Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 Youth 22LR Camo SS
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs only 2.5 lbs (40 oz) — exceptionally light for controlled handling.
- Stainless steel barrel and receiver for minimal maintenance in youth-use scenarios.
- Automatic block safety system provides a redundant mechanical firing pin block.
Trade-offs
- Solid, non-adjustable synthetic stock — length of pull cannot be modified as the shooter grows.
- No provisions for optics mounting — iron sights only, limiting long-range training progression.
- Single-shot only — reloading drill becomes repetitive quickly for an advancing shooter.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 Youth 22LR Camo SS is a purpose-built, manual-cocking single-shot bolt-action rimfire rifle engineered as a first firearm for young shooters. It chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges and pairs a corrosion-resistant stainless steel receiver and barrel with a durable M81 Woodland camo synthetic stock. The design prioritizes safety and simplicity, featuring an automatic block safety system and a controlled single-shot capacity to instill proper fundamentals.
What is the Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 used for?
This rifle is designed for introductory firearms training and youth shooting sports. I recommend it exclusively as a learning platform, where its single-shot operation forces a deliberate pace and emphasizes safety procedures between each trigger press. It's ideal for controlled range sessions or plinking under direct supervision, not for scenarios demanding rapid fire or high capacity.
How does the Crickett Gen2 compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett Gen2 is fundamentally different from a centerfire youth rifle like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .243 Win — our editorial take, which is a better choice for a slightly older shooter graduating to hunting. The Stevens offers a detachable 3-round magazine and is chambered for a hunting cartridge, while the Crickett is strictly a single-shot .22 trainer. The Crickett excels at foundational safety training, whereas the Stevens is better suited for applying those fundamentals to actual small-game hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an official weight of 2.5 pounds (40 ounces), a significant 1.6 pounds lighter than a typical Stevens 334, and an overall length of precisely 30 inches. The 16.25-inch stainless steel barrel provides a compact sight radius well-suited to a child's shorter arm length, and the lightweight synthetic stock keeps the center of gravity manageable for smaller shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for an un-supervised user, a teenager needing a hunting rifle for larger game, or an adult seeking a recreational plinker for volume shooting. Its single-shot action and .22 rimfire cartridge make it impractical for any application beyond basic marksmanship instruction and fundamental safety familiarization. For a young hunter, I'd direct you towards one of our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotguns or the aforementioned Stevens 334.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships from the factory with a single, non-detachable magazine block—this is the internal feed ramp that allows for the EZ Loader function—and the fixed front post/ adjustable peep rear sight system already installed. You will need to supply the appropriate ammunition, a bore-cleaning kit, and, critically, proper eye and ear protection rated for a minimum of 25 decibels of noise reduction before the first range trip.
Is the Crickett Gen2 worth it at $175.99?
At this price point, the Crickett Gen2 represents a solid value for its singular purpose: introducing a new shooter to the mechanical operation and safety rules of a bolt-action rifle. Its stainless construction resists neglect better than a blued model, which is a realistic consideration for a youth firearm. The investment is justified if your goal is foundational training; if you need a firearm for any practical purpose beyond that, your money is better allocated elsewhere.
Key attributes
| upc | 611613021711 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2171 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.10" |
| caliber/gauge | 22 S/L/LR |
| capacity | Single Shot |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Peep Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it is compatible with all standard-velocity and high-velocity .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle ammunition. I advise avoiding hyper-velocity or "stinger" type rounds during initial training, as they can increase perceived recoil and muzzle blast, which may be distracting for a new shooter. Stick with 40-grain round-nose loads for consistency.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Easily. The 30-inch overall length means it will fit in most universal rifle cases designed for firearms up to 40 inches. For a dedicated solution, look for a youth-size soft case from brands like Savior Equipment or Allen, which are typically 34 inches internally.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- The receiver is not drilled and tapped for scope bases, as it's designed to be used with the included iron sights. Aftermarket scope mounts that clamp to the barrel do exist, but I strongly recommend mastering the adjustable peep sight first. Adding weight and complexity defeats the purpose of this trainer.
- How long does shipping take to a licensed FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder within 2 business days. The total transit time then depends on your location and the carrier; expect 3-7 business days for ground shipping via UPS or FedEx to most continental US locations.