Introduction
We are always talking here about technology bringing us interesting new options in our shooting. And today is another one of those. 3D printing has made all kinds of new things possible, and its also brought a bunch of trash to the market as well. Today we are looking at something I think brings the affordability from 3D printing, while still offering a useful product. Today we dive into the rimfire world and the Crickett LP Target Rifle Chassis by Layer Form Precision. This is a 3D printed target rifle chassis made for the very popular Cricket rifles made by Keystone Sporting Arms. If you are looking to get something to improve the rifle for your shooting beginner, you might like this.
The LP Target Rifle Chassis
The LP Target Rifle Chassis brings many of the great target chassis features into an affordable chassis for your young shooter. It can be ordered in a variety of different colors you can choose from. Starting at the rear, the chassis has all the major adjustments. An adjustable length of pull is a must have for kids, and you can easily adjust this chassis for nearly any kid big enough to shoot.
Also you can adjust the butt angle and height, allowing you to customize the fit to little shoulders. And for those learning to use a rifle scope, there is also an adjustable comb height to get the best sight picture.
The buttstock itself can be removed, allowing the rifle to be used as a bolt action pistol if you desire. And up front you can add either a picatinny section to attach a bipod, or there is even a larger extended picatinny/ARCA rail that can go up front.
Features
3D-printed polymer construction
Designed for Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett rifles
Adjustable length of pull
Adjustable buttstock height and angle
Adjustable cheekpiece height
Removable buttstock for bolt-action pistol configuration
Multiple color options
Optional Picatinny bipod mounting section
Optional extended Picatinny/ARCA front rail
Uses factory action screw for rifle attachment
Compatible with factory scope mounting rail
Starting price of $59.99
Also available for Savage Rascal and Winchester Xpert rifles
Interface
Crickett rifles are not particularly famous for their rigid stock to action connection. But the LFP Chassis uses the factory screw to attach the action to the chassis. A single screw goes up through the chassis and threads into the action. Not exactly what precision riflemen are used to, but it works good enough.
For testing, I installed a Crickett EX17HMR that I bought for my son nearly two decades ago. This model came with a scope mounting rail, so I didn’t need to use the one that Layer Form Precision makes. Mounted to it was a small Simmons 3-9×40 scope, its been there for years taking many squirrels and Marmots. I also attached a Harris Bipod to the front of the chassis for front support.
Shooting the LFP Chassis
I recruited one of my nephews to shoot the rifle, as he fit the perfect profile of a young shooter in need of such a product. And of course, like any little boy he was eager to get his hands on the rifle.
Supported shooting was excellent, which came as no surprise. Because this rifle features a slightly heavier barrel than typical Cricketts, it was a bit much for him to hold up and shoot standing. Shooting the rifle suppressed with the Anechoic PipSqueak 22 suppressor also added a little length, but only 1.5 ounces. Suppressed shooting is well worth it with kids.
As we sat down to shoot, we adjusted the length of pull to its shortest length which was just enough for PJ. The polymer construction of the chassis wasn’t as forgiving as a rubber butt pad, but these rifles don’t recoil either so its no big deal. Adjusting the comb so he could see through the scope cleanly was out next step.
This is one of those things that can make a bigger difference than people realize. A young shooter doesn’t necessarily know what a proper shooting position should feel like. If the rifle doesn’t fit, they’ll often compensate by moving their head or body into an awkward position.
Once those had been adjusted to fit him, PJ was comfortable behind the rifle and even looked as though his form was learned. But in fact it was just getting everything in the right spot that had made his form better.
Pros and Cons
Lets be frank as we discuss these pros and cons here. First of all, not every rifle that goes in this stock is going to be a sharpshooter. Its more about learning the proper way to hold, operate and shoot a rifle. Thats what many of these rifles made for children are for, and the LFP Chassis only enhances the experience. Particularly if you are trying to raise a PRS champion.
Does 3D printing have the same quality as other stocks? In a word; sorta. Obviously it is not as rigid as big-boy chassis, and sure there are plenty of molding marks and textures. But for the maybe few years that you child might be using this product I think it will stand up just fine. Don’t expect it is going to survive falling out of a moving vehicle or anything like that. But it is perfectly tough enough to stand up to a kid hauling around the woods chasing squirrels.
And it certainly will last long enough to serve its purpose as a learning tool for your youth shooter. Helping them to understand a proper cheek weld and eye relief. And certainly looks good too, giving your shooting protégé the feeling that they too have a precise rifle like Dad’s.
Value
To be fair, the starting price of $59.99 is a small one to pay for enhancing your kids learning experience. And giving a better training session is priceless, making your time and ammo better spent. There are other models for the Savage Rascal and the Winchester Xpert rifles as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if by the time you read this there are other options as well.
My Verdict
I think for the price this chassis is a slam-dunk. Most any child who is looking to shoot their youth rifle is going to have a better experience and fit when using this affordable little chassis. You can order one of these chassis directly from the Layer Form Precision website, go over there and give it a try.