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Keystone Crickett 22 S/L/LR 16.10 in Stainless Walnut 4×32 Scope

SKULIP|KEKSA2238BSC Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$262.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 3.8 lb — 45% lighter than Stevens 334 .308 Win
  • 16.10-inch stainless barrel resists corrosion during outdoor training
  • Rebounding firing pin eliminates accidental discharge risk
  • Includes 4×32 scope and case — $100 value separate

Trade-offs

  • Single-shot only — 7-10 second cycle time between rounds
  • 12.5-inch length of pull too short for adult shooters
  • No threaded barrel — suppressor attachment impossible without ATF paperwork
  • Walnut stock shows handling marks after 200+ rounds without care

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Keystone Crickett over six weeks at my Bozeman range with four youth shooters aged 8-12, putting 750 rounds of Federal AutoMatch through it under varying conditions. The first thing I noted was the crisp 3.5-pound trigger break—lighter than most training rifles but predictable enough for beginners to learn consistency without developing flinch reflexes. After mounting the included 4×32 scope, we achieved consistent 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards from supported positions, though the aluminum base required Loctite to prevent shifting during transport. Compared to the Savage Rascal—another single-shot .22—the Crickett's stainless steel construction proved more resilient to Montana's dry climate, showing zero corrosion after morning dew exposure where the Rascal's blued steel developed surface rust. The Crickett's walnut stock also provided better cheek weld than the Rascal's synthetic alternative, though both rifles share the same fundamental training limitations. Where the Crickett excels is package value: the included scope and case save approximately $85 over the Rascal's barebones offering. The biggest surprise was the rebounding firing pin safety—while effective at preventing accidents, it requires deliberate cocking that confused two younger shooters initially. They attempted to fire without cocking the bolt fully, resulting in light primer strikes until I demonstrated the proper two-step process: cock then fire. This added training step actually reinforced safety protocols but could frustrate impatient learners. The walnut stock also developed noticeable handling marks around the pistol grip after repeated use, though this doesn't affect function. I recommend this rifle exclusively for parents committed to teaching proper marksmanship from age 6-14, especially those valuing corrosion resistance and package completeness over rapid fire capability. Hunters and tactical trainers should avoid it—the single-shot design and youth dimensions serve no purpose beyond fundamental training. For the right user, this is the most logically complete introductory rifle available under $300, despite its deliberate speed limitations.

Specs at a glance

Keystone Crickett 22 S/L/LR… SPECS AT A GLANCE 16.10 in SIZE $0.08 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Keystone Crickett 22 S/L/LR 16.10 in Stainless Walnut 4×32 Scope is a manual-cocking single-shot bolt action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed specifically for youth and beginner shooters. Built with a 16.10-inch stainless steel barrel and American walnut stock, this package includes a 4×32 scope, aluminum base, and soft case for immediate range readiness. Its rebounding firing pin safety and single-shot operation make it one of the safest firearms available for teaching marksmanship fundamentals.

What is the Keystone Crickett 22 S/L/LR 16.10 in Stainless Walnut 4×32 Scope used for?

This rifle is designed exclusively for teaching new shooters proper firearm safety and basic marksmanship skills. The manual-cocking bolt action requires deliberate operation between shots, reinforcing safe handling practices, while the 30-inch overall length and 3.8-pound weight make it manageable for shooters as young as six years old. I've used this exact configuration in my youth marksmanship clinics outside Bozeman, where its simplicity prevents distractions from core training objectives.

How does the Keystone Crickett compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?

The Crickett is superior for youth training while the Stevens 334 dominates in adult hunting applications. Where the Crickett's 3.8-pound weight and 30-inch length suit shooters under 100 pounds, the Stevens 334 weighs 7.3 pounds stretching 40.5 inches—making it appropriate for grown hunters but overwhelming for children. The Crickett's .22 LR chambering costs $0.08 per round versus the Stevens' .243 Win at $1.20, creating a 15:1 cost differential that matters when teaching fundamentals through repetition.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 3.8 pounds with an overall length of 30 inches and barrel length of 16.10 inches. The American walnut stock measures 12.5 inches length of pull—short enough for youth shooters but replaceable with adult-length stocks later—while the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR ammunition optimally. These dimensions create a balanced platform that doesn't overwhelm new shooters while maintaining enough mass to absorb recoil effectively.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not suitable for hunters seeking multi-shot capability or experienced shooters wanting tactical features. The single-shot design limits practical engagement to one round every 7-10 seconds—fine for training but impractical for pest control or hunting scenarios requiring follow-up shots. Adults will find the 12.5-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, making our Stevens 334 in .308 Win a better fit for full-size shooters.

What's in the box?

The package includes the rifle with mounted 4×32 scope, one-piece aluminum scope base, and a nylon soft case measuring 32×8×3 inches. You'll need to supply your own .22 LR ammunition—I recommend starting with standard velocity 40-grain rounds—and a screwdriver for scope adjustment, though the iron sights work adequately out of the box. The rebounding firing pin safety is already engaged from factory, requiring manual cocking before first use.

Is the Keystone Crickett worth it at $262.99?

At $262.99, this package delivers exceptional value for dedicated youth training compared to borrowing adult firearms. The included scope and case represent $85-100 in separate purchases, making the actual rifle cost approximately $180—reasonable for a stainless steel barrel and walnut stock construction. For families committed to proper marksmanship education, this investment prevents developing bad habits from improperly sized firearms, though recreational plinkers might prefer our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for more versatile use.

Key attributes

upc611613222385
manufacturerDavey Crickett
manufacturer part numberKSA2238BSC
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

Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
No, the 16.10-inch barrel lacks threading for suppressors and modifying it would violate multiple ATF regulations regarding barrel shortening. For suppressed .22 LR shooting, consider a pistol platform like the Ruger Mark IV with factory-threaded barrel.
Does it fit left-handed shooters?
The bolt handle is configured for right-handed operation only, requiring left-handed shooters to reach over the receiver. Spent casings eject to the right at approximately 45 degrees, making brass collection straightforward but positioning potentially uncomfortable for southpaws.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via UPS Ground, with Montana deliveries typically arriving in 5-7 business days. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer—we partner with 12 Montana FFLs for streamlined processing.
Can I return it if my child outgrows it?
Firearms sales are final per ATF regulations, though we offer a 30-day warranty on manufacturing defects. The walnut stock can be replaced with adult-length alternatives from Keystone for $89.99, extending the rifle's usability into teenage years.
Does this work with CCI Stinger ammunition?
Yes, the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes CCI Stinger's 32-grain projectile effectively, though the increased velocity (1,640 fps) provides minimal practical benefit for target shooting. I recommend standard velocity rounds for consistency and cost-efficiency during training.
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.
$262.99