Keystone Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot Rifle
About this product
The Keystone Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot Rifle is a lightweight, manually cocking bolt-action rifle designed for youth and beginner shooters, featuring a Mossy Oak Break-Up stock and a rebounding firing pin for safety.
Nationwide shipping. Order from anywhere in the US.
The Keystone Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot Rifle is a manually cocking bolt-action platform built specifically for introducing new shooters to precision marksmanship. At a 30-inch overall length and weighing under 3 pounds, it shrinks the learning curve without sacrificing the fundamentals—single-shot discipline, manual cocking, and a crisp trigger pull. This is the rifle that teaches trigger control before the second round is ever loaded.
| Manufacturer | Keystone Sporting Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot |
| Material | Synthetic stock with Mossy Oak Break-Up hydro-dip; blued steel barrel |
| Compatibility | Standard .22 LR ammunition; accepts Crickett scope mounts (drilled and tapped) |
| Finish | Blued metal finish |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Manually Cocking Action – WHY IT MATTERS: Forces the shooter to consciously cycle the bolt before each shot, reinforcing safe handling and building the habit of deliberate trigger pull—critical for developing precision rifle fundamentals.
- Rebounding Firing Pin – WHY IT MATTERS: The firing pin retracts fully after each shot, preventing accidental discharge if the rifle is dropped or the bolt is closed on a live round. This passive safety is a non-negotiable for youth training.
- Adjustable Rear Peep Sight – WHY IT MATTERS: Provides windage and elevation adjustment out of the box, letting shooters dial in zero without a scope. This is the same sight system used on many rimfire competition rifles, scaled for small hands.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – WHY IT MATTERS: Accepts Crickett-specific scope mounts, allowing the rifle to grow with the shooter—from iron sights to a low-power rimfire optic—without gunsmithing.
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Hydro-Dipped Stock – WHY IT MATTERS: The synthetic stock is lightweight and weather-resistant, while the camouflage pattern helps the rifle blend into field environments. It’s also easy to clean and won’t warp in humidity.
Who It’s For
This rifle is designed for youth shooters aged 6 to 12, beginner adults looking for a low-recoil training platform, and anyone who wants to teach the fundamentals of single-shot marksmanship. It’s also a viable option for pest control around small properties where a .22 LR is appropriate.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Ultra-light weight (2.8 lbs) makes it easy to handle for small shooters; manual cocking builds safe habits; rebounding firing pin adds a layer of safety; drilled and tapped for optics; affordable entry price.
- Cons: Single-shot action limits follow-up speed—intentional for training but less practical for plinking; the synthetic stock feels a bit thin compared to adult-sized rifles; the manual cocking can be stiff for very small hands until broken in.
Comparison
| Feature | Keystone Crickett .22 LR | Zev Technologies Z22 | Agency Arms .22 LR Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Single-shot, manually cocking bolt | Semi-automatic (based on Ruger 10/22) | Conversion slide for Glock |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs | 4.5 lbs (rifle) | 1.2 lbs (slide only) |
| Safety | Rebounding firing pin | Manual cross-bolt safety | Trigger safety |
| Best For | Youth training, fundamentals | Competition, plinking | Handgun conversion |
| Price | $159.39 | $1,200+ | $400+ |
FAQ
What is the recommended age range for this rifle?
Keystone recommends the Crickett for shooters aged 6 to 12, though it can work for any beginner who fits the compact length of pull (12 inches). Always supervise youth shooters.
Does the Keystone Crickett come with a scope?
No, it ships with an adjustable rear peep sight and fixed front sight. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept Crickett scope mounts (sold separately).
Is the .22 LR ammunition hard to find?
.22 LR is one of the most common rimfire cartridges in the U.S. It’s widely available at retailers and online. According to NSSF data, over 2.5 billion rounds of .22 LR are produced annually.
How do you cock the rifle?
After loading a single round, you manually lift and pull back the bolt handle to cock the firing pin. This is a deliberate step that reinforces safe handling every shot.
Can an adult use this rifle?
Yes, but the short length of pull (12 inches) may feel cramped for larger adults. It’s best used as a training tool for small-statured shooters or as a lightweight backpack rifle.
Ready to Start Your Precision Journey
The Keystone Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot Rifle is your entry point to disciplined marksmanship. Order it today and start teaching the fundamentals that carry into every long-range build.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Explore more: Single Shot Rifles | Youth Rifles | Rimfire Rifles
Last updated: April 2026