Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett 22 LR 16.12in Pink/Black
About this product
What is the Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett 22 LR 16.12in Pink/Black? The Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett is a single-shot, bolt-action .22 Long Rifle specifically engineered as a foundational training platform for new or young shooters. It combines a corrosion-resistant 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel with a lightweight pink/black laminate stock, which results in an overall length of 30.5 inches and a weight of just 3 pounds, making it incredibly manageable for smaller frames. The design prioritizes mechanical simplicity and passive safety features, including a rebounding firing pin and an EZ Loader, to build proper fundamentals without complexity.
What is the Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett used for?
This rifle is used for introducing new shooters to firearm safety and marksmanship fundamentals in a controlled, low-recoil environment. Its primary function is initial training for youths or small-framed adults, providing a platform to teach sight alignment, trigger control, and safe handling with inexpensive .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Secondary uses include pest control for small game at distances under 50 yards and informal plinking, but its single-shot design inherently limits rate of fire, reinforcing deliberate shooting habits from the first session.
How does the Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett is specifically better for absolute beginners or young shooters due to its shorter 30.5-inch length and 3-pound weight, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for older shooters or hunters requiring a centerfire cartridge for medium game. The Crickett’s single-shot action forces a slower, more mindful pace ideal for learning, whereas the Stevens 334’s detachable box magazine allows for follow-up shots and is chambered for a hunting-capable round. For pure training economy, the Crickett’s .22 LR ammunition costs roughly 8 cents per round compared to the Stevens’ .308 at 80 cents, making practice ten times more affordable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 3 pounds (48 ounces) and measures 30.5 inches in overall length with a 16.12-inch barrel. The laminate stock has a length of pull approximately 10.5 inches, which is deliberately short to accommodate a child’s or small adult’s reach. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern for mounting a scope base, and the barrel’s diameter at the muzzle is 0.625 inches, maintaining a slim profile that doesn't feel muzzle-heavy for a novice.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for experienced shooters seeking a versatile plinker, a high-volume training tool, or a dedicated small-game hunting rifle. The mandatory single-shot operation, requiring the bolt to be cycled after every round, makes it impractical for any activity where a follow-up shot might be needed quickly, such as dispatching multiple pests. Adults or larger-framed youths will likely find the stock dimensions cramped and the sight picture difficult to achieve comfortably after just 20-30 minutes of shooting, as it’s scaled for smaller users.
What's in the box?
The box contains the rifle, one swivel stud installed on the forend, and a second stud for the buttstock if the user wishes to attach a sling. There is no included optic, ammunition, or hearing protection—this is a bare firearm as shipped from the manufacturer. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped, but no scope base or rings are provided, requiring an additional purchase of approximately $15-$30 for a basic rimfire rail if optics are desired over the included iron sights.
Is the Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett worth it at $202.99?
Yes, at $202.99 it is worth the investment for its specific role as a first rifle. The price is justified by the durable stainless steel barrel, the safety-engineered action, and the laminate stock that resists moisture better than cheap molded plastic. When compared to a used adult-sized .22 that may cost less but fit a child poorly, this rifle’s scaled dimensions and safety features provide correct ergonomics and built-in training discipline that are worth the premium for a proper introduction to shooting.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3 lbs (48 oz) — 2.5 lbs lighter than an adult-sized Stevens 334 rifle, ideal for small frames
- 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel provides corrosion resistance without requiring frequent cleaning
- Single-shot action enforces deliberate shooting and safe handling from the first round
- Rebounding firing pin and manual safety create redundant passive safety systems
Trade-offs
- Length of pull is only ~10.5 inches — most adults will find it uncomfortably short within 30 minutes
- No included scope base or rings — requires an additional $15-$30 purchase to mount optics
- Barrel is not threaded — suppressor compatibility requires a $80-$120 gunsmithing job
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613022268 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2226 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 32 |
| model | Crickett |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.8 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- No, the factory barrel is not threaded for a suppressor. The muzzle diameter is 0.625 inches, and threading it would require a gunsmith to cut and crown the barrel, adding approximately $80-$120 to the total cost. A better alternative for suppressed youth training would be to seek a .22 LR bolt action that comes factory-threaded.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 30.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard 32-inch or larger rifle cases. For secure transport, a case with internal dimensions of at least 33 inches in length is recommended to provide padding at both ends. The slim profile and 3-pound weight make it easy to store alongside a similar-sized option like a <a href='/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/'>Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun</a>.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer, once the order is processed. Processing time for 'Online Only' items is usually 1 business day. You must contact your FFL in advance to ensure they accept transfers from online retailers and provide their license to us.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my child?
- No, firearms cannot be returned once the transfer is completed at the FFL, as per federal law and our policy. It is critical to verify fit beforehand; the 10.5-inch length of pull is suitable for children approximately 6-12 years old. We recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer first or using a measuring tape to compare against your child's arm length from trigger finger to elbow.
- Does this work with a standard .22 LR scope?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a 6-48 thread pattern, which is standard for rimfire scope bases. You will need to purchase a separate one-piece base (often costing $10-$20) and low-profile rings to mount a scope. The shallow curvature of the stock's comb may require adding a cheek riser for a proper weld with a scope mounted.