KSA Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.12″ Stainless Purple
About this product
What is the KSA Crickett Gen2 .22 LR 16.12″ Stainless Purple? It is a legal Title I firearm, specifically a compact, 3-pound single-shot bolt-action rifle with a 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel and a fixed synthetic purple stock, designed as a youth training platform or a suppressor host that avoids NFA paperwork. The 1:16 barrel twist stabilizes standard and subsonic .22 LR effectively for distances under 50 yards, while the drilled and tapped receiver provides direct mounting for micro red dots without adapter plates. Its 30.5-inch overall length and single-shot manual-of-arms make it purpose-built for foundational marksmanship instruction rather than rapid-fire scenarios.
What is the KSA Crickett Gen2 .22 LR used for?
This rifle is used for introducing new shooters—particularly youths—to safe firearms handling and basic marksmanship without the distraction or complication of a magazine. My recommended primary use is a dedicated suppressor host: the 16.12-inch barrel keeps standard velocity .22 LR subsonic, and the single-shot action allows for easy verification of a clear chamber when transitioning between shooters on a range, making it inherently safer for group instruction than a semiauto like a Ruger 10/22.
How does the KSA Crickett Gen2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Crickett Gen2 is better for foundational youth training, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is superior for teaching centerfire recoil management. The Crickett weighs 3 pounds versus the Stevens 334's approximately 6.8 pounds, has a manual single-shot action versus a detachable box magazine, and is chambered in .22 LR versus .308 Winchester. For a first rifle where the goal is safety procedure repetition and minimizing variables, the Crickett's simplicity wins; for transitioning a shooter to hunting-caliber platforms, the Stevens is the necessary next step.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 3 pounds (48 ounces) and measures 30.5 inches in overall length. The barrel is precisely 16.12 inches long—a critical dimension that keeps it a Title I rifle (non-NFA) and avoids the tax stamp and registration required for a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR). The stock's length of pull is approximately 11 inches, sized for a smaller shooter, and the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern for scope rings, accepting mounts like the Warne 1-inch rings in under 90 seconds with proper torque.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for an experienced shooter seeking a versatile small-game hunting rifle or a plinking tool for high-round-count sessions. The single-shot action requires a full manual cycle for every round, which becomes tedious beyond 50 rounds in a sitting compared to a magazine-fed bolt action. It's also not ideal for an adult-sized shooter without modification, as the 11-inch length of pull will feel cramped. If your primary use case is informal target shooting with friends, a used Ruger 10/22 or a similar semiauto provides more engagement per hour.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with factory-installed adjustable iron sights, one set of installed quick-detach swivel studs for a sling, and a polymer cocking knob. The EZ Loader feature is machined into the receiver, not a separate part. Notably absent are any optic mounts, a sling, or a case—common omissions in this price segment. You should budget an additional $25-$40 for a basic soft case and $15-$50 for swivels and a simple web sling to make the rifle range-ready. This is a working tool, not a "kit."
Is the KSA Crickett Gen2 worth it at $153.99?
At $153.99, it is worth it as a dedicated training rifle or suppressor host where its limitations become teaching virtues. You are paying for a stainless steel barrel and action—a material upgrade over blued models—and the Gen2 improvements like the easier-to-grasp polymer cocking knob. Compared to piecing together a comparable youth training setup from a more expensive base rifle and aftermarket stock, this represents a focused, cost-effective solution. However, if you need a .22 for small-game hunting where a follow-up shot might be needed, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, though a different class, offers more practical utility for about twice the price.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3 lbs (48 oz)—light enough for a young shooter to hold steady for a 5-minute dry-fire session.
- 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel requires no NFA paperwork, unlike a 14.5-inch barreled AR-15 which needs pinning or a tax stamp.
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard 6-48 scope mounts in under 90 seconds with proper tools.
- Single-shot action enforces deliberate firing and chamber-check discipline, reducing administrative handling errors by an estimated 70% for new shooters.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only—no magazine option. Reloading each round manually adds roughly 4-5 seconds per shot versus a magazine-fed bolt action.
- Fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull; aftermarket replacement is required for adult fit, adding $80-$120.
- No included case, sling, or optic mounts—requires an additional $40-$60 in accessories to be range-ready.
- Purple color may limit resale appeal compared to traditional black or camo finishes in the secondary market.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613024453 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2445 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | PURPLE |
| 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 the receiver ready for a scope mount?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped from the factory with a standard 6-48 thread pattern. You can attach a Picatinny rail or direct-mount rings using 6-48 screws torqued to 15-18 inch-pounds. I recommend a low-profile rail from Warne or EGW for mounting a micro red dot.
- Does this work with a .22 LR suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2"-28 muzzle threads are standard for .22 LR suppressors. The 16.12-inch barrel length ensures most standard velocity .22 LR ammunition stays subsonic, minimizing sonic crack. Always verify your suppressor's thread alignment with a gage before first use.
- How long is the warranty period?
- KSA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, processed directly through their customer service. Expect a 2-3 week turnaround for repair or replacement if a material or workmanship defect is found. Keep your sales receipt as proof of purchase.
- Can an adult shooter use this comfortably?
- Not without modification. The 11-inch length of pull is designed for a youth or small-statured shooter. An average adult will find it uncomfortably short. Aftermarket butt pad spacers or a replacement stock from a vendor like Boyd's can add 1-2 inches for about $30-$100.