Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.13in Blued Black/White Web

About this product

What is the Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.13in Blued Black/White Web?

The Keystone Crickett 22 LR is a purpose-built, single-shot bolt-action .22 rifle that serves two functions: a mechanical platform for introducing new shooters to firearms fundamentals outside of video game abstractions, and a predictable training rig for adults practicing foundational marksmanship skills. Its manual cocking plunger physically blocks the firing pin at all times except immediately before a confirmed, deliberate shot, which creates a mechanical barrier to negligent discharges that's more tactile than a plastic safety switch. The rifle is drilled and tapped for optics and weighs approximately 3.4 pounds, which is light enough for smaller frames but creates notably more felt recoil and muzzle jump with full-power .22 LR rounds compared to heavier target rifles.

What is the Keystone Crickett used for?

The Keystone Crickett's primary function is serving as a safe, introductory firearm for teaching young or novice shooters basic safety, sight alignment, and trigger control under direct supervision. Its single-shot design requires deliberate manual loading and cocking between each round, which enforces a rhythm that prevents rapid, undisciplined fire. I recommend it specifically for informal target work at ranges under 25 yards where the emphasis is on process over volume, and for dispatching small pests in controlled environments where a second, rapid follow-up shot is not a safety concern. The 1:16" twist barrel stabilizes standard and subsonic 40-grain .22 LR ammunition adequately, but don't expect match-grade groupings with the factory iron sights.

How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 line?

The Keystone Crickett and the Stevens 334 exist in entirely different categories: one is a single-shot trainer, the other is a centerfire hunting rifle designed for adults. The Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester features a detachable box magazine holding 4+1 rounds and a 20-inch barrel delivering velocities over 2,800 fps, making it a legitimate tool for harvesting medium to large game at 200+ yards. The Crickett is a single-shot .22 that I would trust for training fundamentals and plinking; the Stevens 334 is a rifle I would carry for whitetail in Montana. The Stevens line is the better choice for anyone stepping up from a .22 to their first hunting rifle, while the Crickett remains the better choice for absolute beginners where safety and simplicity are non-negotiable.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Crickett weighs 3.4 pounds (54.4 ounces), with an overall length of approximately 33.5 inches from buttstock to muzzle. The 16.13-inch barrel places this rifle squarely in a legal category that avoids NFA ‘short-barreled rifle’ registration concerns for any user, a point worth noting for build projects. The synthetic stock is not adjustable for length of pull, which is fixed at roughly 11.5 inches, making it suitable for shooters with a smaller frame or for youth use under supervision. The compact dimensions and light weight facilitate easy transport and storage, but that same light mass increases perceived recoil and makes the rifle more susceptible to being jerked off-target during trigger pull.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for any shooter seeking a versatile, high-volume plinker, a varmint-control tool requiring quick follow-up shots, or an optics-heavy precision platform. The single-shot action imposes a hard limit on rate of fire that would be frustrating for anyone wanting to practice rapid fire drills or engage multiple targets. The synthetic stock and light receiver are not ideal for mounting heavy, magnified optics as the mass imbalance can make the rifle unwieldy. If your use case involves anything beyond deliberate, slow-fire fundamentals or needs a suppressor host for quiet training, I would direct you towards a magazine-fed .22 like a Ruger 10/22 or a bolt-action with an integral rail system.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships from the distributor with the barreled action seated in the black/white web synthetic stock, two factory-installed sling swivel studs for attaching a carry strap (not included), and a basic owner's manual covering operation and safety. There is typically no factory-included ammunition, cleaning kit, optic, or scope bases included with this SKU. This is a bare-bones, functional firearm that arrives ready to shoot after you supply the .22 LR rounds, which I recommend starting with standard or subsonic 40-grain loads to manage the light rifle's snap. Be prepared to purchase and install your own choice of optic rings if you plan to mount a scope on the drilled and tapped receiver.

Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $137.99?

At $137.99, the Keystone Crickett represents a defensible value proposition solely for its core, narrow mission: teaching absolute firearm safety and fundamentals to a new shooter. For that price, you get a legally compliant, functional single-shot rifle with a manual safety mechanism I trust more than some pistol safeties. However, if your training goals involve magazine reloading drills, positional shooting, or transitioning to a centerfire platform like the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester, the Crickett's limitations become apparent quickly, and you might prefer to invest in a used, magazine-fed .22 rifle on the secondary market. It is worth it as a dedicated first rifle for a young shooter, but not as an adult's only .22 for general range use.