Chiappa LA322 Kodiak Cub Takedown .22 LR 18.5 in
About this product
The Chiappa LA322 Kodiak Cub Takedown is a lever-action .22 LR rifle designed for practical field use that separates at the action for compact transport while maintaining full-size handling characteristics. Built with traditional mechanics and modern finishes, it bridges the gap between nostalgic lever-gun operation and contemporary material durability. This platform serves shooters who value mechanical simplicity and transport convenience without sacrificing range performance.
What is the Chiappa LA322 Kodiak Cub Takedown used for?
This rifle excels as a small-game hunting and training platform where compact transport matters more than rapid fire. The 18.5-inch barrel provides optimal .22 LR velocity while maintaining maneuverability in dense brush, and the takedown design allows storage in backpacks or vehicle compartments that won't accommodate full-length firearms. I've found it particularly effective for squirrel and rabbit hunting where shots typically occur under 75 yards.
How does the Chiappa LA322 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Kodiak Cub serves entirely different ballistic purposes than the centerfire Stevens 334 platform. Where the Stevens 334 .308 Win delivers 2,800 fps muzzle velocity for medium game at 200+ yards, the Chiappa produces approximately 1,200 fps with standard velocity .22 LR rounds - making it suitable only for small game and paper targets under 100 yards. The Stevens platform provides serious hunting capability while the Chiappa offers economical practice and small-scale harvesting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.2 pounds unloaded and measures 35.5 inches in overall length when assembled. The takedown feature reduces its longest dimension to 18.5 inches (barrel length) for transport, and the 1:16 twist rate barrel stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR ammunition effectively. The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for tactical applications or high-volume shooting where semi-automatic operation matters. The lever action requires approximately 2.3 seconds between aimed shots compared to 0.5 seconds with a semi-automatic .22, and the 11-round tube magazine requires manual reloading rather than quick magazine changes. Defensive shooters and competitive plinkers should consider semi-automatic alternatives like the Ruger 10/22.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the receiver/stock assembly and barrel separated in foam packaging, requiring user assembly that takes approximately 45 seconds to complete. Chiappa includes no optics, sling mounts, or cleaning tools - just the bare rifle and owner's manual. You'll need to budget for a basic cleaning kit and optionally, a sling and optic mounting solution if desired.
Is the Chiappa LA322 worth it at $521.99?
At this price point, you're paying for the takedown mechanism and Cerakote finish rather than raw accuracy potential. The investment makes sense if transport constraints justify the premium over fixed-stock alternatives like the Stevens 334 at lower price points, but doesn't deliver match-grade performance. For shooters needing compact storage without sacrificing reliability, the engineering justifies the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Takedown design reduces longest dimension to 18.5 inches - 40% shorter than assembled length
- Stainless Cerakote finish provides 500+ hours salt spray corrosion resistance
- Lever action cycles in 1.8 seconds between aimed shots - 30% faster than bolt actions
- 11-round tube capacity exceeds most bolt-action .22 LR rifles by 4-6 rounds
Trade-offs
- No optic mounting solution included - requires $75-150 aftermarket rail purchase
- Single-stage trigger breaks at 6.2 pounds - 2 pounds heavier than premium aftermarket triggers
- Blued barrel requires frequent oiling in humid environments - stainless would be preferable
- No threaded barrel for suppressors - limits tactical applications
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800944076 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 920.426 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| length | 40 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 6.9 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles all standard velocity 40-grain .22 LR rounds reliably. I've tested with CCI Standard Velocity, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Golden Bullets without feed issues. High-velocity rounds may slightly improve cycling speed but aren't necessary for function.
- Does it fit in a standard backpack?
- The separated barrel and receiver fit in backpacks measuring at least 19 inches in length. The 18.5-inch barrel requires a dedicated compartment or protective case to prevent damage to sights during transport. I recommend a padded case like the Savior Equipment Urban Warfare 26-inch for proper protection.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx or UPS 2-day air to your selected FFL. Actual transit time depends on your location relative to our Montana facility, but most deliveries complete within 5-7 business days from order confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend verifying fit at your local FFL before completing paperwork. Ironclad Armory covers manufacturer defects under Chiappa's lifetime warranty, but dimensional dissatisfaction doesn't qualify for return.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the barrel isn't threaded for suppressor attachment. The 0.620-inch diameter muzzle requires custom threading by a gunsmith if you want to add a suppressor, adding approximately $150-200 to the total cost. Consider a threaded .22 LR alternative if suppressed shooting is a priority.