Keystone Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.13 in Blued Green Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.08 lb — 52% lighter than adult .22 rifles for youth handling
- 16.13" barrel maintains ballistic performance without NFA paperwork
- EZ load feed ramp reduces misfeeds by approximately 70% over Gen1
- Factory swivel studs accept standard 1" sling hardware immediately
Trade-offs
- Single-shot design limits practical use beyond training scenarios
- Fixed sights require aftermarket optics for precision beyond 25 yards
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull for growing shooters
- No included iron sight adjustment tools — adds $15-25 expense
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Keystone Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.13 in Blued Green Synthetic? It's a purpose-built single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered specifically for introducing new shooters to firearms fundamentals, with a 16.13-inch barrel length carefully calculated to optimize .22 LR ballistics without NFA regulation concerns. This Generation 2 iteration includes critical upgrades like an EZ load feed ramp and factory-installed swivel studs, while maintaining the educational focus that made the original Crickett platform legendary among youth shooting programs.
What is the Keystone Crickett Gen2 used for?
This rifle serves one primary function: teaching safe firearms handling to first-time shooters, period. The single-shot bolt-action design forces deliberate, methodical operation that reinforces safety protocols—every round requires manual chambering and extraction. At 2.08 pounds, it's light enough for smaller shooters to handle comfortably for extended range sessions, and the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard velocity .22 LR ammunition perfectly for target practice under 50 yards.
How does the Keystone Crickett Gen2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett Gen2 focuses purely on educational fundamentals, while the Stevens 334 serves experienced hunters needing centerfire capability. Where the Stevens chambered in .308 Win delivers hunting-ready power with 4+1 capacity, the Crickett's single-shot .22 LR configuration prioritizes safety and simplicity—better for teaching, worse for practical field use. The 2.08-pound weight makes the Crickett 3.5 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334, a critical difference for youth handling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle measures 30 inches overall with a 16.13-inch barrel, keeping it compact for transport and storage while maintaining legal non-NFA status. At exactly 2.08 pounds (33.3 ounces), it's lightweight enough that most children over age 6 can shoulder it comfortably without fatigue. The synthetic stock contributes significantly to this weight reduction while providing weather resistance that walnut-stocked alternatives can't match in wet conditions.
Who is this NOT for?
Experienced shooters seeking tactical capability or hunting performance should look elsewhere immediately. The single-shot design makes follow-up shots impractical for varmint control, and the fixed sights limit precision beyond 50 yards. If you need rapid engagement capability or are shopping for a primary hunting rifle, consider the Stevens 334 platform instead—this Crickett serves a specialized educational role that doesn't translate to field performance.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with factory-installed swivel studs and EZ load feed ramp, plus basic documentation covering safety and operation. The receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped for optic mounts, though you'll need to purchase rings separately. Notably absent are any sight adjustment tools or sling hardware—budget an additional $25-40 for these essentials before your first range trip.
Is the Keystone Crickett Gen2 worth it at $137.99?
At this price point, it represents outstanding value for its intended educational purpose compared to modified adult firearms. The Generation 2 upgrades address legitimate handling issues from earlier models, particularly the feed ramp improvement that reduces cartridge jamming during loading. For parents or instructors building foundational skills, this rifle delivers exactly what's needed without unnecessary features that complicate the learning process.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613023425 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2342 |
| 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 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all standard velocity .22 LR rounds flawlessly, but avoid hyper-velocity loads above 1,400 fps as they can destabilize in the 1:16 twist barrel. Stick with Federal AutoMatch or CCI Standard Velocity for best results in this platform.
- Does it fit youth and smaller adult shooters?
- The 11-inch length of pull accommodates shooters with arms as short as 20 inches comfortably. Most children aged 6-12 can shoulder it properly, though very small-framed adults may find the stock slightly compact for extended use.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 4-6 days transit time to Bozeman. All shipments require FFL verification before dispatch, adding approximately 24 hours to processing.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Firearm returns require unopened factory packaging and incur a 15% restocking fee unless the item is defective. We recommend verifying fitment details with our support team before purchase to avoid return complications.
- Does this work with standard rimfire scopes?
- The drilled and tapped receiver accepts #6-48 scope bases commonly used for .22 rifles. We recommend lightweight optics under 8 ounces to maintain balance—avoid heavy tactical scopes that overwhelm this lightweight platform.