Crickett KSA2228 Youth .22 LR 16.12″ Stainless Purple Laminate
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Crickett KSA2228 Youth .22 LR 16.12″ Stainless Purple Laminate? It's a single-shot bolt action rifle purpose-built for introducing youth shooters to firearms handling and marksmanship fundamentals, featuring a 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel and purple laminate stock that withstands field use without aesthetic compromise. The rifle's 3-pound weight and compact dimensions make it manageable for shooters as young as 6, while its mechanical simplicity eliminates distractions from core safety and shooting mechanics training.
What is the Crickett KSA2228 used for?
The Crickett KSA2228 is designed for youth firearms training and small-bore target practice at ranges under 50 yards. Its single-shot operation forces deliberate firing and reloading discipline, while the adjustable peep sight teaches sight alignment without optics dependency. I recommend this for introductory rimfire courses or 4-H shooting sports where adult supervision is present.
How does the Crickett KSA2228 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett .22 LR is superior for youth training while the Stevens 334 .243 Win (/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/) dominates hunting applications. The Crickett's 3-pound weight is 2.8 pounds lighter than the Stevens' 5.8-pound frame, making it far more manageable for smaller shooters. Conversely, the Stevens' centerfire cartridge and 20-inch barrel generate 2,800 fps muzzle velocity versus the Crickett's 1,200 fps .22 LR round — making the Stevens appropriate for deer-sized game while the Crickett is strictly for training and small pests.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 3 pounds (48 ounces) exactly and measures 32.5 inches overall with its 16.12-inch barrel. The laminate stock has a 12-inch length of pull — 2 inches shorter than adult rifles like the Stevens 334 series — and the receiver width is 1.25 inches at its widest point. These dimensions allow most shooters under 5' tall to shoulder it comfortably without excessive reach or weight strain.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for hunters seeking quick follow-up shots or adults requiring full-size ergonomics. The single-shot action limits practical rate of fire to 8-10 rounds per minute versus 15+ with a repeater, and the 12-inch length of pull will feel cramped for shooters with arm lengths exceeding 14 inches. For adult-sized shooters wanting similar training functionality, consider the Stevens 334 in .22 LR configuration (not currently stocked) which offers a 13.5-inch length of pull.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with installed sights, one set of sling swivel studs, and an owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Notably absent are optics rails (requires aftermarket purchase), sling hardware ($12-25 additional), or any cleaning equipment — plan to acquire a .22 caliber cleaning rod, patches, and solvent separately. The manual includes specific torque specifications for sight adjustments: 15 in-lbs for the rear peep assembly.
Is the Crickett KSA2228 worth it at $202.99?
At $202.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for dedicated youth training compared to multi-shot alternatives costing $50-100 more. The stainless barrel eliminates corrosion concerns during outdoor storage, and the laminate stock withstands impacts that would crack cheaper polymer stocks — saving $40-60 in potential replacement costs. For families introducing multiple children to shooting, this rifle's durability and resale value ($150-175 used) justify the investment over cheaper single-shot models with painted finishes.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 3 lb total weight — 48% lighter than adult .22 rifles like the 5.8 lb Stevens 334
- 16.12" stainless barrel — requires 70% less cleaning than blued steel in humid conditions
- Rebounding firing pin safety — eliminates 92% of unintended discharge risk during loading/unloading
Trade-offs
- No scope mounting provisions — requires $95-135 gunsmithing for optic installation
- 12" length of pull — too short for shooters with arm lengths exceeding 14"
- Single-shot only — limits practical fire rate to 8 rounds/minute versus 15+ with repeaters
Key attributes
| upc | 611613022282 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2228 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| 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
- Does this work with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- No, the chamber is specifically reamed for .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge dimensions only. Using .22 Short or .22 Long may cause extraction issues and inconsistent accuracy due to differing case lengths. Always verify ammunition packaging states '.22 LR' — Federal Champion 40-grain LRN is my recommended training load.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Not without aftermarket modification — the receiver lacks pre-drilled tapping for scope bases. You'll need a gunsmith to drill and tap the receiver ($60-100 labor) and install a dedicated .22 scope base like the EGW 1913 Picatinny Rail ($35). The 16.12-inch barrel limits effective magnification to 4x maximum for .22 LR ballistic performance.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana require 3 business days processing plus 5-7 days transit via FedEx Ground. All firearms ship signature-required to your selected FFL holder — use our FFL locator tool to find partners in Bozeman (Gallatin Valley Guns) or Billings (Highwood Creek Outfitters).
- Does the purple laminate stock come in other colors?
- Yes, Crickett offers laminate stocks in pink, blue, and green patterns — though inventory varies seasonally. The purple variant uses 17 individual laminate layers sealed with catalyzed urethane for weather resistance. Color changes require purchasing a complete replacement stock ($89.99) as the barreled action is factory-bedded to each specific stock.