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Keystone Overlander...Very light and compact… It’d be nice if the stock could slide forward just a bit more to sit flush against the back of the receiver. But that might breach the 26” legal limit.
The light, carbon fiber wrapped barrel, free floated “handguard”, pistol grip, and collapsible buttstock lend the Overlander an exotic look.
I replaced the excessively long pistol grip with a BCM KD 3.0 Gunfighter shorty grip. Saves over 30 grams. With the design of the receiver’ I had to lop off the beaver tail and some of the trigger guard ledge.
I’ve always looked at the Keystone Crickett single shot bolt action rifles for kids with interest. I think the Overlander can serve as a kid’s training platform AND yet continue to serve as a very light and compact backpack carbine for adults.
The buttstock storage compartment provides a good cheek weld for kids, but adults will need to do a good turkey neck cheek weld onto the extended twin rails to get low enough to see through the peep sight.
The Overlander, like the SU16c, can fire while the stock is folded or collapsed. Something that the Ruger takedown rifles can’t match.
I did experience some frustration with the collapsible stock…the stock collapses about an inch on almost every shot. Occurs when pulling the buttstock firmly into the shoulder pocket…preloaded such, the light recoil of the 22LR cartridge is just enough to collapse the stock. I suppose you could call it a recoil reducing feature, but it’s annoying.
This leads to the four step firing routine:Eject spent caseInsert fresh cartridgeClose BoltExtend stockCock hammer
Trying to resolve the issue, I used a small triangle file to cut the wire stock notches deeper and square it up toward the rear of the buttstock…allowing the forward side to retain a ramp. I also added a ⅛” preload spacer to the spring. The problem persists. It is an annoying issue that hopefully Keystone can resolve with future iterations. The spring loaded catches do have a steel roll pin insert for lockup with the wire stock.
They do offer a version of the Overlander with an AR like adjustable buttstock/buffer tube setup. This is a poor solution…ruining the weight advantage of the Overlander, hinders the rifle’s length of pull as a platform for children, and eliminates the really compact collapsed form factor….probably 5 to 6 inches longer when collapsed than the wire stock. Wire stock is far superior for a backpack carbine and worth overcoming or adapting to the lock up issues.
Monitor this page for updates.
The light, carbon fiber wrapped barrel, free floated “handguard”, pistol grip, and collapsible buttstock lend the Overlander an exotic look.
I replaced the excessively long pistol grip with a BCM KD 3.0 Gunfighter shorty grip. Saves over 30 grams. With the design of the receiver’ I had to lop off the beaver tail and some of the trigger guard ledge.
I’ve always looked at the Keystone Crickett single shot bolt action rifles for kids with interest. I think the Overlander can serve as a kid’s training platform AND yet continue to serve as a very light and compact backpack carbine for adults.
The buttstock storage compartment provides a good cheek weld for kids, but adults will need to do a good turkey neck cheek weld onto the extended twin rails to get low enough to see through the peep sight.
The Overlander, like the SU16c, can fire while the stock is folded or collapsed. Something that the Ruger takedown rifles can’t match.
I did experience some frustration with the collapsible stock…the stock collapses about an inch on almost every shot. Occurs when pulling the buttstock firmly into the shoulder pocket…preloaded such, the light recoil of the 22LR cartridge is just enough to collapse the stock. I suppose you could call it a recoil reducing feature, but it’s annoying.
This leads to the four step firing routine:Eject spent caseInsert fresh cartridgeClose BoltExtend stockCock hammer
Trying to resolve the issue, I used a small triangle file to cut the wire stock notches deeper and square it up toward the rear of the buttstock…allowing the forward side to retain a ramp. I also added a ⅛” preload spacer to the spring. The problem persists. It is an annoying issue that hopefully Keystone can resolve with future iterations. The spring loaded catches do have a steel roll pin insert for lockup with the wire stock.
They do offer a version of the Overlander with an AR like adjustable buttstock/buffer tube setup. This is a poor solution…ruining the weight advantage of the Overlander, hinders the rifle’s length of pull as a platform for children, and eliminates the really compact collapsed form factor….probably 5 to 6 inches longer when collapsed than the wire stock. Wire stock is far superior for a backpack carbine and worth overcoming or adapting to the lock up issues.
Monitor this page for updates.
The most popular youth rifles are the Keystone Cricket and Chipmunk. Lightweight, short length of pull, and discrete loading and cocking operations that are ideal for young shooters.
The Keystone Overlander is based on the Chipmunk action, but fitted with a carbon fiber wrapped barrel, pistol grip, and collapsible stock. More versatile than the fixed stock Crickett or Chipmunk the Overlander easily accommodates youth and adult shooters.
For new students learning gun safety, cheek weld, steady hold factors, and trigger manipulation, dealing with peep sights is needlessly complex. Mounting a magnified optic just introduces the hassle of scope eye relief and eye alignment. For beginning shooters a red dot simplifies things.
I started off trying a Primary Arms Micro Red Dot. Keystone offers a Crickettinny Rail kit, but it is excessively high. I found a low pic rail with a curved base but getting it mounted was a bit janky. The rail coupled with the picatinny mount on the red dot raised the line of sight a little too high for a proper cheek weld…especially for kids. It was ok, but not optimal so I continued my search. I decided that I needed a RMSc adapter plate so that I could mount a low, lightweight “pistol” reflex sight.
Found exactly what I was seeking at Rucker Machine. The Rucker Crickett/Chipmunk Optics Mount available in RMR or RMSc pattern. Curved bottom to mount atop the Keystone receiver using the two drilled and tapped holes just forward of the ejection port.
I had an idle Crimson Trace 1500 that was bundled with the early version of the KelTec P17 Red Dot Slide before they changed to the much better Viridian RFX11.
The Rucker mount is as thin as possible just maintaining needed depth for the optic mounting screws. I was hoping that maybe I would get lower ¼ co-witness with the irons, but the CT1500’s base is a bit too thick…possible that a more svelte sight would co-witness…maybe the RFX11 or a Shield RMSsc would get low enough.
The Rucker mount is not exactly cheap, but it is well worth it if you’re setting up a Cricket or Overlander for a young shooter.
This reflex sight setup adds very little weight to the Overlander. It also keeps the overall height of the Overlander to a minimum…especially if you’re running the AmbGun recommended BCM KD shorty grip on the little carbine.
So that’s it…Keystone Overlander, BCM KD grip, CVlife bipod, Rucker Machine optic plate, and an RMSc reflex sight…a very sweet, on target setup.
The Keystone Overlander is based on the Chipmunk action, but fitted with a carbon fiber wrapped barrel, pistol grip, and collapsible stock. More versatile than the fixed stock Crickett or Chipmunk the Overlander easily accommodates youth and adult shooters.
For new students learning gun safety, cheek weld, steady hold factors, and trigger manipulation, dealing with peep sights is needlessly complex. Mounting a magnified optic just introduces the hassle of scope eye relief and eye alignment. For beginning shooters a red dot simplifies things.
I started off trying a Primary Arms Micro Red Dot. Keystone offers a Crickettinny Rail kit, but it is excessively high. I found a low pic rail with a curved base but getting it mounted was a bit janky. The rail coupled with the picatinny mount on the red dot raised the line of sight a little too high for a proper cheek weld…especially for kids. It was ok, but not optimal so I continued my search. I decided that I needed a RMSc adapter plate so that I could mount a low, lightweight “pistol” reflex sight.
Found exactly what I was seeking at Rucker Machine. The Rucker Crickett/Chipmunk Optics Mount available in RMR or RMSc pattern. Curved bottom to mount atop the Keystone receiver using the two drilled and tapped holes just forward of the ejection port.
I had an idle Crimson Trace 1500 that was bundled with the early version of the KelTec P17 Red Dot Slide before they changed to the much better Viridian RFX11.
The Rucker mount is as thin as possible just maintaining needed depth for the optic mounting screws. I was hoping that maybe I would get lower ¼ co-witness with the irons, but the CT1500’s base is a bit too thick…possible that a more svelte sight would co-witness…maybe the RFX11 or a Shield RMSsc would get low enough.
The Rucker mount is not exactly cheap, but it is well worth it if you’re setting up a Cricket or Overlander for a young shooter.
This reflex sight setup adds very little weight to the Overlander. It also keeps the overall height of the Overlander to a minimum…especially if you’re running the AmbGun recommended BCM KD shorty grip on the little carbine.
So that’s it…Keystone Overlander, BCM KD grip, CVlife bipod, Rucker Machine optic plate, and an RMSc reflex sight…a very sweet, on target setup.
I typically don't care much for bipodsThey introduce the variable of the terrain, sand, gravel, dirt, concrete, wood, into the “steady hold factors” equationVersus a shooter's sling that insulates a bit and can provide support for not just prone, but sitting, squatting, and offhand, too.
But our 4 year old ‘lil gunfighter wanted to try a bipod for support. And parents wanted help keeping the muzzle out of the dirt and directed down range.
I Paired a CVLife QD pic rail Tactical bipod with the Keystone Overlander. A terrific combination for kids shooting prone….and adults alike.
One surprising benefit of the bipod for the Overlander is that it prevents the stock from collapsing during live fire recoil…even if forward tensioned.
Raising bipod awareness…The Tactical bipod is Great for bullpups, too, where the sling, as a shooter's aid, is less effective.
Compared to the Magpul bipod…Size and Weight basically the sameTilt is smooth on Magpul, indexed on CVlifeCVlife features numeric markings on legsCVlife can fold both to the front and to the rear…great for bullpups or backpack carbine versatilityWith legs folded, the CVlife can keep a rifle balanced upright on its adjustment knob, whereas the Magpul knob is pretty tippy…although it has really nice knurling. I do wish the bipod could splay its legs at a sideways angle to create a wider platform for kids. Our little test shooter figured it out, so maybe not worth the added complexity and weight. CVlife Tactical bipod…about half the price of Magpul offering. And with similar features.
But our 4 year old ‘lil gunfighter wanted to try a bipod for support. And parents wanted help keeping the muzzle out of the dirt and directed down range.
I Paired a CVLife QD pic rail Tactical bipod with the Keystone Overlander. A terrific combination for kids shooting prone….and adults alike.
One surprising benefit of the bipod for the Overlander is that it prevents the stock from collapsing during live fire recoil…even if forward tensioned.
Raising bipod awareness…The Tactical bipod is Great for bullpups, too, where the sling, as a shooter's aid, is less effective.
Compared to the Magpul bipod…Size and Weight basically the sameTilt is smooth on Magpul, indexed on CVlifeCVlife features numeric markings on legsCVlife can fold both to the front and to the rear…great for bullpups or backpack carbine versatilityWith legs folded, the CVlife can keep a rifle balanced upright on its adjustment knob, whereas the Magpul knob is pretty tippy…although it has really nice knurling. I do wish the bipod could splay its legs at a sideways angle to create a wider platform for kids. Our little test shooter figured it out, so maybe not worth the added complexity and weight. CVlife Tactical bipod…about half the price of Magpul offering. And with similar features.
CVLIFE Picatinny Quick Release Bipod
20% Discount code: I9DKJYDN
20% Discount code: I9DKJYDN
Given the Overlander's short "handguard" there is no effective way to use a sling as a shooter's aid. As an advocate of the shooter's sling, I've never been a fan of the bipod. I generally think they introduce too much of the variation of the terrain into the steady hold factors. But I think the Overlander as well as the RDB bullpup might benefit from a lightweight bipod. Testing the CVLife.
Mission First Tactical Achro “without color” or gray man 22L BackpackFeatures an ambi access CCW pocket and the velcro MFT Multi-Mount PlatformMy P17 fits with room to spareI’m not a fan of off-body firearm carry, so I secured a Pioneer Woman paring knife. Perhaps I should include a spoon and fork, too. The subdued company logo is discreetly positioned above the exterior storage pocket where I organize my family ParaQuito insect repellent…you’re more likely to be killed by a mosquito than a Grizzly.Only opens diagonally, I wish it folded out full like the 30L model. I use the soft eyeglass pocket to carry two “camera” phones.The carry handle is sturdy and the sweat chimney helps keep you coolSturdy padded shoulder harness with adjustable sternum strap.The 2.4 pound pack is a good match for mountain bikers and day hikers.Ambi water bottle pouches can hold up to 32 ounce containersPadded compartment accommodates my inadequate, but long lived, 13” Lenovo Thinkpad. But I wish the compartment kept the notebook off the bottom. I made use of the laser cut molle to install a holster and secure a barrel condom to carry the Keystone Overlander. Rugged enough to handle bumpy mountain bike trails with grace.Not quite tall enough to comfortably accommodate our 19 ½” 10/22 takedown build, but I believe the 30L version would be tall enough.
Because gun shot trauma all require the same emergency response whether from 22LR, 9mm, or 45ACP.
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Ambidextrous "optimal use of cover", optimal use of terrain for steady hold factors.Training the brain so that both the left and right eye can pick up the sighting system. Perfectly mirrored controls for unconscious, bilateral transfer of skill. operation both left and right handed.
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Ambidextrous "optimal use of cover", optimal use of terrain for steady hold factors.Training the brain so that both the left and right eye can pick up the sighting system. Perfectly mirrored controls for unconscious, bilateral transfer of skill. operation both left and right handed.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of our posts at AmbGun.com contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Clicking on an affiliate link which earns a commission does not result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Mentions of associated products within the content of AmbGun.com may not be noted as an affiliate in every referrence. Money earned via affiliate links helps keep the AmbGun web site and video production up and running. AmbGun hopes that you'd prefer that our efforts earn a commission rather than bypassing our affiliate links and simply adding to the bottom line of large marketers like Amazon.com
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