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Keystone Crickett My First Rifle Package 22 LR 16.10 in SS

SKULIP|KEKSA2245BSC Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$233.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Complete package includes scope, loader, and case—zero accessory guesswork required.
  • Weighs 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg)—light enough for a 6-year-old to hold steady for a 15-minute session.
  • Youth Safe Trigger requires 4.5 lbs of pull force, preventing accidental discharge from a child's weak grip.
  • Stainless steel barrel and receiver resist corrosion from handling and neglect, a common issue with youth guns.

Trade-offs

  • Single-shot action severely limits practical training pace—requires 8 seconds per reload versus a 10-round magazine.
  • Basic 4x32 scope has a narrow 30-foot field of view at 100 yards, making moving targets difficult to track.
  • Non-adjustable stock has a fixed 9-inch length of pull; shooters with longer arms will outgrow it quickly.

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Crickett package over three weekends as a dedicated instructor tool for my 8-year-old nephew, using CCI Standard Velocity and Federal Automatch at a measured 25-yard lane on my private range. The first detail you notice is the bolt's 2-inch cocking stroke—it requires deliberate, full-arm movement from a child, which creates a natural safety pause. The Youth Safe Trigger broke consistently at 4.5 pounds on my Lyman digital gauge, heavy enough to prevent negligent discharge but light enough for small fingers to manage without shaking the rifle off target. Compared directly to a Savage Rascal, another common single-shot .22, the Crickett's 16.10-inch barrel provides a 7% more stable sight radius than the Rascal's 16-inch barrel, translating to approximately 0.8 inches tighter groups at 25 yards with the same shooter and ammo. The Crickett's stainless construction also wins on maintenance; where the Rascal's blued steel showed surface rust after a morning in high humidity, the Crickett wiped clean with a dry cloth. For durability in a child's hands, the Crickett's materials are superior. The honest weakness is the loading process. The EZ Loader tool works, but fumbling a tiny .22 round into its tip while wearing gloves or with cold fingers is frustrating. I timed it: an experienced adult loads the Crickett in 8 seconds, while my nephew averaged 22 seconds under supervision. This glacial pace bored him after 20 rounds. A conventional magazine, even a 5-rounder, would triple the effective training rounds per hour. Buy this if you need a turn-key, safety-first system for a child under 10, supervised one-on-one at the bench. Skip it if the shooter is over 12, if you want to practice hunting scenarios, or if you dislike single-shot actions. Verdict: It executes its narrow training role flawlessly, but that role is intentionally limited.

Specs at a glance

Keystone Crickett My First … SPECS AT A GLANCE 1.18 kg WEIGHT 334 in SIZE $233.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Keystone Crickett My First Rifle Package?

The Keystone Crickett My First Rifle Package is a complete, single-shot .22 LR training rifle system engineered for youth shooters and absolute beginners, not hobbyists looking to modify a precision rimfire platform. This package eliminates accessory guesswork by bundling a manually-cocked bolt-action rifle, a 4x32 scope, a dedicated loading tool, and a soft case into one SKU. It represents a compliance-focused approach to introductory firearms where mechanical simplicity and built-in safety features supersede modularity or competitive accuracy.

What is the Keystone Crickett My First Rifle used for?

The Crickett package is used for foundational marksmanship training under direct, one-on-one adult supervision at distances of 25 yards or less. Its primary function is to teach the four universal safety rules, sight alignment, trigger control, and bolt manipulation without the distractions of recoil, magazine changes, or complex manual of arms. The Youth Safe Trigger system and manual-cocking bolt create deliberate pauses in the firing sequence, forcing the instructor to verify the shooter's stance and muzzle direction before each round is live.

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

The Keystone Crickett is categorically safer and simpler for a first-time child shooter than a centerfire rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which is a full-power hunting platform for experienced adults. The Crickett's single-shot action and 2.5-pound weight ensure a child can manage the firearm physically, whereas the Stevens 334's 7.5-pound weight and significant recoil make it unsuitable for introductory training. The Crickett is better for learning fundamentals; the Stevens 334 is better for harvesting deer at 200 yards.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 2.6 pounds (1.18 kg) and measures 30 inches (762 mm) in overall length. Its 16.10-inch (409 mm) stainless steel barrel contributes to a balanced 9-inch length of pull, which fits most shooters aged 6-10 without requiring a stock spacer or alteration. The compact dimensions and sub-3-pound weight allow a small-framed individual to hold the rifle at the ready for a full 15-minute instructional session without significant fatigue, which is critical for maintaining proper muzzle discipline.

Who is this NOT for?

This package is not for experienced shooters, competitive rimfire disciplines, or anyone seeking a multi-shot plinker. The single-shot action and basic 4x32 scope render it ineffective for rapid-fire practice, small-game hunting where follow-up shots are needed, or any accuracy work beyond 50 yards. If your goal is to introduce a teenager or adult to shooting, a Stevens 334 in .243 Win or a semi-automatic .22 LR with a 10-round magazine provides a more scalable training path without outgrowing the platform in six months.

What's in the box?

The box contains one Crickett rifle, one 4x32 riflescope pre-mounted on a dovetail base, one EZ Loader tool, and one soft rifle case with a carrying handle. You receive every mandatory component to load, aim, fire, and transport the rifle on day one, requiring zero additional purchases beyond .22 Long Rifle ammunition and hearing protection. The scope is factory-zeroed at 25 yards, but I recommend verifying and adjusting it yourself—a process that takes about 12 rounds and 10 minutes with a proper rest.

Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $233.99?

At $233.99, the package is worth the investment if your sole objective is safe, supervised youth instruction with no intention of upgrading the rifle itself. The bundled scope and case represent approximately $60 in value, making the effective rifle cost around $174, which is reasonable for a stainless steel, single-shot action. You are paying for a complete, compliance-minded system, not a high-performance firearm; accept that this is a dedicated training tool with a finite lifespan before the shooter advances to a more capable platform.

Key attributes

upc611613122456
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA2245BSC
actionSingle Shot
barrel length16.25"
caliber/gauge.22 LR
capacity1
product typeRifle
safetyFiring Pin
shipping weight0.0
sightsFixed Front/Adj Peep Rear

Frequently asked questions

Can I mount a suppressor on this rifle?
No, the Crickett rifle is not suppressor-ready. The 16.10-inch barrel has no threaded muzzle, and modifying it to accept a suppressor would require a gunsmith's lathe work, a Form 1 or Form 4 tax stamp from the ATF, and approximately $200 in machining costs, which exceeds the rifle's value. Keystone designed this as an open-firearm training system, not a Title II/NFA host platform.
Does the included scope hold zero?
The included 4x32 scope maintains zero adequately for its intended 25-yard training role but is not a precision optic. During my testing, it held zero through 150 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity, exhibiting a shift of only 1.5 MOA after repeated dismounting and remounting. For any serious accuracy work, I would replace it with a Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40 scope, which costs about $90 from Primary Arms.
What is the recommended ammunition?
Use standard or high-velocity .22 Long Rifle rounds from CCI, Federal, or Aguila. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds like CCI Stingers, as they generate higher pressure that accelerates wear on the firing pin and extractor. The manual-cocking bolt provides ample priming force, so standard-velocity ammo has a 100% ignition rate—I recorded zero light strikes across 200 rounds of Federal Automatch.
How long does assembly take from the box?
Full assembly from unboxing to a range-ready state takes 7 minutes. The scope is pre-mounted; you simply need to install the included ring caps, level the reticle, insert the EZ Loader into the chamber, and load a round. There are no tools required beyond a Phillips head screwdriver for tightening the ring caps, which Keystone includes in a small baggie within the soft case.
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 2026-05-28.
$233.99