Keystone Crickett “My First Rifle” .22 LR Single-Shot
About this product
What is the Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle'? The Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' is a manual-cocking, single-shot bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 LR that is purpose-built for new and youth shooters, featuring a 1:16" twist rate barrel, synthetic stock, and rebounding firing pin safety system—designed with a 3 lb weight and 30" overall length to introduce firearms fundamentals without overwhelming the user. This rifle represents a specific category of training firearms that prioritizes mechanical simplicity and safety engineering over modularity or rapid-fire capability. As someone who has evaluated training platforms from military contract specifications to civilian introductory models, I appreciate when a manufacturer commits to a singular educational purpose with clear mechanical intention.
What is the Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' used for?
This rifle is designed exclusively for introductory firearms training and youth marksmanship development, not for hunting or defensive scenarios. The single-shot bolt action forces deliberate loading and firing discipline, while the 3 lb weight and 30" overall length are scaled for shooters as young as six years old. The rebounding firing pin and manual cocking mechanism provide multiple layers of safety oversight that are critical when teaching new shooters proper handling protocols.
How does the Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Crickett is fundamentally designed for different users and purposes than the Stevens 334 .243 Win, with the Stevens being better for adult hunters needing centerfire power and the Crickett superior for youth training. Where the Stevens 334 fires .243 Winchester cartridges with higher velocity and energy for medium game, the Crickett's .22 LR chambering produces minimal recoil and report—approximately 140 dB compared to the Stevens' 165 dB—making it suitable for close-range instruction. The Crickett's single-shot action enforces loading discipline that the Stevens' 4-round magazine bypasses, which is appropriate for their respective use cases but highlights the Crickett's educational focus.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 3.0 lb (48 oz) and measures 30" in overall length with a 16.25" barrel length that keeps the package manageable for young shooters. The synthetic stock has a 10.5" length of pull specifically scaled for smaller frames, while the 1:16" twist rate barrel is optimized for standard velocity .22 LR ammunition stabilization. These dimensions create a balance point just forward of the receiver that helps new shooters maintain control without excessive muzzle heaviness.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for experienced shooters seeking a plinking rifle, varmint hunting platform, or anyone needing rapid follow-up shots. The single-shot action requires manual extraction and loading after each round, adding approximately 8-10 seconds between shots compared to semi-automatic .22 rifles. Adults will find the short length of pull uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions, and the basic iron sights lack the precision adjustments needed for competitive shooting beyond 25 yards.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with installed swivel studs for sling attachment and a receiver drilled and tapped for Crickett-specific scope mounts, but no additional accessories are included. You receive the complete rifle with adjustable rear peep and fixed front post sights pre-installed, along with the necessary documentation for warranty registration. Unlike some competitive youth models, the package does not include a starter scope or sling, requiring approximately $40-60 in additional investment for those accessories.
Is the Keystone Crickett 'My First Rifle' worth it at $140.99?
At $140.99, the Crickett represents good value for its specific educational purpose but limited utility beyond that role. The price positions it approximately $30 below comparable single-shot youth rifles with similar features, while the drilled and tapped receiver allows for optics mounting as skills progress. For parents teaching firearm safety or instructors running youth programs, this rifle delivers exactly the controlled, safety-focused platform needed—but recreational shooters would be better served by a used semi-automatic .22 rifle at a similar price point.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.0 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than the Henry Mini Bolt Youth
- 16.25" barrel with 1:16" twist rate optimized for standard velocity .22 LR
- Rebounding firing pin safety system prevents accidental discharge
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action requires manual loading after each round — adds 8-10 seconds between shots
- 10.5" length of pull too short for most adult shooters — limits utility as trainer progresses
- Requires $15-25 adapter rail for standard scope mounts — adds to total cost
- Basic iron sights lack windage adjustment beyond the rear peep's limited travel
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 611613022459 |
| manufacturer | Davey Crickett |
| manufacturer part number | KSA2245 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | Single Shot |
| color | Silver |
| length | 32 |
| model | Crickett |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Compact |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.5 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR scopes?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for Crickett-specific scope mounts, requiring an adapter rail that costs approximately $15-25 from Keystone Sporting Arms. Standard Picatinny or Weaver bases will not direct-mount without this intermediary component, which adds a step to the optics installation process compared to rifles with integrated rail systems.
- Does it fit left-handed shooters?
- The Crickett is configured exclusively for right-handed operation with the bolt handle on the right side and ejection port on the right. Left-handed youth shooters would need to adapt their technique or consider the approximately $50 more expensive left-hand variant that Keystone offers with reversed bolt orientation.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping requires FFL coordination, adding 2-3 business days to processing time once payment clears. Most orders ship within 5 business days via Ironclad Armory's standard carriers, with transit times varying by destination but typically adding another 3-7 business days for continental US delivery.
- Can I return it if my child outgrows it quickly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but the transfer fees paid to your FFL are non-refundable. The rifle's resale value typically holds at approximately 70-80% of purchase price if maintained properly, providing an alternative to returning if a child advances to a larger platform like the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black">Stevens 334</a>.