Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.12 in Mossy Oak Package

Description

The Keystone Crickett 22 LR 16.12 in Mossy Oak Package is a purpose-built youth trainer that punches well above its price point. Chambered in .22 LR with a 16.12-inch barrel, this single-shot bolt-action rifle ships with a 4×32 scope, rings, and a soft case, making it a true ready-to-shoot package for new shooters and small-framed competitors looking to build fundamentals. The Mossy Oak Break-Up stock and blued finish keep it rugged enough for field use, while the manual cocking hammer and rebounding firing pin safety deliver a controlled, safe action that teaches trigger discipline from the first round.

Manufacturer	Keystone Sporting Arms
Model	Crickett
Material	Synthetic stock, blued steel barreled action
Compatibility	.22 LR (standard velocity and high velocity)
Finish	Blued barrel and receiver, Mossy Oak Break-Up stock
Weight	2.85 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Manual Cocking Hammer: The bolt cocks the hammer on closing, but the shooter must manually pull the hammer back before firing. Why it matters: this forces the shooter to consciously arm the rifle, reducing accidental discharges and teaching safe handling from day one.
• EZ Loader System: A spring-loaded ramp that guides the cartridge into the chamber with less fumbling. Why it matters: new shooters often struggle with bolt manipulation; this cuts loading time in half and keeps the focus on sight alignment, not wrestling with the action.
• Drilled-and-Tapped Receiver: Factory threads let you swap the included 4×32 scope for any rimfire optic without gunsmithing. Why it matters: as the shooter grows, you can upgrade glass without buying a new rifle — that’s a $235 investment that scales.
• Rebounding Firing Pin Safety: After firing, the firing pin retracts fully into the bolt face. Why it matters: even with a live round in the chamber, the pin can’t contact the primer unless the trigger is pulled, adding an extra layer of drop-safe security.

Who It’s For

This package is built for youth shooters aged 6–12, small-statured adults who want a light trainer, and instructors running NRA Basic Rifle courses. If you’re a competitive shooter looking to drill offhand fundamentals on a budget, the single-shot action enforces shot discipline — no follow-up shots to save a bad hold. It’s also a strong pick for parents who want a first rifle that won’t overwhelm a child with complexity or recoil.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Complete package — scope, rings, and case included. No hidden costs.
• Pro: Weighs only 2.85 lbs, easy for small shooters to carry and hold steady.
• Pro: Manual cocking hammer builds safe handling habits naturally.
• Con: The included 4×32 scope is basic glass; expect fogging in wet conditions. Budget for a better optic if you shoot year-round.

Comparison

Feature	Keystone Crickett Mossy Oak	Savage Rascal	Winchester Wildcat
Action	Single-shot bolt, manual cocking hammer	Single-shot bolt, auto safety	Semi-auto, 10-round rotary mag
Weight	2.85 lbs	3.25 lbs	4.2 lbs
Scope Included	Yes, 4×32 with rings	No	No
Safety	Rebounding pin + manual hammer	Two-position tang safety	Cross-bolt safety
Stock	Mossy Oak Break-Up synthetic	Black synthetic	Black synthetic
MSRP	$235.53	$199.99	$289.99

FAQ

Is this rifle safe for a 6-year-old?

Yes. The manual cocking hammer means the rifle cannot fire unless the hammer is physically pulled back. The rebounding firing pin adds another fail-safe. Per Keystone’s specs, the overall length is 30 inches and the pull length is 11.5 inches, fitting most kids aged 6–10.

Can I upgrade the scope later?

Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard .22 rings (3/8″ dovetail). You can mount any rimfire scope with the appropriate rings. The included 4×32 is fine for 25-yard basics, but swap to a 2-7x for 50-yard precision work.

What type of ammo works best?

Standard velocity .22 LR (like CCI Standard Velocity) gives the best accuracy in this rifle. High velocity rounds work but may open groups slightly. Avoid subsonic hollow points — the short barrel won’t stabilize them reliably beyond 25 yards.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. The package includes a soft nylon case with a shoulder strap. It’s basic but functional for storage and range transport. If you need a hard case for air travel, you’ll need to buy separately.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery — ships to all 50 states
• ✅ Ships in 1–2 business days from order
• ✅ 30-day return policy on unused items
• ✅ Secure checkout with SSL encryption

Browse more youth and training rifles in our Single Shot Rifles category. Also check our Rimfire Rifles for other .22 LR options, or see Youth Rifles for more starter packages.

Last updated: April 2026