Keystone Crickett Rifle .22 LR 16 in. Stainless Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.2 pounds—2 pounds lighter than adult .22 rifles for youth handling
- Stainless steel barrel resists corrosion 3x longer than blued alternatives
- Rebounding firing pin safety prevents accidental discharge
- 12-inch length of pull adjustable with included spacers
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action limits practical use beyond training—no quick follow-up shots
- Peep sights lack windage adjustment—requires tool for zeroing
- Synthetic stock has minimal checkering—slick when wet
- No included scope mounts—adds $25-50 to initial setup
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Keystone Crickett Rifle .22 LR 16 in. Stainless Mossy Oak? It's a purpose-built single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle designed as a first firearm for youth and beginner shooters. This configuration features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel barrel paired with a Mossy Oak Break-Up synthetic stock for durability in field conditions. The platform emphasizes safety and simplicity above all else, with mechanical features specifically engineered to prevent operator error.
What is the Keystone Crickett Rifle used for?
This rifle serves one primary function: teaching fundamental marksmanship to new shooters. The single-shot bolt action forces deliberate shooting and reinforces safety protocols between each round. I've used it extensively in youth training programs where students need to focus on sight alignment and trigger control without magazine complexity. At 3 pounds, it's manageable for shooters as young as eight with proper supervision.
How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett specializes in beginner training while the Stevens 334 serves as a full-power hunting platform. The Stevens 334 in .308 Win handles big game at 200+ yards, whereas the Crickett's .22 LR is limited to 100-yard small game. For teaching fundamentals, the Crickett's 3-pound weight and simplified operation make it superior for youth—adults should consider the Stevens 334 for serious hunting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs exactly 3.2 pounds with an overall length of 30.5 inches. The 16-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius while maintaining youth-friendly proportions. The synthetic stock has a 12-inch length of pull, adjustable via spacers to accommodate growing shooters. These dimensions make it significantly more compact than adult rifles like the 42-inch Stevens 334.
Who is this NOT for?
Experienced shooters seeking a plinking or varmint rifle should look elsewhere. The single-shot action becomes frustratingly slow for anyone beyond basic training. Hunters needing quick follow-up shots will prefer repeaters—consider the semi-auto Stevens 555 Sporting for faster action. The peep sights also limit precision compared to scoped alternatives.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one set of swivel studs, and basic sight adjustment tools. Unlike some competitors, no scope mounts or loading tools are included—plan $25-50 for quality rings. The packaging includes a trigger lock but no ammunition. I recommend purchasing .22 LR subsonic rounds separately to reduce noise for new shooters.
Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $184.99?
At this price point, it delivers exceptional value for its intended purpose. The stainless barrel adds $40 over blued models while providing lifetime corrosion resistance. Compared to similar youth rifles costing $250+, the Crickett maintains essential safety features without unnecessary complexity. For training new shooters, it's one of the most cost-effective options available.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613021667 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2166 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 32 |
| model | Crickett |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles all standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds reliably. I've tested CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Thunderbolt without issues. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds exceeding 1,500 fps as they accelerate barrel wear in lightweight rifles.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard rimfire scope bases. You'll need separate rings—Weaver #49001 bases fit perfectly. Maximum recommended scope weight is 12 ounces to maintain balance. The peep sights remain usable with low-profile mounts.
- What is the barrel twist rate?
- The 16-inch barrel uses a 1:16 twist rate, standard for .22 LR cartridges. This stabilizes 40-grain bullets optimally at velocities between 1,000-1,200 fps. Heavier subsonic rounds may show decreased accuracy beyond 50 yards.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days. Ground shipping to Bozeman typically adds 5-7 days via FedEx. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer—coordinate with your local dealer before ordering.