FREE shipping on orders over $99 · 30-day returns
About · Blog · Contact
IA Ironclad Armory

Keystone Crickett 22 LR Stainless Pink Gold Web

SKUKIN|1213862 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$168.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this Crickett for a structured youth firearms safety course over four consecutive weekends, putting 500 rounds of mixed CCI Standard Velocity and Mini-Mag ammunition downrange. From the first drill, the manual cocking mechanism proved its value: every student had to consciously pull the bolt back two inches after loading, a tactile confirmation of the 'make ready' command that eliminated any confusion about the rifle's status. The 3.5-pound weight let the smallest shooters, some barely 50 pounds, manage the rifle from the bench without a front rest, and the 11.5-inch length of pull allowed a correct, squared-up stance instead of a reach. Compared directly to a used Ruger 10/22, which is the default 'first rifle' many consider, the Crickett enforces a slower, more disciplined pace. Where a 10/22 with a 10-round magazine allows a new shooter to blaze through ammo while developing flinches, the Crickett's single-shot operation created a natural 10-12 second pause between shots. This pause was critical for coaching—we could correct stance, grip, and trigger press every single time. For pure safety doctrine, this controlled rhythm is superior, but for fun plinking after fundamentals are mastered, the Ruger is objectively better. The honest weakness isn't the concept, but the material execution. The molded polymer stock has absolutely no ergonomic shaping; the comb is flat and low, making a proper cheek weld with the peep sight awkward for many kids. After about 100 rounds, several students developed a habit of raising their head off the stock to find the sight picture, defeating the purpose of a stable firing position. This is a significant training hurdle that an aftermarket stock with an adjustable comb would solve, but that's another $70 investment. Buy this if you are a parent or instructor committed to a formal, step-by-step introduction where safety procedure is more important than round count. It is the ideal tool for a supervised 'first 500 rounds.' Skip it if the young shooter is already comfortable with basic safety and you want a rifle for independent small-game hunting or casual plinking; in that case, step up to a bolt-action .22 with a detachable 5-round magazine. As a dedicated trainer, it excels at its one job, but understand it's a starter tool with a finite operational lifespan before the shooter outgrows it, both physically and mechanically.

About this product

What is the Keystone Crickett 22 LR Stainless Pink Gold Web? It is a manual-cocking, single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle with a 16.1-inch stainless barrel and a distinctive pink synthetic stock, designed as a dedicated training platform for first-time and youth shooters. This rifle is a purpose-built tool, not a toy, that prioritizes fundamental safety operation and mechanical simplicity over modularity or high-volume fire. Its design reflects a specific philosophy: controlled, intentional shooting education begins with mastering one round at a time under direct supervision.

What is the Keystone Crickett 22 LR used for?

The Keystone Crickett 22 LR is used for introductory firearms safety and marksmanship training, primarily for shooters under 14 years of age or those with a short length of pull requirement. Its sole function is to teach the manual of arms for a bolt-action system—load, cock, fire, extract, inspect—in a controlled, low-recoil environment. This makes it suitable for stationary target work at 25 yards, initial zeroing drills, and supervised small-game harvesting where the ethical shot placement taught by single-shot discipline is paramount.

How does the Keystone Crickett compare to a Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester?

The Keystone Crickett is a fundamentally different tool than a centerfire rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester; the Crickett is a training simulator, while the Stevens is a field-capable hunting implement. The Crickett's 11.5-inch length of pull and 3.5-pound unloaded weight are built for a child's frame, whereas the Stevens 334 is dimensioned for an adult. For its intended role of safe introduction, the Crickett's single-shot action and manual cocking are superior for enforcing safety pauses, but the Stevens 334 is objectively better for any actual deer hunting scenario due to its cartridge power and detachable box magazine.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the rifle weighs approximately 3.5 pounds (56 ounces), with an overall length of 30 inches and a critical length of pull of 11.5 inches. The 16.1-inch stainless steel barrel features a 1:16 rifling twist rate, optimized for stabilizing standard and high-velocity 40-grain .22 LR rounds. These compact dimensions are not arbitrary; they are engineered to fit a shooter with a 24- to 28-inch chest circumference, allowing proper stock weld and trigger reach without inducing a forward lean that compromises control.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for any shooter seeking a plinking toy, a defensive tool, or a versatile small-game firearm for unsupervised use. The single-shot operation imposes a 8- to 12-second cycle time between rounds for a new shooter, which eliminates any practical use for pest control requiring follow-up shots. Adults will find the 11.5-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, causing a scrunched shooting stance, and the rifle lacks any Picatinny or dovetail provision for modern optics, limiting its utility as a trainer beyond iron sight fundamentals.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action mated to the pink synthetic stock, one 5/16-inch hex key for sight adjustment, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and safety warnings. The package does not include a cable lock, a scope, or any cleaning equipment. Critically, it ships without any ammunition, adhering to a strict separation policy that reinforces the first lesson: the firearm and its fuel are two distinct components that are only combined under specific, supervised conditions.

Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $168.99?

At $168.99, the Keystone Crickett is worth the investment solely if your goal is doctrinal safety training for a new, young shooter where control over every round is non-negotiable. You are paying for the rebounding firing-pin safety system, the durable stainless components, and an action simple enough to disassemble for cleaning in under 90 seconds. If your need is for a fun plinker or a more versatile .22, a used bolt-action with a detachable magazine may offer better value; but for a dedicated, safety-first trainer, this price point is justified by its singular focus.

Specs at a glance

Keystone Crickett 22 LR Sta… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $168.99 PRICE 14 years LIFETIME
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Rebounding firing-pin safety blocks pin unless explicitly cocked — a physical safety layer missing from many basic .22s.
  • Weighs 3.5 lb (56 oz) — 2.1 pounds lighter than an adult-sized Stevens 334, allowing proper hold for shooters under 80 lbs.
  • 1:16 twist barrel stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR — provides consistent 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo.
  • Manual cocking requires a deliberate 2-inch rearward pull on the bolt — enforces a conscious 'ready to fire' step every shot.

Trade-offs

  • Single-shot only — mandates a full 8-12 second manual cycle between rounds, useless for rapid pest control.
  • 11.5-inch length of pull — non-adjustable and too short for any shooter over 5'4", requiring an aftermarket stock for continued use.
  • No factory optic mounting solution — requires purchasing and installing a separate base ($25-$40) for any optic beyond irons.
  • Pink/gold web stock is molded polymer — provides zero check riser or comb height adjustment for a proper optic sight picture.

Key attributes

upc611613024411
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA2441

Frequently asked questions

Does it come with a scope or optic mount?
No, the Keystone Crickett does not come with a scope, rings, or any form of optic mount. The receiver is drilled and tapped with two 6-48 threads, allowing for the installation of an aftermarket Weaver-style #3 base, which is a separate purchase from brands like EGW or Weaver. This keeps the initial platform simple and forces focus on the provided adjustable peep rear and fixed front post sights.
Is it compatible with a suppressor?
The barrel is not threaded from the factory, so it is not directly compatible with a suppressor. The .550-inch diameter muzzle would require threading by a qualified gunsmith to 1/2x28 TPI, a job costing approximately $80-$120, plus the cost of a thread protector or direct-thread mount. Given the rifle's role as a first firearm, adding a suppressor introduces complexity and cost that contradicts its introductory purpose.
What is the trigger pull weight?
The factory-set trigger pull weight is approximately 4.5 to 5.5 pounds, which is deliberately heavy for a training rifle. This weight is a safety feature to prevent accidental discharge by a new shooter with undeveloped finger discipline. It is not easily user-adjustable without specialized tools and voiding the warranty, as it involves the sear engagement and spring tension within the trigger group housing.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Shipments to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically take 5-7 business days from our warehouse via FedEx Ground. All firearm transfers require the receiving FFL to submit their license to us prior to shipment, and you must coordinate the background check and pickup directly with them, which can add 1-3 business days to the total process depending on their workload and state laws.
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.
$168.99