Keystone Crickett “My First Rifle” .22 LR 16.1″ Purple
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Keystone Crickett “My First Rifle” is a 16.1-inch single-shot .22 LR rifle purpose-built for foundational marksmanship training under direct adult supervision. This purple-finished bolt-action operates on a deliberately simplified manual of arms to isolate the fundamentals of sight alignment, trigger control, and breathing. The design prioritizes mechanical safety and manageable proportions over firing volume, making it a legal and pedagogical tool for introducing new, typically younger, shooters to the sport.
What is the Keystone Crickett "My First Rifle" used for?
This rifle is used exclusively for supervised introductory training, backyard plinking, and formal junior shooting programs. Its single-shot action creates a mandatory pause between rounds, forcing the shooter to focus on reload procedure, safe muzzle direction, and breath control rather than rapid fire. The 11.5-inch length of pull and sub-3-pound unloaded weight are engineered for a shooter with a smaller frame, typically ages 6-12, to handle without excessive fatigue or improper form. This is not a hunting or defensive firearm.
How does the Keystone Crickett compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett is better for a first-time youth shooter, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is for an adult's first centerfire rifle. The Crickett's 2.5-pound unloaded weight is 5 pounds lighter than an unloaded Stevens 334, and its 1-round capacity versus the 334's 4+1 demands entirely different handling discipline. The Stevens 334 is a tool for learning to manage recoil and follow-up shots; the Crickett is for learning to make one shot count under perfect control.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 2.5 pounds, with an overall length of 30 inches and a 16.1-inch barrel. The critical dimension is the 11.5-inch length of pull, which positions the trigger roughly 4 inches closer to the shooter's shoulder than a standard adult rifle like a Stevens 334 in .243 Win, preventing the need to over-extend the firing arm. The barrel's 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds effectively at the typical 10-25 yard engagement distances for this platform.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for adults seeking a plinker, pest control, or any form of defensive application. An adult will find the stock too short and the single-shot action frustratingly slow. It is also not for unsupervised use; the manual safety and rebounding firing pin are secondary to direct adult oversight. If the goal is introducing an older teen or adult to .22 LR shooting, a 10-round semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22 provides a more versatile and appropriately scaled learning platform.
What's in the box?
The box contains the complete rifle, one installed 1-inch swivel stud on the forend, and owner's manual detailing the lifetime warranty. New Generation 2 models include the EZ Loader feature, a small metal tab that assists in chambering a round, and a second swivel stud installed at the butt. Conspicuously absent is any form of optic, case, or sling; these are considered training-specific accessories the supervisor must select based on the shooter's needs.
Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $167.99?
At $167.99, the Crickett is worth the cost if your sole purpose is safe, structured, introductory training. You are paying for a dedicated training tool with built-in safety interludes, not a versatile firearm. The investment covers a mechanically simple action backed by a lifetime warranty, which is critical for a tool that may see infrequent but highly scrutinized use over many years. For that price, you cannot buy a new centerfire rifle, making the Crickett a logical, single-purpose entry point before stepping up to a platform like a Stevens 334.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.5 lbs unloaded — manageable for a 40-80 lb shooter.
- 11.5-inch length of pull fits a youth's frame without modification.
- Single-shot action enforces a mandatory 8-12 second reload & safety check cycle.
- Lifetime warranty covers parts and labor for the original owner.
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded 16.1-inch barrel — suppressor-ready models cost $40+ more.
- Plastic stock lacks adjustable cheek riser — limits precise optic alignment.
- Sights are serviceable but not precision-grade — groups open past 35 yards.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613024459 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2445 |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard .22 LR suppressor?
- No, the 16.1-inch barrel is not threaded, so it cannot directly accept a suppressor. Threading would require a certified gunsmith to modify the barrel, add threads, and potentially re-crown it, adding roughly $75-$150 to the total cost and voiding the factory warranty. For a suppressed introductory rifle, consider a dedicated youth model with a factory-threaded barrel.
- Does this fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 30-inch overall length fits in most 32-inch takedown rifle cases or standard 36-inch soft cases with room to spare. For precise storage, look for a case with an internal length between 31 and 33 inches to prevent excessive movement. We recommend cases from brands like Savior Equipment or Plano for this specific application.
- How long does assembly take out of the box?
- Assembly from the box to a range-ready state takes under 2 minutes. The only required step is installing the provided rear peep sight into its dovetail, which requires a 3/16-inch hex key or flathead screwdriver to tighten the set screw. The rifle ships with the action already bedded in the stock and the firing pin safety engaged.
- Can I use .22 WMR ammunition in this rifle?
- Absolutely not. The Crickett is chambered only for .22 Long Rifle. The EZ Loader feature on Generation 2 models specifically excludes .22 WMR to prevent chambering. Firing a .22 WMR round, which operates at nearly triple the pressure, in this rifle would constitute a catastrophic firearms failure and severe safety hazard.
- Does it work with standard 1-inch rifle sling swivels?
- Yes, the installed forend stud and optional butt stud on Gen 2 models are standard 1-inch quick-detachable swivel posts. You can attach any QD sling swivel, like those from Blue Force Gear or Magpul, rated for a 1-inch loop. The studs are plastic-embedded, so avoid hanging the full weight of the rifle from a sling for extended periods.