Keystone Crickett 22 LR Stainless Pink Gold Web
Video review
Expert review
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
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
| upc | 611613024411 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2441 |
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.