Why I love my Cricket 25

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Z

zebra

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Sep 29, 2015
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New York
24 shots (2 mags) at 55 yards resting only on one of the cushions from my couch (don't tell the wife). I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the greatest shot on the forum (or anywhere close). This is all the cricket. I was just the operator.



The other shots on the target were me confirming that my old Leapers scope on my Ataman still can't hold zero so I couldn't test it for a review until my new Weaver scope arrives. So while I was waiting I used the opportunity to check that my Cricket with PA4-14x44 FFP was still holding zero. 

That's the definition of dependable imo. Any time you feel the need, it's just ready to put lead exactly where you want it. Powerful, not pellet fussy, easy to shoot, comfortable to hold, not inexplicably more expensive than the other guns in it's class and no messing around. The zero is always where I left it. I like things that just work like they should.

Also, mine seems to stay accurate no matter where I set the power wheel. It doesn't matter if I set it for 43fpe or 51fpe, once it has been re-zeroed for the power level, it will group. I'm getting over 60 powerful and consistent shots per fill on my current tune.

My Mutant Shorty is capable of similar precision but not with the same variety of pellets. It's one of those guns where you find that one pellet and feed it nothing else. I have 6 different pellets (at least) that group from the Cricket 25. 

There are definately newer and sexier looking bullpups but the Cricket is one of the all time greats imo. 

Just sharing a little airgun sunshine!

 
"Erik"Can you give us a little comparison of the Cricket/mutant? Quality, finish, feel, etc. I am looking to get the .25 Mutant when it comes out and only have a Cricket at the moment to compare with.
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The Mutant build quality is superior (apart from the stock). It has fewer delicate internal components and key moving parts like the HST and the shroud are locked down with additional screws which is a smart design. The trigger is more adjustable and the action is smoother. The shroud is also superior on the Mutant which makes it one of the quietest if not the quietest PCP gun. 

The Cricket has better balance and feels nicer to shoulder. It's heavier and more stable so generally easier to shoot accurately. The stock is better although the Cricket wood stock is not much better. The Mutant is back heavy which makes it feel heavier than it really is (although still very light). The trigger blade on the Cricket feels nicer to me. Plus I like how the air gap on the forearm of the synthetic bull stock makes the front section largely free-floated so it's less hold sensative. The Cricket 22 has higher capacity mags (14 vs 12). The HST adjuster on the Cricket 25 gives a broader range of power options than the one on the 22 Shorty.

They are both accurate, very efficient and fun to use. I have a lot of other air guns but none that put a smile on my face every time I pick them up like these two. I have no knowledge of how good the Mutant 25 will be though. I specifically chose the Mutant Shorty so there wouldn't be an overlap in my collection and I'm very glad I did.

The Cricket 25 is my dependable stable hunting rifle. If I have to make a 100 yard shot, that's what I reach for. The Shorty is my fun every day plinking / light hunting woods walker. If you want to relax shooting in your backyard without worrying about the neighbors, it's hard to beat the Shorty. At less than 23" long, it's great to shoot out your window without anyone spotting 3 feet of barrel poking out so perfect for winter plinking (so you don't have to go outside). 

The aftermarket support and customer service is a million times better with Kalibrgun btw. They have a website with contact info and they respond to questions. When I needed a replacement part, they had it at my door step from Russia that same week on their dime. They really are great guys over there. I am still waiting to hear a price for a replacement part I need for my Mutant from before Christmas. There is not a single spare part in North America. Taipan doesn't even have a website or public contact info so the Importer needs to do a better job on this (whoever they are). Georgia Airguns carries a range of spare Cricket parts too, so you are well covered. 

I think it's fair to say that if you like the Cricket then you'll like the Mutant. If you want one in 25 and the other in 22, I think you might be better getting the 25 Cricket and 22 Mutant. It has the advantage of being available right now. Who knows when the 25 Mutant will be available to buy....

Very hard to choose between these two. Very hard....too hard... can't do it... I need both! The Mutant 25 is going to have to be exceptional for me to even consider giving up the Cricket 25 any time soon. An anti-double load feature won't be enough for me.

 
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"TonyT"I was so impressed with the consistent accuracy and dependability of the 25 Cricket that I purchased one in 22. My ideal air rifle would be a Cricket with the trigger of the Steyr LG-110.
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Can't someone make that for you? I mean add a ball bearing trigger to a Cricket?

You might be able to create the same feel by adding a linear bearing to the trigger extension rod. 

I tend to go to the other way on triggers. I like them light, single stage with as little travel as possible. Luckily for me the amount of travel is adjustable on the Cricket trigger.

I heard that the Steyr ball bearing trigger is one of the best if not the best available though. 
 
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"scubajeeper"I've got mine cranked up to just over 60 ft lbs with the king heavies and besides it being an absolute hammer, it is lights out accurate, I'll have to agree with you, i'm in love.
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I haven't tried mine that high but the JSB heavies are one of the pellets that always seem to be accurate in mine. 

I think the heavies have the advantage in magazine fed air guns because their shape allows less room for poor positioning when the probe pushes them into the barrel. They rattles around less in the mag too. 

My favorate pellet is the H&N hunter extreme in the Cricket 25. They are nearly as accurate as the JSB 25's but they obligate small game instantly. Awesome hunting pellets in the Cricket. I have JSB 25's, Heavies (Mk1 and 2), H&N hunter (extreme and regular), Eun Jin (35 and 43's) and Benjamin Domes. They all group from the Cricket 25 at 50 yards. 

Are you using the stock valve stem for 60fpe? Ernest replaced mine with a titanium one because the original one snapped. Is yours a custom power tune?
 
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You guys are funny, I sit in my heated garage and shoot targets at 48 yards off my dead man set up. I have a table beside me for my coffee drinks pellets and other stuff.
My Mutant 22 has not replaced my Cricket 22 as the power difference is a lot, Plus my 22 and 25 Crickets are set up just a like same scopes same levels, same bipods,
I did my best to make them a matching pair, So far it works out great,
The Mutant almost seems toy like compared to the Crickets, Its light weight , super short and shoulders very nice and is just as accurate as the Crickets up to about 60 yards.
STOP, I like my guns to shoot at 900 FPS and a little faster , Just helps with the drop. My little Mutant 22 shorty with the CZ barrel will only clock about 800FPS Just a little drop and arch there at 50 plus Yards , So I call my Mutant a 50 yard gun and 99,9 % of my shots are at 48 yards it fits pretty good .
Hell yes I am wanting a 25 Mutant, But its going to have to shoot a heavy pellet at a minimum 940 fps ,
Please. Its not going to replace my Cricket 25, or the 22 Cricket Both have there spots in the gun safe, Right along side the 22 Mutant
How the hell do you sell perfection ? You do not you keep it,
Mike
 
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