Keystone Crickett G2 22 LR Desert Storm 16.13 in Bolt Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Keystone Crickett G2 22 LR Desert Storm 16.13 in Bolt Rifle is a single-shot, bolt-action .22 LR training rifle purpose-built to enforce safe handling fundamentals through its mechanical design. This isn't a plinker or a varmint gun—it's a teaching tool first, with a 16.13-inch blued barrel, a hydro-dipped synthetic stock, and specific generational updates aimed at durability and ease of use for a new shooter. At 3.2 pounds and a 33.5-inch overall length, it’s sized for a younger or smaller-frame shooter but engineered to withstand the rigors of a formal training environment.
What is the Keystone Crickett G2 used for?
The Crickett G2 is used for foundational marksmanship instruction and introductory range safety training. Its single-shot, manually-cocked bolt action forces a deliberate, slow pace of fire, making it an excellent platform for teaching breath control, trigger squeeze, and the four safety rules without the distraction of magazine changes or rapid cycling. The included swivel studs support a sling for carrying during hunter education courses, and the drilled and tapped receiver allows for the mounting of a basic rimfire scope, which I recommend for reinforcing sight picture and zeroing fundamentals.
How does the Keystone Crickett G2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett G2 is mechanically and philosophically different from a centerfire utility rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win; the Stevens is a repeater built for hunting and general-purpose use, while the Crickett is a dedicated training tool. The Stevens 334 offers a detachable box magazine, a centerfire cartridge, and a 20-inch barrel suited for adult handling, making it better for field application. The Crickett G2, with its fixed single-shot design and 3.2-pound weight, is better for building foundational skills safely and economically, at roughly half the cost of a centerfire training setup.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 3.2 pounds (51.2 ounces) and has an overall length of 33.5 inches. The barrel is 16.13 inches long with a 1:16-inch twist rate, optimized for standard 40-grain .22 LR ammunition. The synthetic stock contributes to the light weight, and the compact dimensions make it manageable for shooters with a 12-inch length of pull. For comparison, the barrel is over 4 inches shorter than the 20-inch tube on the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, a deliberate choice to reduce muzzle-heavy feel for a novice.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for an experienced shooter seeking a repeater for plinking, pest control, or competitive shooting. The single-shot action and manual cocking knob create a fire cycle requiring 8-10 seconds between aimed shots, which eliminates it from any rapid-fire context. It's also not ideal for a left-handed shooter, as the crossbolt safety is right-hand configured. If your goal is volume rimfire training or small game hunting with follow-up shot capability, a 10/22-style semiauto or a bolt-action with a magazine is a better investment.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with its hydro-dipped Desert Storm synthetic stock installed, one front sight post, and one polymer cocking knob. The receiver is drilled and tapped (6-48 thread pattern) and includes pre-installed swivel studs. There is no magazine, as the action is single-shot only, and no optics, rings, or sling are included. The manual covers basic operation and safety, which I advise reviewing with any new shooter before live fire, a process that should take about 20 minutes.
Is the Keystone Crickett G2 worth it at $159.99?
At $159.99, the Crickett G2 is worth it specifically as a dedicated, no-frills training rifle for youth or new adult shooters. You are paying for a platform that enforces safety through its mechanical limitations, not for features like a detachable magazine or adjustable stock. The cost of 500 rounds of .22 LR ammunition is often less than the rifle itself, making the total training investment manageable. For its niche—building fundamentals without the distractions or cost of a more complex system—it delivers exactly what it promises.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.2 lbs (51.2 oz) — manageable for shooters under 100 lbs.
- Single-shot action enforces a 8-10 second fire cycle for deliberate training.
- Drilled & tapped receiver accepts standard 6-48 scope mounts.
- Hydro-dipped synthetic stock resists moisture and rough handling better than laminate.
Trade-offs
- No magazine included — action is single-shot only, limiting rapid-fire practice.
- Polymer cocking knob feels less positive than metal — requires firm thumb pressure.
- Crossbolt safety is right-hand only — not ambidextrous for left-handed shooters.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613021780 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2178 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.13" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1rd |
| safety | Crossbolt |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver compatible with standard rimfire scope bases?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a 6-48 thread pattern, which is the standard for .22 LR scope mounts. You will need a one-piece base or separate rings designed for 6-48 screws; Weaver-style #16 bases are commonly compatible. I typically use a Picatinny rail adapter from EGW or DIP for greater mounting flexibility.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard youth-sized rifle case?
- Yes, its 33.5-inch overall length fits easily in most 36-inch soft or hard rifle cases. For reference, a Plano All-Weather 36-inch case provides about 2.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle end. Ensure the case has internal foam or padding to protect the hydro-dip finish during transport.
- How long does shipping to an FFL usually take?
- For in-stock items, processing and carrier handoff typically takes 1-3 business days. Transit time depends on your location relative to our warehouse; continental US shipments usually arrive at your selected FFL within 3-7 business days after shipping. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and coordinate pickup.
- Can I return it if my FFL won't accept the transfer?
- No, firearms cannot be returned due to an FFL refusal or a buyer's failure to coordinate with the receiving dealer. It is the purchaser's responsibility to confirm their selected FFL's willingness and ability to accept transfers from online retailers before completing the order. All firearm sales are final once the item ships from our facility.
- Does this work with a .22 LR suppressor?
- The barrel is not threaded from the factory, so direct suppressor attachment is not possible without aftermarket modification. You would need a licensed gunsmith to thread the muzzle to 1/2x28 TPI, which typically costs $80-$120 and may require barrel removal. I do not recommend this for a training rifle; its role is open-barrel fundamentals.