Keystone Crickett .22 LR Youth Single-Shot Rifle

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