Keystone Crickett KSA2345 Gen2 .22 LR 16.1in Purple Stock
Pros & cons
What works
- Manual cocking action — forces deliberate safety check between every shot.
- Weighs 2.6 lbs — light enough for youth to manage offhand.
- 11.5-inch length of pull — correctly sized for smaller shooters.
- Installed swivel studs — saves $15-$20 on aftermarket installation.
- 1:16-inch twist rate — stabilizes standard velocity 40-grain .22 LR ammunition.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — 3-4 second minimum cycle time between rounds.
- No included case or lock — adds $25-$50 to initial kit cost.
- Short length of pull — uncomfortable for adult-sized shooters.
- Blued finish — requires more frequent oiling than modern Cerakote to prevent rust.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Keystone Crickett KSA2345 Gen2 .22 LR 16.1-inch Purple Stock is a single-shot, bolt-action rimfire rifle built from the ground up as a training platform for youth and new shooters. It’s a deliberate lesson in fundamentals, not a plinker. Everything about its design—from the manual cocking mechanism to the one-round capacity—forces the shooter to focus on the cycle of operation, safe handling, and deliberate aim between every single shot. Generation 2 updates integrate quality-of-life features while keeping that core educational philosophy intact.
What is the Keystone Crickett KSA2345 Gen2 used for?
This rifle is used for foundational marksmanship training in a controlled, low-pressure environment. Its primary job is to teach a new shooter how to safely load, fire, and make a rifle safe again without the distraction of follow-up shots. The 16.1-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for the iron peep sights, which are a significant upgrade over typical notch-and-post setups. This makes it ideal for introductory range sessions, 4-H shooting sports, and supervised practice where developing discipline is more important than volume of fire.
How does the Keystone Crickett KSA2345 compare to the Stevens 334?
This rifle is better for a first-timer than a Stevens 334 rifle for one reason: forced deliberation. The Stevens 334 is a traditional centerfire bolt-action with a 4+1 detachable magazine, designed for hunting, like the .308 Win model. A beginner can become preoccupied with the magazine and cycling speed, bypassing core safety steps. The single-shot Crickett eliminates that option. For pure training, the Crickett’s simplicity is superior; for a dual-purpose rifle a youth will grow into for small game, the Stevens is the more versatile long-term choice.
What does the Keystone Crickett Gen2 weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 2.6 pounds, which is heavy enough to be stable on bags but light enough for a small-framed shooter to hold steady offhand. Its overall length from buttstock to muzzle is 32.5 inches, a compact size dictated by its 16.1-inch barrel. The synthetic stock is fixed, with a length of pull of 11.5 inches—this is designed for young shooters or smaller adults. A full-size shooter will find this short, requiring a hunched posture, which is part of its intended user profile.
Who is this rifle NOT for?
This rifle is not for an experienced shooter looking for a plinker, varmint rifle, or suppressor host. The single-shot action is prohibitively slow for anything beyond deliberate target practice. The 1:16-inch twist rate is standard for .22 LR but isn't optimized for stabilizing the heavier subsonic rounds commonly used with suppressors. If your goal is volume rimfire shooting or hunting with quick follow-up shots, look at a semiautomatic .22 or a repeaters like the Stevens models instead.
What's in the box with the Crickett KSA2345 Gen2?
You receive the rifle, with the bolt and action separate in the packaging to comply with shipping regulations, requiring final assembly by the purchaser. The only other included item is the factory owner's manual. There is no case, lock, cleaning kit, or scope base included—this is a bare-bones, cost-of-entry package. The installed swivel studs are pre-mounted, but you must provide your own sling and swivels. The drilled and tapped receiver requires separate purchase and installation of scope bases or a rail.
Is the Keystone Crickett KSA2345 worth it at $137.99?
For its singular educational purpose, yes. At $137.99, it’s less expensive than most quality .22 LR ammunition bricks and provides a dedicated, uncompromised training tool. You are paying for a specific pedagogical design, not features. The investment is in the shooter's foundational skills, not the rifle's capabilities. Compared to spending $300+ on a more complex rifle a beginner isn't ready for, this is a fiscally sound way to establish proper handling before moving up to something like a Stevens 555 shotgun for clay sports.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613023456 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2345 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.10" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1rd |
| safety | Crossbolt |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver compatible with Weaver scope bases?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 3/8-inch dovetail interface. This is compatible directly with many rimfire-specific scope rings, or you can mount a Picatinny or Weaver adapter rail. Keystone uses a standard #6-48 screw pattern, which is common for rimfire optics.
- Does this fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes. With an overall length of 32.5 inches, it will fit most standard rifle cases. Look for a case with a 34-inch or longer interior compartment. Due to its light weight, a simple soft case is perfectly adequate for transport to and from the range.
- Can I mount a suppressor on the 16.1-inch barrel?
- Technically yes, but it's not ideal. The barrel is not threaded from the factory. You would need a competent gunsmith to thread it, which costs $80-$150. Even then, the rifle's single-shot action negates the main benefit of a suppressor—hearing-safe rapid fire. It is mechanically possible, but not a practical pairing for this rifle's role.
- How long is the manual safety throw?
- The crossbolt safety has a very positive, distinct engagement. The physical throw from 'Fire' to 'Safe' is approximately 0.2 inches of lateral movement. It is stiff by design to prevent accidental disengagement, requiring a deliberate push with the thumb.