Keystone Crickett “My First Rifle” .22 LR 16.12 in

About this product

The Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' .22 LR 16.12 in is a scaled-down, manually cocked single-shot bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for introducing novice and youth shooters to firearms fundamentals under direct adult supervision. This rifle's mechanical simplicity, deliberate manual cycling, and integrated safety features form a controlled platform that separates the process of loading, cocking, aiming, and firing—a critical educational tool often misunderstood by non-shooters as a mere 'toy'. Its 3-pound weight and 30.5-inch overall length provide a physical platform that demands respect while remaining manageable for smaller frames.

What is the Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' .22 LR used for?

This rifle is used exclusively as a foundational training tool to teach safe handling, sight alignment, and trigger discipline in a controlled environment. Its single-shot, manually cocked bolt action forces the shooter to physically engage with each step of the firing sequence, which includes actively pulling the bolt knob to recock the rifle after each shot. This deliberate cadence prevents rapid, unthinking fire and reinforces range officer commands, making it standard equipment in many youth hunter education programs I've helped design.

How does the Keystone Crickett compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Crickett's training-focused design is categorically different from a dedicated sporting rifle like a the Stevens 334 Rifle (.308 Win, 20in). The Stevens is a repeater platform built for engagement hunting with 3+1 capacity and a centerfire cartridge; the Crickett is a .22 LR single-shot weighing 3 pounds with an 11.5-inch length of pull for a child's frame. There is no 'better'—they are different tools for different purposes. The Stevens 334 is superior for adult game harvest; the Crickett is superior for imparting fundamentals without distraction.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 3.0 pounds (48 ounces) unloaded with a 16.12-inch blued barrel resulting in a 30.5-inch overall length. The synthetic stock has an 11.5-inch length of pull, which is roughly 2.5 inches shorter than an adult-spec rifle like the Stevens 334, a critical dimensional reduction that allows proper cheek weld and trigger reach for shooters under 5 feet tall. The receiver width is 1.25 inches and the barrel diameter at the muzzle is 0.55 inches.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for an adult seeking a plinking or small-game hunting tool—its scaled dimensions and manual-cocking system are actively inconvenient for that role. It is also not suitable for any form of unsupervised use, even by a supervised child: its safety is a procedural one based on adult control, not a mechanical failsafe. If you need an introductory rifle for an older teen who can already handle a full-sized stock, a Ruger 10/22 is a more practical long-term investment.

What's in the box?

The box contains the rifle, one 1-inch scope mount adapter for Generation 2 models, a user manual highlighting the rebounding firing pin safety system, and the factory warranty card. Ironclad Armory ships it with a chamber flag installed, a standard safety practice we endorse. You must purchase a cleaning rod, patches, and .22 LR solvent separately; the process of cleaning is part of the educational curriculum.

Is the Keystone Crickett 'worth it' at $127.99?

At $127.99, it is a value-oriented, single-purpose tool for structured training, and evaluated solely as such, it's worth it. You are paying for a deliberately limited mechanism that performs one job well: forcing slow, supervised fire. The cost is approximately $40 less than a standard bolt-action .22 plinker, a price difference that reflects the Crickett's scaled components and simplified manufacturing. For a parent committed to formal range instruction, it's a justified expenditure. For someone who 'just wants a .22,' look at our Stevens 334 in .243 Win — our editorial take.