Let’s Dive into Davey Crickett Scope
The Davey Crickett Scope by Davey Crickett is designed as an introductory optic for young shooters, offering a fixed 4x magnification and a simple mil-dot reticle. Its compact size and included mounting rings make it an easy addition to many youth rifles. I was intrigued by this scope because my niece expressed interest in learning to shoot, and I wanted a reliable, yet simple optic to start her training without overwhelming her.
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless optics pass through my hands, from high-end variable power scopes to rugged red dots. Upon unboxing the Davey Crickett Scope, I was immediately struck by its lightweight design and seemingly durable construction, although the overall feel was somewhat basic. The matte finish looked decent, and the included rings were a welcome addition.
I considered other options like the Simmons 4×32 .22 Mag scope and a budget-friendly red dot sight. However, the Davey Crickett Scope’s mil-dot reticle and reputation for ease of use swayed my decision. Its fixed magnification and simple design felt like a good fit for a beginner.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the scope seemed well-suited for its intended purpose. I wasn’t blown away by any particular feature, but it appeared functional and appropriately priced for a youth-oriented optic. I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Davey Crickett Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Davey Crickett Scope at my local shooting range, mounting it on my niece’s .22 rifle. We started at 25 yards, gradually moving out to 50 yards as she became more comfortable. The scope performed well in the clear, sunny conditions, providing a bright and relatively clear image.
The fixed 4x magnification was easy for her to use, and the mil-dot reticle offered simple aiming points. She quickly grasped the basics of sight alignment and trigger control using the scope. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the eye relief was quite specific, requiring precise head placement for a full field of view.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips over the past few months, the Davey Crickett Scope has held up reasonably well. There are a few minor scratches on the matte finish, but the lenses remain clear. It has maintained its zero despite some bumps and jostling in the range bag.
Cleaning is simple, requiring only a lens cloth to wipe away fingerprints and dust. Compared to some higher-end optics I own, the Davey Crickett Scope doesn’t offer the same level of clarity or light transmission, but for its intended purpose and price point, it performs admirably. It has certainly met, if not exceeded, my expectations for a budget-friendly youth scope.
Breaking Down the Features of Davey Crickett Scope
Specifications
The Davey Crickett Scope features a 32mm objective lens, providing a decent amount of light gathering for its size. It offers a fixed 4x magnification, which simplifies aiming for new shooters. The Mil-Dot reticle allows for basic range estimation and holdover, while the 1-inch tube diameter is standard for easy mounting.
Other specifications include an 8.8 oz weight, a 7.7-inch length, and a 3.5-inch eye relief. The adjustment click value is 0.25 MOA, allowing for precise zeroing. It boasts a Multi-Layer Sapphire Coating on the lens, offering scratch resistance. These specifications contribute to a lightweight, user-friendly scope that is well-suited for small-caliber rifles and beginner shooters.
Performance & Functionality
The Davey Crickett Scope excels at its primary function: providing a simple, magnified sight picture for young shooters. Its fixed magnification eliminates the need for complex adjustments. The mil-dot reticle is easy to understand and use. The scope’s zero holds well, even after repeated use.
However, the eye relief is quite sensitive, requiring consistent head placement to avoid scope shadow. The clarity isn’t exceptional, especially at longer distances. The turrets are also a bit mushy, lacking the crisp clicks found on higher-end scopes. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget optic, but it’s not without its limitations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Davey Crickett Scope has a simple, functional design. The matte black finish is understated and resists glare. It is lightweight and doesn’t add excessive bulk to a youth rifle. The included rings are a nice touch, simplifying the mounting process.
The scope is easy to handle and adjust, even for small hands. The turrets are easily accessible, although their lack of tactile feedback is a minor drawback. There’s a minimal learning curve, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Davey Crickett Scope appears reasonably durable for its intended use. The sapphire lens coating provides some protection against scratches. The one-piece tube construction helps to prevent moisture and dust from entering. It should last for several years with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward: wipe down the lens with a soft cloth and occasionally clean the exterior. There are no user-serviceable parts, but the scope is designed to be simple and reliable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Davey Crickett Scope comes with mounting rings and elastic lens covers. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, as it is a fixed-power scope.
It is compatible with any standard 1-inch scope rings, allowing for some flexibility in mounting height. You could also add aftermarket lens covers for extra protection. Its simplicity limits customization, but that is part of its appeal for beginners.
Pros and Cons of Davey Crickett Scope
Pros
- Easy to use: Simple design makes it ideal for beginners.
- Affordable: Offers good value for the price.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add much weight to the rifle.
- Mil-Dot reticle: Useful for learning basic range estimation.
- Included rings: Simplifies the mounting process.
Cons
- Eye relief: Quite sensitive, requiring precise head placement.
- Clarity: Not as sharp or bright as higher-end scopes.
- Turrets: Lack crisp clicks, making precise adjustments difficult.
Who Should Buy Davey Crickett Scope?
The Davey Crickett Scope is perfect for parents or guardians who want to introduce young shooters to the world of optics. It is also well-suited for anyone seeking an affordable, simple scope for a .22 rifle or other low-recoil firearm. Casual target shooters or plinkers will appreciate its ease of use and affordability.
Those who need high-end clarity, variable magnification, or precise turret adjustments should skip this product. Competitive shooters or hunters requiring long-range accuracy would be better served with a more advanced optic.
A bore sighter would be a must-have accessory to make initial zeroing easier. Additional lens covers would also provide extra protection during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Davey Crickett Scope
The Davey Crickett Scope is a solid choice for its intended purpose: introducing young shooters to the world of optics. It’s easy to use, affordable, and reasonably durable. While it lacks some of the features and clarity of higher-end scopes, it provides excellent value for the price.
The price is certainly justified considering its target audience and ease of use. It’s a good investment for teaching young people the basics of shooting with a scope.
I would definitely recommend the Davey Crickett Scope to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, simple optic for a youth rifle. It’s a great starting point for a lifelong passion. Get your young shooter started on the right foot; pick up a Davey Crickett Scope today!