Description
Picture this: a young shooter’s first trip to the range, the weight of a real firearm in their hands, and the focus required to line up that first shot. The foundation of a lifetime of safe, responsible gun ownership starts here. The Keystone Crickett 22LR, 16.12″ Red, White & Blue Laminate, PG is purpose-built for that exact moment—a single-shot, bolt-action rifle designed to introduce new shooters to the fundamentals with absolute safety and control.
The Keystone Crickett 22LR, 16.12″ Red, White & Blue Laminate, PG is a compact, single-shot .22 Long Rifle designed as a first firearm for youth and new shooters. It features a patriotic red, white, and blue laminate stock, a 16.12-inch barrel, and a simple, safe bolt-action mechanism to teach marksmanship basics. At a price of $156.22, it’s an accessible entry point into the shooting sports.
When it comes to building foundational skills, you need a tool that removes complexity and emphasizes safety. The Crickett’s single-shot design forces a deliberate, thoughtful pace. Every shot requires the shooter to manually cycle the bolt, load a new round, and re-acquire their sight picture. This isn’t about volume; it’s about instilling discipline and respect for the process from day one. The action is smooth and requires minimal force, making it easy for smaller hands to operate. It’s drop-in ready for its role—no gunsmithing required to start building confidence on the range.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the vibrant, layered laminate stock in red, white, and blue. Beyond its eye-catching patriotic appeal, this material is far more durable and resistant to the bumps and scrapes of outdoor use than traditional wood. It provides a solid, stable platform. The 16.12-inch barrel is the perfect length for a youth model, offering a good sight radius for learning iron sights while keeping the overall firearm light and maneuverable. The rifle weighs just 2.5 pounds, so it won’t fatigue a new shooter during a full training session.
Here’s the thing—the simplicity is the strength. The integrated Picatinny rail on the receiver allows for the easy addition of optics when the shooter is ready to progress beyond the included iron sights. This rail is compatible with popular, affordable rimfire scopes from brands like Simmons and UTG, allowing for a customized learning path. The manual safety is large, positive, and easy to visually verify, a critical feature for teaching safe handling protocols.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Action | Bolt-Action, Single Shot |
| Barrel Length | 16.12 inches |
| Overall Length | 30.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Stock | Red, White & Blue Laminate |
Pros: Extremely safe single-shot design; perfect size and weight for youth; durable laminate stock; includes a Picatinny rail for optics; simple operation builds fundamental skills; highly affordable at $156.22.
Cons: Single-shot capacity limits use for anything beyond training; iron sights are basic; not suitable for high-volume plinking or pest control scenarios.
This rifle is for the parent or mentor committed to starting a new shooter—a child, grandchild, or complete novice—the right way. It’s for Missouri families wanting to pass on a heritage of hunting and shooting with an emphasis on safety and technique. It’s also a viable option for a compact, ultra-lightweight pack rifle for survival kits where absolute simplicity and reliability are key. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age or size for this rifle?
A: There’s no official age limit; it’s about physical capability and maturity. The rifle is designed for shooters with a short length of pull. A good rule is if the shooter can comfortably hold the rifle, reach the trigger correctly, and safely operate the bolt and safety under direct adult supervision, they are ready.
Q: Can adults use this firearm effectively?
A: While compact for an adult, it is a fully functional .22LR. Adults can absolutely use it for basic marksmanship practice, and its light weight makes it a fun, challenging tool for refining trigger control and sight alignment fundamentals. It’s not designed for adult-sized ergonomics over long sessions, however.
Q: What ammunition does it use, and is it easy to clean?
A: It chambers standard .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Standard or high-velocity rounds work well. Cleaning is straightforward due to the simple single-shot design. Always follow the manual’s disassembly instructions—typically involving removing a single bolt to separate the barreled action from the stock for easy bore access.
If you’re looking to build a foundation of safety and skill for the next generation of responsible shooters, the Keystone Crickett provides the perfect platform to begin that journey.
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