Keystone Crickett Rifle 22 LR Stainless / Black Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.2 pounds — 47% lighter than adult .22 rifles like the Ruger 10/22
- 16.1-inch barrel provides optimal .22 LR velocity without excessive length
- Rebounding firing pin automatically blocks for drop-safe operation
- 1:16 rifling twist stabilizes 40-grain bullets precisely at 25-50 yards
Trade-offs
- Single-shot design limits practical application beyond training scenarios
- No receiver dovetail or drilling for scope mounts requires aftermarket solutions
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull spacers
- Manual cocking adds 2-3 seconds to each shot cycle compared to standard bolt actions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Keystone Crickett is a manual-cocking, single-shot bolt-action .22 LR rifle designed specifically for youth shooters and firearms fundamentals training. At 30 inches overall with a 16.1-inch barrel, it provides a compact platform that prioritizes safety and straightforward operation through its rebounding firing pin system and manual-cocking bolt. Generation 2 models include factory upgrades like the EZ Loader and swivel studs for improved usability.
What is the Keystone Crickett used for?
This rifle serves as an introductory training platform for young or new shooters learning proper firearms handling and marksmanship fundamentals. The single-shot design forces deliberate shooting cadence and manual bolt cocking reinforces safety protocols between shots. I've seen this rifle effectively teach trigger discipline and sight alignment to shooters as young as 8 years old under proper supervision.
How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334?
The Crickett's 3.2-pound weight makes it 2.8 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Win, which translates to better handling for smaller-framed users. While the Stevens 334 offers centerfire power and detachable magazine capacity, the Crickett's single-shot .22 LR design prioritizes safety and ammunition economy for training scenarios where shot count matters less than shot quality.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs exactly 3.2 pounds with an overall length of 30 inches and 16.1-inch barrel configuration. This compact platform features a 12.5-inch length of pull that accommodates youth frames while maintaining proper sight alignment geometry. The bolt requires approximately 2.5 inches of rearward travel to cock and chamber the next round manually.
Who is this NOT for?
Experienced hunters or competitive shooters needing rapid follow-up shots should consider our Stevens 334 line instead. The manual-cocking single-shot action creates a 7-10 second cycle time between rounds, making it impractical for varmint control or timed events. Adults with larger frames will find the compact stock dimensions uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 1-inch sling swivel stud pre-installed in the forend and a threaded insert in the buttstock for the second swivel. Packaging includes basic safety literature and a factory test target showing 2-inch groups at 25 yards with standard velocity ammunition. Generation 2 models include the EZ Loader accessory that simplifies cartridge insertion for small hands.
Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $168.99?
At this price point, the Crickett delivers exceptional value for its intended purpose as a first firearm. The stainless barrel and synthetic stock combination requires minimal maintenance while providing reliable .22 LR performance that costs approximately $0.08 per round to practice with. Compared to similar youth rifles costing $50-75 more, the Crickett includes practical features like the peep sight system that typically adds $30-40 as an aftermarket upgrade.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613024442 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2444 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Crickett handles all standard velocity and high velocity .22 LR rounds up to 1,280 fps. I've tested it successfully with CCI Mini-Mag, Federal AutoMatch, and Winchester Super-X loads without cycling issues. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds exceeding 1,400 fps as they can accelerate barrel throat erosion in this lightweight platform.
- Does the rifle include iron sights?
- The factory configuration includes an adjustable rear peep sight and fixed front post sight zeroed at 25 yards. The rear sight offers elevation adjustments in 1/4 MOA increments with windage controlled by drifting the front sight in its dovetail. For optics mounting, the receiver lacks pre-drilled tapping points requiring aftermarket solutions from companies like DIP Inc.
- Can adults use this rifle effectively?
- While functional for adult shooters, the 12.5-inch length of pull creates significant stock crawl for users over 5'8". I recommend the Stevens 334 platform for adult frames needing proper ergonomics. The Crickett's compact dimensions work best for shooters with shorter arms or youth participants under 120 pounds body weight.
- How long does assembly take out of the box?
- The rifle requires approximately 90 seconds to remove from packaging and verify safety function. Assembly involves simply inserting the bolt handle and confirming the firing pin block engages properly. No tools are needed for initial setup beyond visual inspection of the chamber and bore condition before first use.
- Does this work with standard 1-inch slings?
- Generation 2 models include factory-installed swivel studs compatible with all standard 1-inch quick-detach sling systems. The front stud positions 4.5 inches behind the muzzle while the rear stud aligns with the buttstock's centerline. I recommend Hunter Company's leather slings for traditional setups or Blue Force Gear's padded options for extended carry.