The Keystone Crickett KSA2338 22 WMR Blued Walnut Single-Shot is a manual-cocking bolt-action rifle built for precision fundamentals. Chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum, this compact platform delivers a 100-yard trajectory flatter than any .22 LR, with muzzle velocity pushing 1,900 fps from a 16.125-inch barrel. The walnut stock and blued metal finish keep it traditional, but the rebounding firing-pin safety and drilled-and-tapped receiver make it a modern training tool. Per Keystone Sporting Arms specs, this rifle weighs 3.25 pounds—light enough for a youth shooter, stable enough for an adult to dial in wind calls.
| Manufacturer | Keystone Sporting Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | KSA2338 |
| Material | Walnut stock, blued steel receiver and barrel |
| Compatibility | .22 WMR ammunition, accepts standard tip-off scope bases (receiver drilled and tapped) |
| Finish | Blued |
| Weight | 3.25 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Manual-Cocking Bolt Action – Why it matters: The shooter controls the cocking stroke, building safe handling habits and a deliberate trigger press. No accidental discharges from a fast cycling bolt.
- Rebounding Firing-Pin Safety – Why it matters: The firing pin retracts fully after each shot, preventing slam-fires when closing the bolt on a live round. This is a safety feature that matters on any single-shot platform.
- Adjustable Rear Peep Sight – Why it matters: Elevation adjustments let you zero for 50 or 100 yards without tools. Combined with the fixed front blade, it gives a sight radius that reduces parallax error for new shooters.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver – Why it matters: Mount a 1-4x or fixed 4x scope without drilling. The receiver uses standard #6-48 threads, common on rimfire rifles, so you can add glass in minutes.
- Compact 16.125-Inch Barrel – Why it matters: Shorter barrel keeps the overall length under 32 inches, making it easy to carry in a pack or store in a truck safe. The .22 WMR still gets full powder burn in this length.
Who It’s For
This rifle targets the entry-level precision shooter and the parent teaching fundamentals. If you want a single-shot platform that forces you to make every round count—no magazine to rely on, no semi-auto crutch—the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 fits. It also works for small-game hunters who prefer a walk-around gun that won’t hang on brush.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Sub-4-pound weight, manual cocking builds discipline, .22 WMR gives a flatter trajectory than .22 LR, peep sight is adjustable without tools, receiver accepts optics.
- Cons: Single-shot action limits follow-up speed. The manual-cocking mechanism requires two hands to cycle, which can be slow under time pressure. No iron sight windage adjustment—you’ll need a scope for wind holds.
Comparison vs Competitors
| Feature | Keystone Crickett KSA2338 | Savage Rascal .22 WMR | Marlin XT-22 Mag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Manual-cocking bolt, single-shot | Bolt-action, single-shot | Bolt-action, detachable magazine (7-round) |
| Weight | 3.25 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Safety | Rebounding firing-pin | Manual thumb safety | Manual cross-bolt safety |
| Barrel Length | 16.125 in | 16.125 in | 22 in |
| Stock | Walnut | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Optics Ready | Drilled and tapped | Drilled and tapped | Drilled and tapped |
| Price (MSRP) | $190.32 | $185 | $220 |
The Keystone Crickett KSA2338 splits the difference between the Savage Rascal’s polymer stock and the Marlin’s heavier magazine-fed build. If you want a wood stock and a manual cocking action that forces deliberate shooting, this is your pick. The Marlin offers faster reloads but weighs two pounds more.
FAQ
Is the Keystone Crickett KSA2338 suitable for adults?
Yes. The 3.25-pound weight and compact length make it ideal for beginners, but the .22 WMR chambering and peep sight system work for any shooter who wants a lightweight single-shot for plinking or small-game hunting. The length of pull is 12.5 inches, which fits smaller adults—taller shooters may find it a bit short, but it’s still functional.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws, which is standard for rimfire scope bases. You can mount a 1-inch tube scope using low or medium rings. The peep sight remains usable if you want a backup.
What is the effective range of the .22 WMR from this rifle?
With the 16.125-inch barrel, expect a 50-yard zero to keep you within 1.5 inches of point of aim out to 100 yards. The .22 WMR retains about 150 ft-lbs of energy at 100 yards, enough for small game. Beyond 125 yards, drop becomes significant (about 6 inches at 150 yards with a 50-yard zero).
Is the manual-cocking action safe for children?
The manual-cocking design requires the shooter to physically pull the cocking knob back before each shot, which prevents the rifle from firing unless deliberately cocked. This is a strong safety feature for teaching firearm handling. The rebounding firing pin adds another layer of safety after firing.
Does this rifle come with a scope or rings?
No. The Keystone Crickett KSA2338 ships with fixed front and adjustable rear peep sights only. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounting, but you will need to purchase rings and a scope separately.
Why Buy From Us
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Browse more Bolt Action Rifles or check our Rimfire Rifles and Youth Rifles categories.
Last updated: April 2026


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