Davey Crickett Crickett .22 LR 16.12 in Muddy Girl
About this product
The Davey Crickett Crickett .22 LR 16.12 in Muddy Girl is a youth-focused, single-shot bolt-action rifle engineered for introductory firearm training and controlled field practice. It's built around a 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel, a synthetic stock hydro-dipped in the Muddy Girl camo pattern, and incorporates basic but essential safety features like a rebounding firing pin. At 3 pounds unloaded and 30.5 inches overall, it's dimensionally scaled for shooters under 5 feet tall, making it a purpose-built tool rather than a scaled-down adult firearm.
What is the Davey Crickett Crickett .22 LR used for?
The Crickett is used exclusively for foundational marksmanship training and supervised small-game hunting under 50 yards. This rifle is not a plinker or a high-volume training tool; the single-shot action forces deliberate shot placement and mandatory administrative handling between rounds, which is ideal for building safe, methodical habits in new shooters aged approximately 8-12. The .22 LR chambering keeps recoil negligible and ammunition cost low, allowing focus on fundamentals like sight alignment, breath control, and trigger press without distraction.
How does the Davey Crickett Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett is categorically better for a child's first rifle, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a superior choice for a young adult's first deer rifle. The Crickett's 3-pound weight and 30.5-inch length are 2.5 pounds lighter and nearly 10 inches shorter than a typical adult rifle, making it manageable for a small frame. The Stevens 334 offers a centerfire cartridge capable of ethical deer harvests at 150+ yards, a detachable box magazine for faster follow-up shots, and a stock sized for an adult or large teenager, which the Crickett lacks entirely.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 3 pounds (48 ounces) unloaded and measures 30.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The 16.12-inch barrel contributes to a compact overall package with a length of pull calibrated for a youth shooter, typically around 11 inches. These figures translate to a handling time—from carrying case to ready position on a bench—of under 15 seconds for a competent instructor, emphasizing its role as a simple, accessible training aid.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for adults seeking a compact .22 for pest control or recreational plinking, nor for any shooter wanting semi-automatic functionality. The single-shot action and youth-sized stock will feel toy-like and frustratingly slow for an average-sized adult. It's also a poor choice for formal competitive shooting like NRL22, where magazine capacity, adjustable triggers, and chassis compatibility are required; the Crickett's fixed, basic trigger and lack of bedding options disqualify it from that role.
What's in the box?
The box contains the rifle, a single .22 LR snap-cap for dry-fire practice, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and safety. Notably, it does not include a sling, scope mounts, or any optic, which aligns with the manufacturer's intent that initial training be conducted with iron sights. The rear peep sight is adjustable for elevation and windage with a small hex key, which is also included.
Is the Davey Crickett Crickett worth it at $184.99?
At $184.99, it's worth the investment specifically as a dedicated, safe platform for teaching a child. You are paying for a firearm with a legitimate safety system (rebounding firing pin), a durable stainless steel barrel resistant to neglect, and a stock pattern that engages a young shooter's interest. Compared to the gamble of a used, unknown-condition .22, the Crickett offers predictable performance and a warranty. However, if your child is within two years of being ready for a centerfire like the .243 Winchester, skipping to a more capable platform like the Stevens 334 may be the more efficient long-term purchase.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3 lbs (48 oz) — 40% lighter than a standard adult .22 rifle for effortless youth handling.
- 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel resists corrosion from fingerprints and neglect common in training environments.
- Single-shot action enforces mandatory administrative handling, building foundational safety discipline.
- Rebounding firing pin provides a positive mechanical safety beyond a manual safety selector.
Trade-offs
- Youth-sized stock has no adjustment for length of pull (fixed at ~11"), limiting long-term use as the shooter grows.
- The basic trigger has a non-adjustable pull weight estimated at 5-6 lbs, which is heavy for precise small-bore practice.
- No included optic or mount — adds $50-$150 to effective cost for scoped training.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613021674 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2167 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 32 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.7 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- What scope base fits the drilled and tapped receiver?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #6-48 screw pattern, accepting most .22-specific scope bases like those from Weaver or Warne. The spacing between the front and rear mounting points is 3.6 inches center-to-center. We recommend using a low-profile, one-piece base to maintain a proper cheek weld for a youth shooter.
- Can an adult comfortably shoot this rifle?
- No, an average adult will find the length of pull prohibitively short, approximately 11 inches, causing excessive hunching. The eye relief on any mounted optic will also be compromised. This rifle is dimensionally scaled for a shooter with a wingspan under 60 inches; it is a training tool, not an adult firearm.
- Is the Muddy Girl finish durable?
- The hydro-dip finish over the synthetic stock is moderately durable for field use but will show wear at high-contact points like the grip and fore-end with heavy handling. It is more resistant to moisture and mild solvents than painted wood but lacks the abrasion resistance of a molded-in texture or ceramic coating. Expect cosmetic marring after 20-30 range sessions.
- Does it accept a suppressor or muzzle device?
- The 16.12-inch barrel has a standard 1/2"-28 thread pattern under the crowned muzzle, making it compatible with .22 LR suppressors and some muzzle brakes. However, adding a suppressor will increase the overall length by 4-6 inches and shift the balance point forward, which may be challenging for a very young shooter to manage safely from a rest.