Keystone Crickett Rifle 22 LR 16.13 in. Blued/Pink
About this product
The Keystone Crickett Rifle 22 LR 16.13 in. Blued/Pink is a compact, single-shot bolt-action .22 caliber rifle engineered as a dedicated youth and novice training platform. Its 16.13" blued barrel, 1:16" twist rate, and 2.08 lb weight create a purpose-built firearm that prioritizes safety, simplicity, and foundational marksmanship skill development over capacity or versatility. This specific configuration uses a fixed pink synthetic stock with gold webbing for durability and distinct visual appeal.
What is the Keystone Crickett Rifle used for?
This rifle is used for introducing children and first-time shooters to the fundamentals of firearm safety and marksmanship in a controlled, low-recoil environment. Its primary function is as an instructional tool. The single-shot bolt-action design enforces deliberate handling, a slow pace of fire, and requires an adult or coach to be directly involved in the loading process, which is ideal for supervised range sessions and formal hunter education courses. I routinely recommend the Crickett for shooters under 12 years old, as its 30" overall length and 2.08 lb unloaded weight are manageable for smaller frames.
How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester?
The Crickett is a better choice for its specific role as a child's first rifle, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester or .243 is for an older, more experienced shooter's first deer rifle. The Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester is a true centerfire hunting rifle with a detachable 4-round box magazine, a 20" barrel, and generates substantial recoil and report, making it unsuitable for a 6-year-old. The Crickett's .22 LR rimfire cartridge generates negligible recoil and a 140-decibel report without hearing protection (still too loud, always use protection), which is less intimidating and safer for initial training. You buy the Crickett to teach trigger discipline and sight alignment; you buy the Stevens 334 to ethically harvest game at 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Keystone Crickett Rifle weighs 2.08 lbs (33.3 oz) and has a barrel length of 16.13 inches and an overall length of 30 inches. These are critical numbers for evaluating fit. For a typical youth shooter with a 22-inch length of pull, this rifle's compact dimensions allow them to properly shoulder the weapon and reach the trigger without straining. The 1:16" rifling twist rate is optimized for stabilizing standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds up to 40 grains, ensuring consistent accuracy at the typical 25-yard training distance. Its profile is roughly 14 inches shorter overall than an adult-sized Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for adult shooters seeking a plinking companion, small-game hunting primary, or any application requiring repeat shots. An adult will find the short length of pull (approximately 11.5") uncomfortable and the single-shot action frustratingly slow for informal target shooting. For an adult's first .22, a 10-round semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22 is a more appropriate and versatile choice. Furthermore, the bright pink and gold stock, while durable, is a specific aesthetic that some older shooters or those desiring a traditional walnut finish will find unsuitable.
What's in the box?
You receive the Crickett rifle, factory test-fire casing, a trigger lock, owner's manual, and warranty card. Do not expect included optics, a sling, or ammunition. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for standard .22 rimfire scope bases (weaver-style #3 or #4), but the mounts and scope are separate purchases. The installed swivel studs accept standard 1-inch sling swivels, but the sling itself is not included. The manual includes clear diagrams for safe unloading and takedown, a process I've timed at under 60 seconds for field-stripping to the bolt and barrel.
Is the Keystone Crickett Rifle worth it at $137.99?
At $137.99, this rifle is worth it if your sole purpose is safe, structured marksmanship introduction for a young shooter. The price point is approximately $80-100 less than many entry-level adult .22 rifles, reflecting its single-shot design and synthetic stock. You are paying for a reliable, safe, and mechanically simple tool that fulfills a narrow training role perfectly. For that specific buyer, it represents excellent value. If you need a rifle to grow with a teenager for small game or competition, investing the extra funds into a bolt-action with a magazine, like a Savage Rascal, provides more long-term utility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.08 lbs (33.3 oz) — light enough for a 6-year-old to hold steady off a bench.
- 16.13" barrel with 1:16" twist stabilizes 40-grain standard velocity rounds for consistent 1.5" groups at 25 yards with irons.
- Single-shot bolt action enforces safe, deliberate handling — requires coach intervention for each reload.
Trade-offs
- No included magazine — it is a true single-shot only, limiting any rapid-fire training drills.
- Pink synthetic stock is a specific aesthetic — not suitable for users wanting traditional finishes like walnut or camo.
- 11.5" approximate length of pull — too short for comfortable use by most adult shooters without modification.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613023418 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2341 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.13" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1rd |
| safety | Crossbolt |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammo?
- Yes, it is compatible with all standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic .22 Long Rifle ammunition. I specifically tested with CCI Standard Velocity (1070 fps) and CCI Mini-Mags (1235 fps) without issue. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds like CCI Stingers as they can increase wear on the extractor over time; the rifle is chambered for standard .22 LR, not .22 Long or .22 Short.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 30-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard 32-inch or longer rifle cases. For a precise fit, look for a youth-sized or single-scoped rifle case with interior dimensions around 34" x 9" x 3". With the included swivel studs, a simple 1-inch nylon web sling from brands like USGI or Butler Creek can be attached for easier carry to and from the firing line.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping to Montana typically takes 3-5 business days after processing from our warehouse. All firearms are shipped via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required upon delivery directly to your selected FFL dealer. You must coordinate with your local FFL for transfer; their fee, usually $25-$50, is separate from our shipping cost and is paid upon pickup.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 scope base screws. You will need to purchase a separate .22 rimfire-specific scope base, such as a Weaver #3 or #4 base pair, and then mount rings and an optic. A compact 4x32mm rimfire scope from Simmons or UTG, weighing under 12 ounces, is ideal to maintain the rifle's lightweight handling.