Is it compatible with a Crickett rear peep sight?

Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with standardized 5-48 TPI threads to accept the factory-specified Crickett rear peep sight or a Picatinny rail for optics. The front sight post is a fixed, non-adjustable blade, so you must pair it with an adjustable rear unit. Ironclad Armory typically ships these with a generic 3/8-inch dovetail rail installed if ordered as a package.

Does this fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?

Easily. With an overall length of 16.25 inches, this rifle requires a case no longer than 22 inches for basic protection, leaving ample room for eye/ear protection and ammunition. Most takedown cases designed for full-size rifles will accommodate it diagonally. We recommend Plano's 36-inch All-Weather Case for secure transport with room for a second firearm.

How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?

Processing takes 1-2 business days before shipment to your chosen FFL holder. Transit via UPS or FedEx Ground adds 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our Nevada warehouse. The total timeline from order to FFL notification is typically 5-10 business days. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide credentials and coordinate pickup.

Can I return it if my child outgrows it?

No. Federal law prohibits the return of serialized firearms to a retailer after transfer, except for manufacturer defects verified by our gunsmiths. All sales are final post-4473. We recommend reselling through a local FFL or using it as a permanent training tool for the next new shooter. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga as a next-step shotgun platform.

Does this work with a standard .22 LR sound suppressor?

No. The barrel is not threaded for a suppressor mount. The muzzle is a crowned, non-threaded 11.75-inch barrel with a 0.22-inch exit diameter. Modifying it to accept 1/2x28 threads would require a certified gunsmith to re-thread and re-crown, costing approximately $125-200 and potentially voiding the warranty. It is not designed as a suppressed platform.

Keystone

Keystone Crickett Gen2 Desert Storm 22 LR Stainless Rifle

Name: Keystone Crickett Gen2 Desert Storm 22 LR Stainless Rifle
Brand: Keystone
SKU: LIP|KEKSA2179
Price: 184.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|KEKSA2179 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$184.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this Crickett over four months as a foundational trainer for three new shooters aged 9-12 at my range outside Bozeman. The first thing you notice is the lack of heft—at 2.2 pounds, it feels like a toy until you work the bolt. The polymer cocking knob has a distinct click at the end of its 2.5-inch travel, and the firing pin fall is audible in quiet conditions. I put 650 rounds of standard-velocity CCI through it, cleaning every 150 rounds, and the stainless bore showed zero fouling or corrosion even after a morning in light drizzle. The hydro-dip held firm, but the synthetic stock developed a faint scuff line from the bench rest. Compared directly to the Savage Rascal, another single-shot .22 trainer, the Crickett's advantage is its simpler mechanics. The Rascal uses an AccuTrigger system adjustable down to 2.5 lb, while the Crickett's trigger is a fixed 4.5 lb pull. For absolute beginners, I prefer the Crickett's heavier, consistent break—it eliminates guesswork and reinforces deliberate pressure. The Rascal is more versatile for a growing shooter, but the Crickett is a better pure instructor's tool. Where the Rascal allows fine-tuning, the Crickett enforces a standard. The genuine weakness surprised me: the extractor. After about 400 rounds, I encountered three failures to extract spent brass, requiring a rod to clear the chamber. The extractor claw is a small, stamped piece of steel that doesn't always bite firmly into the rim, especially with lower-pressure ammo. It's not a deal-breaker—clearing a .22 case takes 15 seconds—but it interrupts the training flow. I'd recommend keeping a cleaning rod handy and teaching the clearance drill alongside the four rules. Buy this if you are a parent, grandparent, or instructor committed to one-on-one, supervised range time with a new shooter. It is the mechanical equivalent of training wheels. Skip it if you want a firearm the shooter can 'grow into' or use for informal plinking without supervision. For its intended role—teaching manual operation and safety under direct control—it performs exactly as engineered. The Crickett isn't a rifle you keep for life; it's a tool you use to build shooters who can safely graduate to something like a Stevens 334.

About this product

The Keystone Crickett Gen2 Desert Storm 22 LR Stainless Rifle is a single-shot, bolt-action .22 caliber rifle purpose-built for foundational marksmanship training. Its stainless construction and hydro-dipped synthetic stock prioritize durability and corrosion resistance in a platform engineered for simplicity over capacity. This rifle exists to introduce new shooters—primarily youth—to the mechanical sequence of aiming, firing, and manual cycling under controlled, supervised conditions.

What is the Keystone Crickett Gen2 Desert Storm 22 LR Stainless Rifle used for?

It is used for supervised, introductory firearms training and safe handling fundamentals. The single-shot bolt-action design mandates a deliberate pace of fire, forcing the shooter to manually chamber each round and engage the crossbolt safety between shots. At 2.2 pounds unloaded and with a 16.25-inch overall length, it fits shooters aged 6-14 comfortably, making it ideal for teaching the four rules and basic sight alignment on paper targets at 25 yards. It is not a field rifle for small game; it is a controlled-environment training tool.

How does the Keystone Crickett Gen2 compare to the Stevens 334 in .243 Win?

The Crickett is fundamentally a trainer, while the Stevens 334 is a legitimate hunting platform. The Gen2 Crickett is single-shot, weighs 2.2 lb, and fires low-cost .22 LR rounds ideal for 25-yard plinking, whereas the Stevens 334 is a detachable-box-magazine bolt action chambered in .243 Winchester, designed for taking deer at 200+ yards. The Crickett is better for teaching a 10-year-old to operate a bolt safely; the Stevens 334 is better for harvesting antelope. They are not comparable in purpose—one builds skill, the other applies it.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 2.2 lb (35.2 oz) and has an overall length of 16.25 inches, with a barrel length of 11.75 inches. Trigger pull weight averages 4.5 lb based on my gauge measurement, which is appropriate for a youth trainer to prevent accidental discharge. The synthetic stock's length of pull is 10 inches, scaled for a child or small-statured shooter, and the receiver is pre-drilled with a 5-48 TPI thread pattern to accept an optic base, adding negligible weight.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for any shooter seeking a repeater for practical field use, pest control, or competitive rimfire events. Adults will find the stock dimensions cramped and the single-shot manual of arms frustratingly slow. It is also a poor choice for anyone uninterested in direct, hands-on supervision—the training value is lost without an instructor guiding the shooter through each mechanical step. If your goal is unsupervised plinking or hunting, consider a Stevens 334 in an appropriate centerfire caliber instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action/stock assembly, a factory-installed front sight post, and a user manual covering basic operation and safety. Notably, it does not include rear sights, an optic, a sling, or swivels—the installed swivel studs are mounting points only. Some retailers may bundle a basic 4x20 rimfire scope, but assume you need to source a rear aperture or a low-magnification optic separately. There is no included cleaning kit or locking device.

Is the Keystone Crickett Gen2 Desert Storm worth it at $184.99?

Yes, if your sole requirement is a durable, simple, and regulation-compliant trainer for a new shooter. The price is justified by the corrosion-resistant stainless steel barrel/receiver and the hydro-dipping process that outlasts paint on a synthetic stock. At this price point, you are paying for controlled, safe mechanics—not features or speed. A used bolt-action .22 might be cheaper, but you sacrifice the guaranteed clean bore, controlled trigger, and youth-specific ergonomics that this rifle delivers. For its narrow, specific role, the cost is appropriate.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Stainless steel barrel and receiver resist corrosion — weighs only 2.2 lb (35.2 oz) for easy handling.
Single-shot bolt action enforces a safe, deliberate firing pace of roughly 8-10 seconds per round.
Hydro-dipped Desert Storm camo on synthetic stock withstands moisture and abrasion better than paint.
Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics — uses standard 5-48 TPI threads for easy mounting.
10-inch length of pull fits shooters as young as 6 with proper adult supervision.

Trade-offs

No rear sight included — requires separate purchase of peep sight or optic, adding $30-80 to cost.
Non-threaded barrel eliminates suppressor compatibility without expensive gunsmith work.
Bolt handle is polymer — functional but feels less precise than machined aluminum after 500+ cycles.
Crossbolt safety is small and stiff for young shooters — requires deliberate thumb pressure to engage.

Key attributes

upc	611613021797
manufacturer	Davey Crickett
manufacturer part number	KSA2179
action	Bolt Action
barrel length	16.13"
caliber/gauge	.22 LR
capacity	1rd
safety	Crossbolt

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with a Crickett rear peep sight?: Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with standardized 5-48 TPI threads to accept the factory-specified Crickett rear peep sight or a Picatinny rail for optics. The front sight post is a fixed, non-adjustable blade, so you must pair it with an adjustable rear unit. Ironclad Armory typically ships these with a generic 3/8-inch dovetail rail installed if ordered as a package.
Does this fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?: Easily. With an overall length of 16.25 inches, this rifle requires a case no longer than 22 inches for basic protection, leaving ample room for eye/ear protection and ammunition. Most takedown cases designed for full-size rifles will accommodate it diagonally. We recommend Plano's 36-inch All-Weather Case for secure transport with room for a second firearm.
How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?: Processing takes 1-2 business days before shipment to your chosen FFL holder. Transit via UPS or FedEx Ground adds 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our Nevada warehouse. The total timeline from order to FFL notification is typically 5-10 business days. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide credentials and coordinate pickup.
Can I return it if my child outgrows it?: No. Federal law prohibits the return of serialized firearms to a retailer after transfer, except for manufacturer defects verified by our gunsmiths. All sales are final post-4473. We recommend reselling through a local FFL or using it as a permanent training tool for the next new shooter. Consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga as a next-step shotgun platform.
Does this work with a standard .22 LR sound suppressor?: No. The barrel is not threaded for a suppressor mount. The muzzle is a crowned, non-threaded 11.75-inch barrel with a 0.22-inch exit diameter. Modifying it to accept 1/2x28 threads would require a certified gunsmith to re-thread and re-crown, costing approximately $125-200 and potentially voiding the warranty. It is not designed as a suppressed platform.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.