Chiappa LA322 Takedown .22 Review: A Packable Lever

Most lever-action .22s are built to be admired on a rack. The LA322 is built to go in a pack, which changes the questions worth asking before you buy.

A lever gun that comes apart on purpose

Takedown rifles are a niche inside a niche, and that is where the Chiappa LA322 sits: a .22 LR lever action whose barrel and receiver assembly separates from the stock section so it can be carried in a smaller space. That is the whole pitch, and for the right buyer it is a strong one.

The Chiappa LA322 Takedown is listed in .22 LR with a 15+1 capacity, an 18.5-inch barrel and a matte black finish. Weight, overall length packed and assembled, and sight details are all items to read from Chiappa's specification page. Our budget .22 lever gun roundup lists it alongside the Henry options.

Why takedown matters

A takedown lever .22 is useful in a few concrete situations.

• Pack and camp. A rifle that breaks into two shorter pieces fits in a backpack or a duffel more easily than a full-length one. It is a handy companion for hiking, camping and utility use on rural property where .22 is a sensible cartridge.
• Vehicle storage. Shorter pieces are easier to stash in a truck cab, behind a seat or in a locked case. Follow your state's transport laws, whatever the configuration.
• Home storage. Smaller footprints fit more easily into safes and cabinets. For ideas, the network's takedown and truck gun guide covers the category from a buyer's perspective.

The network's rimfire site also compares takedown .22 rifles across several types.

The takedown questions worth asking

Because a takedown rifle is a mechanical joint, there are a few things to inspect rather than assume.

1. How firmly does it lock up? There should be no wobble between the barrel assembly and the stock section. If you detect play, that is a reason to contact the maker or the seller before relying on the rifle.
2. Does it return to the same point of impact? If you add a scope, check zero after you reassemble. Some owners adjust their routine for repeatable assembly; others treat the rifle as a plinker and do not obsess over it.
3. Is it fast to assemble? Practice with the rifle unloaded and the muzzle in a safe direction until the procedure is automatic.
4. How are the parts protected? A case or sleeve keeps the metal parts from scratching each other in a pack.

How it differs from a Henry

The LA322 is not trying to be a Golden Boy. It is a practical, plain-looking lever gun for people who prefer function over polish. If you want brass and walnut, see our Golden Boy lineup or the Silver versus brass comparison. If you want a fast action instead of a lever, the Henry Pump Octagon review covers that.

Ammunition and feeding

The listing is for .22 LR. Lever actions do not depend on recoil to cycle, so they generally tolerate a wider range of rimfire loads than semi-autos do, though feeding can still differ between brands and lots. A small box of each load you plan to buy in quantity is a cheap way to find out which one your rifle prefers. The network's guide to the best .22 LR ammo by use case is a useful starting point, but note that it addresses rimfire in general rather than this rifle in particular.

Confirm in the manual which cartridges are approved before loading anything other than standard .22 LR.

Reasons you might choose something else

• You want a classic look. The matte black finish is deliberately plain.
• You want a rifle you can scope with confidence. Check for scope-mounting provisions on the specific model before assuming it will take one.
• You want the most established aftermarket and support. Henry has a large installed base; Chiappa is a different kind of brand. Check warranty and service terms for whichever you choose.
• You never plan to carry it. If portability does not matter, a one-piece rifle avoids the takedown joint entirely.

Safe use reminders

Store the pieces together in a locked place so the rifle is not left in a configuration that is easy to misuse or lose.

Bottom line

The LA322 Takedown is an uncomplicated, packable lever-action .22 for people who value portability over tradition. Check lockup, verify the zero after reassembly if you use a scope, and confirm the specifications with Chiappa before you order. If a polished brass-and-walnut rifle is what you picture when you think "lever gun," look at the Henrys instead.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.