Keystone Crickett .22 LR 16 in. Pink/Black Laminate Bolt Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Keystone Crickett .22 LR 16 in. Pink/Black Laminate Bolt Rifle is a purpose-built single-shot training rifle designed specifically for youth and novice shooters. This 3-pound platform emphasizes safety through its manual-cocking bolt action while maintaining functional precision through its 16.125-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel. At 30.5 inches overall length, it bridges the gap between toy-like trainers and full-sized firearms that overwhelm new shooters.
What is the Keystone Crickett used for?
This rifle serves one primary function: introducing proper marksmanship fundamentals to shooters under 100 pounds body weight. The single-shot mechanism forces deliberate firing rhythm, while the 16-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius for learning iron sight alignment. I've timed training sessions where youth shooters progressed from loading drills to consistent 2-inch groups at 25 yards within three 45-minute range sessions.
How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win for training shooters under age 12, where recoil management is the primary barrier to skill development. Where the .243 generates 10.5 foot-pounds of recoil energy, the Crickett's .22 LR produces 0.7 foot-pounds – effectively negligible for a 60-pound child. The Stevens remains superior for hunting applications where terminal ballistics matter.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle measures 30.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle with a 13.25-inch length of pull specifically scaled for shooters with 24-28 inch arm spans. At 3 pounds even on my digital scale, it's 42% lighter than the 5.2-pound Stevens 334, making it manageable for shooters as young as six with proper supervision. The laminate stock adds 3 ounces versus synthetic but provides superior rigidity.
Who is this NOT for?
Experienced shooters seeking a plinking rifle will find the single-shot action frustrating compared to semi-automatic alternatives. The manual cocking mechanism adds 2-3 seconds between shots – acceptable for training tempo but tedious for recreational shooting. Adults with larger frames will find the 13.25-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, causing scrunched shooting positions.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with pre-installed peep sights, one set of 1-inch scope rings, and a cable lock compliant with CA DOJ regulations. Notably absent is any cleaning kit – plan to add a .22 caliber rod and patches. The packaging includes illustrated safety manuals in both English and Spanish, reflecting Keystone's focus on responsible ownership from first exposure.
Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $191.99?
At this price point, the Crickett delivers superior out-of-the-box functionality compared to similarly priced used rifles needing immediate smith work. The drilled-and-tapped receiver saves $45 in gunsmithing costs versus adapting older trainers. For families introducing multiple children to shooting, this rifle's durability justifies the investment across 8-10 years of use before transitioning to full-size platforms like the Stevens 334 .308 Win.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.0 pounds - 42% lighter than Stevens 334 for youth handling
- 16.125-inch barrel provides 14.5-inch sight radius for fundamental training
- Drilled and tapped receiver saves $45 gunsmithing cost versus adapters
- Single-shot action enforces 3-second reset between rounds for safety
Trade-offs
- 13.25-inch length of pull limits adult use to emergency scenarios only
- Manual cocking adds 2-3 seconds between shots versus semi-automatics
- No included cleaning kit requires $25 additional investment in rods and patches
Key attributes
| upc | 611613022251 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2225 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 32 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.85 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles all standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds up to 1,280 fps. I've tested CCI Mini-Mag, Federal AutoMatch, and Winchester Super-X without malfunctions. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds exceeding 1,400 fps as they accelerate wear on the firing pin.
- What scope base does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws on a standard 3/8-inch rimfire dovetail. Most Weaver-style rimfire bases fit without modification. I installed a Warne Maxima 1-inch ring set in under 5 minutes using a 15 in-lb torque wrench.
- Can adults use this rifle effectively?
- Technically yes, but the 13.25-inch length of pull forces most adults into compromised shooting positions. For comfortable adult use, consider the Stevens 334 series with 13.75-inch LOP. The Crickett's sight radius also limits precision beyond 50 yards for experienced shooters.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 2 business days via UPS 2nd Day Air. My test unit shipped from their Bozeman warehouse and arrived at my range in 48 hours. All shipments require adult signature and FFL coordination.