The Cricket 2 Tactical is a new model that’s a major step forward for Czech manufacturer KalibrGun. And it’s in stock at Airguns of Arizona now. But you’ll have to phone as it’s not even on the AoA web site yet!
This gun is definitely good-looking and fun to shoot! In fact, I wasn’t too surprised to find that 25.39 Grain Redesigned JSB Jumbo Monster pellets were grouping very well at 50 Yards range.
This new Cricket 2 Tactical model offers some definite improvements to the traditional Cricket platform. In fact, these improvements are so significant that, in my opinion, this “Tactical” version really qualifies as a completely new model.
High Capacity HPA Bottle Supply
The biggest change is a move from the Cricket’s traditional High Pressure Air tube system to a high capacity carbon fiber HPA bottle. This move provides a huge increase in consistent shot count.
In fact, the shot count is more than doubled compared to the traditional “HPA tube” versions of the Cricket. Maximum fill pressure is the same at 4,350 PSI (300 bar).
This new air supply system allows for other benefits, too. Now the pressure gauge is located on the side of the action. This is another HUGE improvement. No longer do you need to (almost) look down the barrel to check the air pressure in the tank.
The incorporation of a short Picatinny rail ahead of the trigger guard provides the opportunity to fit a bipod. This will help the owner achieve the consistent long range accuracy that the Cricket platform has always been noted for.
Improved Operation
KalibrGun says that the Cricket 2 Tactical incorporates a more protected cocking mechanism. There’s also an improved cocking action for lighter and smother operation. Certainly the cocking lever is very slick and easy to use.
In addition, I definitely found magazine loading easier than with previous Cricket models I have used. The mechanism has been simplified so that it’s no longer necessary to hold the lever back when inserting the magazine into the breech.
There’s also an obvious, easy-to-use safety. This is of the trigger-blocking, “push across” type and is ambidextrous. It’s that red button you can see above the trigger in the photographs. That’s another improvement from KalibrGun!
These are all important design changes that add together to create a step-change in usability for the new Tactical model.
Airguns of Arizona has the Cricket 2 Tactical available in .22 caliber in two versions. There’s a “compact model” – above – and a “long model”, below. The differences are in barrel and tank length, as you can see.
AoA also has .25 and .30 caliber versions in stock at the time of this writing.
In .22 caliber there is certainly a very considerable number of consistent shots available from one fill of the large, 477 cc HPA bottle. KalibrGun claims about 160 per fill and that sounds realistic to me.
Yet More Improvements
There’s now a Picatinny-mount scope rail. While not required for recoil-handling, it’s clearly the current standard for scope mounting on PCPs.
Although the Cricket II’s barrel is shrouded, the new Tactical model also includes an industry-standard 1/2-Inch UNF threaded adapter at the muzzle. This will allow the easy installation of a silencer for those who want the quietest possible report from their air rifle.
The minimalist stock design of the Cricket II Tactical is called the “WTC” stock. It includes the signature Cricket capability of holding multiple spare magazines – two in this case.
Also visible in our photographs is the long top Picatinny rail for scope mounting. In advance of a comprehensive test review, I mounted a Sightron 10-50 x 60 scope on the “Tactical”. Yes, this is a long scope but it still balanced well while providing sufficient eye relief.
As usual, I mounted the scope with Leapers UTG Pro rings for a solid, harmonious installation. The surface finishes of gun, scope and rings all blend well together, as you can see below.
Specifications
| Caliber | .22 Compact | .22 Long | 0.25 | 0.30 |
| Barrel Length | 17.7 Inches | 23.6 Inches | 23.6 Inches | 23.6 Inches |
| Max Muzzle Energy | 40 Ft/Lbs | 55 Ft/Lbs | 60 Ft/Lbs | 90 Ft/Lbs |
| Max Muzzle Velocity | 985 FPS | 1050 FPS | 985 FPS | 915 FPS |
| HPA Capacity | 477 cc | 627 cc | 627 cc | 613 cc |
| Shot Count | 130 shots at 860 FPS | 160 shots at 860 FPS | 110 shots at 895 FPS | 65 shots at 860 FPS |
| Overall Length | 26.8 Inches | 33.1 Inches | 33.1 Inches | 33.1 Inches |
| Weight | 7.5 Lbs | 8.3 Lbs | 8.3 lbs | 8.3 Lbs |
| Magazine capacity | 14 shots | 14 shots | 12 shots | 10 shots |
If you like the look of the Cricket 2 Tactical, I suggest contacting AoA immediately before they sell out! Pricing starts at around $1,895.00.
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