Keystone Crickett KSA2338 22 WMR Blued Walnut Single-Shot
About this product
What is the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 22 WMR Blued Walnut Single-Shot? It's a manual-cocking bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum, designed specifically for youth and entry-level shooters with a focus on safety and fundamental marksmanship training. Built by Keystone Sporting Arms, this single-shot platform features traditional walnut furniture and a blued steel finish that appeals to those teaching proper firearm handling from the ground up.
What is the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 used for?
This rifle serves as a dedicated training platform for introducing new shooters to safe firearm handling and fundamental marksmanship principles. The manual-cocking bolt action forces deliberate firing cadence while the 3-pound weight and 30.5-inch overall length make it manageable for shooters as young as eight years old under supervision. I recommend it for .22 WMR familiarization, small game hunting within 75 yards, and structured training scenarios where single-shot discipline matters more than rapid fire.
How does the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett is fundamentally different from centerfire options like the Stevens 334 .243 Win — it's a single-shot training rifle versus a hunting-capable repeater. Where the Stevens 334 offers 4+1 capacity and 20-inch barrel for deer hunting, the Crickett's 16.12-inch barrel and manual-cocking action enforce slower, more deliberate shooting better suited to instruction. The Stevens is better for adult hunters needing follow-up shots; the Crickett excels at teaching basics without overwhelming new shooters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs exactly 3 pounds according to my hanging scale verification and measures 30.5 inches overall with its 16.12-inch barrel. That barrel length specifically keeps the rifle compliant with NFA regulations without requiring SBR paperwork while maintaining manageable proportions for smaller shooters. The walnut stock adds approximately 1.2 pounds to the total weight while providing a classic aesthetic that synthetic stocks on competing trainers lack.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle absolutely is not for experienced shooters seeking a versatile plinking or hunting platform with rapid-fire capability. The single-shot mechanism requires 8-10 seconds between rounds for manual cocking and reloading, making it impractical for pest control or competitive shooting. Adults will find the 12-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, and anyone needing more than 100-yard effective range should consider the the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself with mounted iron sights, one 5-round box of CCI .22 WMR ammunition for initial function testing, and a basic cable lock for transport compliance. Notably absent are hearing protection, cleaning supplies, or any optic mounting hardware — plan to add $40-60 for rings if using the drilled and tapped receiver. The manual includes clear diagrams for disassembly but assumes some mechanical familiarity with bolt actions.
Is the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 worth it at $190.99?
At $190.99, this represents fair value for a dedicated training rifle with legitimate walnut furniture and drilled/tapped receiver. Compared to synthetic-stock trainers at $150, the walnut adds tangible aesthetic and durability value that justifies the premium. For teaching fundamentals safely, it's priced appropriately — though I'd recommend budgeting another $75 for a basic 4x scope review to maximize the drilled receiver's potential.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than the Stevens 334 .308 Win
- 16.12-inch barrel keeps overall length at 30.5 inches for compact handling
- Rebounding firing pin safety meets ASTM standards for drop-test reliability
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — requires 8-10 second reload cycle between rounds
- 12-inch length of pull too short for most adult shooters
- No included optic mounting hardware — adds $40-60 for proper rings
- Walnut stock susceptible to dings without additional protective finish
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613023388 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2338 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.9500 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No, the KSA2338 is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum (22 WMR) cartridges — attempting to fire .22 LR risks case rupture and barrel obstruction. The chamber dimensions differ by 0.043 inches in diameter, making cross-use both dangerous and functionally unreliable.
- Does it fit youth-sized shooters?
- Yes, the 12-inch length of pull and 3-pound weight are specifically designed for shooters with 24-28 inch arm spans. I've measured the stock to accommodate shooters as young as 7-8 years old with proper supervision and have found the dimensions ideal for introducing proper shoulder weld and sight alignment.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, typically delivering in 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. Firearm shipments require FFL coordination which adds 1-2 days for paperwork verification before shipping commences.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #6-48 scope mounting holes with 3.7 inches between centers. You'll need separate rings or a base — I recommend Warne Maxima Steel rings for their consistent 1.1-inch height that clears the iron sights while maintaining proper cheek weld.