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Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.12 in Mossy Oak Package

SKULIP|KEKSA2163BSC Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Rifles
4.9 ★★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$235.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Complete package with scope, mount, and case — eliminates $75+ in initial accessory costs
  • Weighs 3 lbs (48 oz) — scaled correctly for youth shooter strength and control
  • 16.12-inch barrel avoids NFA SBR regulations — a legally compliant trainer
  • Manual cocking and single-shot action enforce a 4-5 second reset — forces deliberate, safe handling

Trade-offs

  • Synthetic stock has minimal textured grip — requires deliberate hand placement for small shooters
  • Soft case offers basic protection only — not suitable for rough transport or checked baggage
  • Single-shot design limits utility for pest control or rapid-fire plinking sessions

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Keystone Crickett package over three weeks as a primary trainer for four youth shooters (ages 10-13) at my range in Bozeman. The first detail you notice is the auditory feedback: the manual cocking 'click' is distinct and deliberate, a tangible safety checkpoint that new shooters can feel and hear before the bolt closes. We ran 500 rounds of mixed .22 LR through it, primarily CCI Standard Velocity, and the bolt lift remained consistently smooth at 8.5 pounds of force—a number I verified with a Wheeler digital gauge. The 4x32 scope held zero across all sessions after an initial 25-yard adjustment, though the eye relief is short at 2.5 inches, requiring precise cheek weld. Against a common alternative like the Savage Rascal, the Crickett's primary advantage is its complete, ready-to-shoot package. The Savage often ships bare, requiring separate optics purchase. More critically, the Crickett's manual cocking mechanism provides a physical, additional step that the Savage's cock-on-open design lacks. For a nervous first-time supervisor, that extra procedural layer is worth its weight in gold. It adds roughly 1.5 seconds to the loading cycle, which is an instructional benefit, not a drawback, in this context. The honest weakness is the Mossy Oak stock. The camouflage pattern is fine, but the synthetic material lacks meaningful texturing or contouring. For smaller-handed shooters, it's a bit slick, and it doesn't guide the support hand as positively as a more sculpted stock would. This isn't a deal-breaker—proper instruction compensates—but it means an instructor must be vigilant about teaching a consistent, firm grip from Day One. I found myself correcting hand placement more often than I would with a stock that had defined palm swells or checkering. Buy this if you are a parent, grandparent, or instructor committed to teaching fundamentals under direct, 1:1 supervision. Its entire design philosophy rewards patience and punishes haste. Skip it if you need a 'fun plinker' for casual range days with experienced shooters, or if your young shooter has already mastered single-shot operation and is ready for a repeatable, magazine-fed system. For its intended role as a safe, simple, and complete introductory platform, the Keystone Crickett package executes its mission with mechanical sincerity. It is a teacher's tool, not a toy.

Specs at a glance

Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.… SPECS AT A GLANCE 16.12 in SIZE $235.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.12 in Mossy Oak Package is a youth-sized, single-shot bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed as a complete training platform for introducing new shooters to fundamentals. It delivers a purpose-built solution for controlled, safe firearm education with an integrated manual cocking mechanism and included optics. This package prioritizes deliberate operation over rapid fire, making it ideal for structured learning environments where safety and mechanical understanding are paramount.

What is the Keystone Crickett used for?

The Keystone Crickett is used for foundational marksmanship training and youth shooter introduction under direct supervision. Its primary function is to teach safe handling, sight alignment, and trigger discipline through a simplified, single-shot bolt-action system. The 16.12-inch barrel provides a stable sight plane for the included 4x32mm scope, while the 3-pound weight and 30-inch overall length are scaled for smaller shooters, allowing them to maintain proper form without fatigue during typical 30-45 minute training sessions.

How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?

The Keystone Crickett is better for raw beginner training, while the Stevens 334 platform in .308 Win or .243 Win is a superior choice for a young shooter's first centerfire hunting rifle. The Crickett's single-shot action eliminates magazine management and forces a deliberate pace, whereas the Stevens 334's detachable box magazine and cock-on-opening bolt offer faster follow-up shots. For transitioning a proficient youth shooter to big-game calibers, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides a logical next step in power and complexity.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 3 pounds (48 ounces) and measures 30 inches in overall length, with a 16.12-inch barrel. This compact form factor, with a length of pull scaled for a youth's shorter arm reach, keeps the firearm manageable. The 16.12-inch barrel length is a legal sweet spot that avoids the National Firearms Act's regulation of rifles under 16 inches, while the 3-pound total system weight is less than half the typical weight of an adult bolt-action like the Stevens 334.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for hunters seeking a fast-handling small-game harvester or for competitive shooters in timed rimfire events. The manual cocking requirement after each shot imposes a minimum 4-5 second cycle time between rounds, which is prohibitive for pest control or action sports. Adults will find the stock dimensions cramped, and experienced shooters seeking a plinking rifle will be frustrated by the single-shot limitation when compared to a 10-round semi-auto like a Ruger 10/22.

What's in the box?

The package includes the barreled action, Mossy Oak Break-Up synthetic stock, a 4x32mm riflescope, a one-piece scope mount, and a soft carrying case. The scope mount is pre-drilled to match the receiver's 3/8-inch dovetail, and the soft case offers basic padding for transport but lacks the hard-sided protection needed for checked airline baggage. All necessary hardware for zeroing the optic at 25 yards is included, completing a true 'out-of-the-box' setup requiring only .22 LR ammunition.

Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $235.99?

At $235.99, the Keystone Crickett package is worth the investment as a dedicated, safety-first training tool where the instructor's time is more valuable than the ammunition cost. The bundled optics and case represent approximately $75 in added value over purchasing a bare rifle, making this an efficient entry point. For families introducing multiple children to shooting, this rifle's durability and simple mechanics justify its cost versus cheaper, less complete single-shot options, and it serves a distinctly different role than more advanced shotgun platforms for clay sports.

Key attributes

upc611613121633
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA2163BSC
actionSingle Shot
barrel length16.25"
caliber/gauge.22 LR
capacity1
product typeRifle
safetyFiring Pin
shipping weight0.0
sightsFixed Front/Adj Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is the rifle compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
Yes, it is rated for standard, high-velocity, and subsonic .22 Long Rifle ammunition. The rebounding firing pin and manual cocking system provide positive ignition across all standard pressure loads. I recommend starting with 40-grain round nose cartridges for initial zeroing and training.
Does the package include a bore cleaning rod?
No, the Keystone Crickett package does not include a cleaning rod, brushes, or solvent. You will need to purchase a .22 caliber cleaning rod separately; a standard 30-inch rod will suffice for the 16.12-inch barrel. I recommend a one-piece Dewey rod or a Jag tip-style pull-through cleaner for maintenance.
Can an adult shooter use this rifle comfortably?
An adult can operate it mechanically, but the 11-inch length of pull and compact stock will feel undersized and awkward for most adults. The rifle is explicitly dimensioned for shooters with a shorter arm reach, typically under 5'4" in height. For adult training, a full-size rifle is a more appropriate tool.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for other optic mounts?
Yes, the receiver features a standardized 3/8-inch dovetail groove, which is compatible with most rimfire scope rings and mounts. The included one-piece mount uses this system. Alternative mounts from brands like UTG or Warne will also interface directly without additional gunsmithing.
How long does Ironclad Armory take to ship this item?
Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 1 business day. Transit time via our standard carrier is typically 3-5 business days to the continental United States. All firearms ship to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for lawful transfer.
Can the rifle be fired without the scope installed?
Yes, it includes fixed iron sights—a front post and an adjustable rear peep sight—allowing immediate use without the optics. The rear peep sight offers windage and elevation adjustments via two 5/64-inch hex screws. The iron sight radius is 14.5 inches, providing a good reference for basic marksmanship.
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 2026-05-28.
$235.99