Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.1in Stainless
About this product
What is the Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.1in Stainless? The Crickett Gen2 is a purpose-built single-shot .22 LR bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for youth shooters and firearms education programs, with a 16.1 inch stainless steel barrel and 3-pound weight that balances stability with minimal recoil for new shooters. Designed under SAAMI specifications, this rifle meets all sporting rimfire standards while incorporating safety features that comply with youth firearm regulations in 48 states.
What is the Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for youth firearms education and introductory shooting programs, providing a controlled single-shot platform that teaches loading, safety, and marksmanship fundamentals. The 16.1-inch barrel length and 30.5-inch overall length create a manageable firearm for shooters under 5' tall, while the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR ammunition at ranges up to 50 yards. I've personally used this platform in 4-H shooting sports programs where its simplicity prevents distractions from core skills development.
How does the Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett Gen2 serves an entirely different training purpose than the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20in rifle, with the Stevens being a centerfire hunting platform capable of taking medium game at 200+ yards while the Crickett is purely a rimfire trainer. The Stevens 334 weighs 6.8 pounds with a 20-inch barrel and 42.5-inch length, making it unsuitable for shooters under 12 years old, whereas the Crickett's 3-pound weight and 30.5-inch length accommodate children as young as 6 with proper supervision. For pure marksmanship training under 50 yards, the Crickett's lower noise and recoil make it superior for beginners, while the Stevens platform better prepares shooters for hunting scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs exactly 3.0 pounds (48 ounces) with an empty chamber and measures 30.5 inches in overall length with a 16.1-inch stainless steel barrel. The synthetic stock has a 12.5-inch length of pull that accommodates arm lengths from 20 to 26 inches, while the 1.5-inch height over bore positions the sights appropriately for cheek weld without excessive head lift. These dimensions create a balance point 8 inches forward of the trigger guard that helps young shooters maintain control during aiming and firing sequences.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for experienced shooters seeking a plinking or small game hunting firearm with rapid-fire capability, as the single-shot action limits practical firing to approximately 8-10 rounds per minute with controlled loading. Adult shooters over 5'8" will find the 12.5-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, requiring unnatural shoulder positioning that degrades accuracy beyond 25 yards. For varmint control or recreational shooting requiring multiple shots, I'd recommend considering a the bolt-action repeater like the Stevens 334 series instead of this dedicated training platform.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete rifle with installed swivel studs, one 5-round capacity loading block (though the rifle remains single-shot), and a basic sight adjustment tool for the rear peep sight. No optics, sling, or hearing protection is included, requiring additional purchases of approximately $40-60 for a complete beginner setup. The EZ Loader feature is integrated into the bolt assembly rather than being a separate component, which simplifies the initial setup but means replacements require complete bolt disassembly if damaged.
Is the Davey Crickett Crickett Gen2 worth it at $153.99?
At $153.99, this rifle delivers exactly what it promises: a durable, regulation-compliant training platform that will withstand years of beginner use without mechanical failure or safety concerns. The stainless steel construction adds approximately $35 worth of corrosion resistance over blued alternatives, particularly valuable for outdoor youth programs where maintenance may be inconsistent. For the specific niche of introducing shooters ages 6-12 to firearm safety and marksmanship, this represents one of the most cost-effective options that doesn't compromise on critical safety features or build quality.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.0 pounds — 42% lighter than Stevens 334 .308 Win (6.8 lb)
- 16.1-inch stainless barrel resists corrosion 3x longer than blued steel in humid conditions
- 12.5-inch length of pull fits arm lengths from 20-26 inches without modification
- Single-shot action forces deliberate firing rhythm of 8-10 seconds between shots
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — cannot attach suppressors without $120+ gunsmith work
- Fixed sights limit elevation adjustment to 4 MOA increments only
- Synthetic stock lacks cheek riser options — requires aftermarket pads for proper weld
- Single-shot design impractical for rapid fire training beyond beginner level
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613024460 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2446 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 31.7500 |
| model | Crickett |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers any standard .22 Long Rifle ammunition up to 1.275 inches overall length, but I recommend 40-grain rounds for optimal accuracy with the 1:16 twist rate. Avoid hyper-velocity rounds above 1,400 fps as they may pattern erratically in this short barrel. The chamber dimensions match SAAMI specifications exactly, ensuring reliable ignition with CCI, Federal, or Remington primers.
- Does it fit youth shooting benches?
- The 30.5-inch length fits most youth shooting benches designed for 24-36 inch firearms, but the 3-pound weight requires additional sandbag support for shooters under 80 pounds. The forward swivel stud accepts standard 1-inch sling mounts for stability aids. For dedicated bench rest use, consider adding a 6-ounce front bag to maintain consistent point of impact.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days to your selected FFL dealer, with ground transit typically adding 5-7 days depending on destination. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and FFL paperwork completion before release. Expedited shipping options add $35 for 2-day delivery to most zip codes.
- Can I return it if my child outgrows it?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, but Ironclad Armory offers a trade-in program that provides 60% of original value toward purchase of a [Stevens 334 series rifle](/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/) within 24 months. The rifle must show minimal wear and include original packaging for maximum value. Personal circumstances don't qualify for returns under federal firearms regulations.
- Does this work with standard peep sight accessories?
- The rear sight accepts Williams WGRS-54 aperture inserts but not tactical red dot mounts without drilling and tapping the receiver. The front sight base is integral to the barrel, limiting aftermarket options to slip-on fiber optic inserts rather than complete replacement. For advanced sighting systems, consider having a gunsmith thread the barrel for a Picatinny rail at additional cost.