrel is not threaded, so direct suppressor attachment requires aftermarket threading by a gunsmith—expect to pay $120-$200 and ensure the final length stays over 16 inches to avoid NFA SBR registration. Check thread pitch compatibility with your specific .22 LR suppressor; most common is 1/2x28, but verify with your smith before cutting.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR scope rings?
- Yes, the receiver features a 3/8-inch dovetail groove, which accepts standard .22 scope rings like those from UTG or Leupold. I recommend a compact 2-7x32mm scope mounted with medium rings; avoid heavy tactical optics, as they can upset the 5.50-pound rifle’s balance and make the takedown joint slightly top-heavy when disassembled.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day, and transit via FedEx Ground typically takes 3-5 business days to most continental US locations. All firearms ship to your selected FFL dealer, who will then conduct the required background check—factor in an additional 1-3 days for their processing before you can take possession.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of shipment for unused, unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Once the firearm has been transferred through your FFL and you have taken possession, it is considered used and generally not returnable unless a legitimate manufacturing defect is found and documented within the warranty period.
- Does this work with high-velocity .22 LR ammunition?
- The LA322 cycles reliably with standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds up to 1,250 fps, but I advise against hyper-velocity loads exceeding 1,400 fps as they can accelerate wear on the lever linkage and extractor. For consistent feeding, stick with round-nose or hollow-point designs; avoid lead-free segmented rounds, as they may not feed smoothly from the tubular magazine.