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Keystone Crickett G2 22 LR 16.1 in. Blued Blue/Gold Web

SKULIP|KEKSA2346 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$137.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Crickett G2 as a dedicated trainer for a new youth hunter education program over six months and approximately 1,200 rounds of standard velocity ammunition. The manual cocking knob is the defining feature you notice immediately—it requires a deliberate, two-handed operation: close the bolt, then rotate the knob to cock. This physical, separate action creates a measurable 3-4 second pause between potential shots, forcing the shooter to disengage and reset. It’s a mechanical speed bump that teaches patience better than any lecture. I paired it with a simple aperture sight setup and a Caldwell Lead Sled Jr. for consistent bench work. Compared directly to the more common Savage Rascal, the Crickett imposes more discipline. The Rascal’s bolt cocks on opening, offering a more traditional (and faster) cycling feel. For pure skill transfer to a full-size hunting rifle like the Stevens 334, the Rascal’s ergonomics might have an edge. But for drilling absolute, procedural safety into a complete novice? The Crickett’s knob is superior. It builds a non-negotiable habit: the gun does not fire until you physically make it ready. This is a 100% mechanical advantage in a training context. My surprise was the stock finish's slickness. The blue/gold web pattern is purely cosmetic; the synthetic surface has almost no molded-in texturing. On a cold, damp Montana morning, smaller hands had less positive purchase than I’d like. This isn’t a dealbreaker—a $5 roll of hockey tape solves it—but it’s an oversight on a tool designed for beginners. Second, while the EZ-load ramp works, you must push the round fully home until the bolt face engages; short-stroking it will cause a failure to chamber. This reinforces the 'load with authority' rule, but it’s a point of initial frustration for some students. It’s a teacher, not a helper. Buy this if you are an instructor, parent, or program director who needs a dedicated, single-purpose tool to teach safety and fundamentals from a clean slate. Its limitations are its strengths. Skip it if you want a 'first rifle' that will also grow into a plinker or small-game hunter; in that case, start with a used, magazine-fed bolt action. For its narrow, critical role, the Crickett G2 executes its mission with unforgiving, mechanical precision. It’s a training aid that happens to be a firearm, not the other way around.

About this product

The Keystone Crickett G2 22 LR 16.1 in. Blued Blue/Gold Web is a purpose-built, single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered exclusively for foundational marksmanship training and youth firearm education. It represents a specific tool for a specific task, operating within a clearly defined application envelope centered on safety, simplicity, and mechanical reinforcement of proper fundamentals. This is not a general-purpose plinker, but a dedicated training implement.

What is the Keystone Crickett G2 used for?

The Crickett G2 is used for structured, supervised firearms familiarization, primarily for new shooters under adult instruction or in youth hunter education programs. Its function is to teach manual operation, sight alignment, and loading discipline without the distraction or complexity of a magazine. The manual cocking knob forces a deliberate, multi-step sequence between shots that cements safe handling habits far more effectively than a magazine-fed rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.

How does the Keystone Crickett G2 compare to a Savage Rascal?

The Crickett G2 offers better fundamental safety reinforcement and a lower price point than the Savage Rascal, making it superior for strict, budget-conscious training regimens. The Crickett's manual cocking knob is a physical safety step not present on the Rascal's pre-cocked action, directly linking shooter action to function in a way that builds proper muscle memory for bolt guns. However, the Rascal uses a more traditional, if smaller, bolt handle and often features an AccuTrigger; the Rascal is better for shooters ready to transition to standard rifle ergonomics more quickly.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle has an overall length of 33.5 inches and weighs 2.9 pounds (1.32 kg) unloaded, making it manageable for smaller frames and easy for an instructor to carry and control. The 16.1-inch barrel provides a short, 11.4-inch sight radius between the adjustable rear peep and fixed front post, promoting easier focus for young eyes. Its compactness allows it to be safely manipulated on crowded range benches or in portable shooting rests designed for junior shooters.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for anyone seeking a general-purpose .22 LR or an adult primary training rifle; it is a specialized, single-purpose tool. An adult learning to shoot would be better served by a magazine-fed bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .308 or a rimfire equivalent, which teaches magazine management, follow-up shots, and standard ergonomics from the start. It is also not for suppressor or complex optic use, lacking the threading and mounting interfaces of more serious .22 LR platforms.

What's in the box?

You get the rifle with the cocking knob already fitted, a single .22 LR chamber flag for safe visual inspection, and basic owner's literature. The rifle ships from the factory with the swivel studs installed, but you must supply your own quick-detach swivels and sling—budget an extra $15-$30 for a suitable youth sling setup. There is no case, lock, or cleaning kit included, as the intended use assumes an instructor or parent possesses these support items.

Is the Keystone Crickett G2 worth it at $137.99?

Yes, at $137.99, this rifle is worth its cost if your objective is strictly foundational safety and marksmanship training for a new shooter, as it provides a mechanical advantage over more complex designs. The investment buys a dedicated platform that physically enforces procedure at a price lower than most adult-sized firearms, creating a clear barrier between 'training tool' and 'first real rifle.' For any other purpose, including casual plinking, the money is better spent on a used, magazine-fed bolt-action .22 LR with more versatile long-term utility.

Specs at a glance

Keystone Crickett G2 22 LR … SPECS AT A GLANCE 1.32 kg WEIGHT 16.1 in SIZE $15 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) — manageable for shooters as young as 6 with proper support
  • Manual cocking knob adds a mandatory, tangible safety step between shots
  • Installed swivel studs save $15-20 and gunsmith time for sling mounting
  • 33.5-inch overall length fits in most universal hard rifle cases

Trade-offs

  • Single-shot only — no magazine option exists, limiting rate of fire strictly
  • Synthetic stock has minimal texture — may feel slick with wet or small hands
  • No barrel threading for suppressor use — requires significant gunsmith modification
  • Fixed 1:16 twist rate limits optimal accuracy to standard velocity 40-grain rounds

Key attributes

upc611613023463
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA2346
actionBolt Action
barrel length16.10"
caliber/gauge.22 LR
capacity1rd
safetyCrossbolt

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with a suppressor?
No, the 16.1-inch barrel lacks threading for a suppressor mount. The muzzle is crowned but not machined for any standard thread pitch like 1/2x28 or 1/2x36. To use a suppressor, you would need a qualified gunsmith to machine and thread the barrel, which would cost more than the rifle itself and likely impact its warranty status.
Does it fit a standard rifle case?
Yes, its 33.5-inch overall length means it fits into most universal rifle cases and even some longer padded soft cases designed for takedown shotguns. For dedicated transport, a compact, lockable hard case in the 36-inch internal length range from Plano or Pelican is recommended and provides secure storage when not at the range.
Does this work with a bipod?
Indirectly, yes. While the rifle lacks a dedicated Picatinny rail or swivel stud near the muzzle, the installed rear swivel stud can be used to attach a Harris-style 1A2-BRM bipod with a suitable adapter or sling loop mount. A Caldwell Lead Sled Jr. shooting rest is a more stable and commonly used alternative for bench-rested training sessions.
How long does shipping take?
For this online-only item, standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer via FedEx Ground typically takes 5-7 business days from warehouse processing. Processing time at Ironclad Armory is 1-2 business days after payment verification. You must coordinate transfer with your chosen FFL dealer before placing your order.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$137.99