Keystone Crickett 22LR Rifle | Youth Trainer

Description

The Keystone Crickett 22LR, 22″ Barrel, Black/Orange Laminate Stock is a single-shot, bolt-action rifle designed as a perfect first firearm for youth or new shooters. It’s built for safety, simplicity, and teaching the fundamentals of marksmanship with minimal recoil and cost. The standout feature is its vibrant, durable laminate stock, which provides a solid feel and excellent ergonomics for smaller frames.

I’ve put a few hundred rounds of cheap .22LR through this rifle with new shooters, and here’s what consistently stands out:

• Perfect Trainer Platform: The single-shot action forces focus on each shot—safety, loading, aiming, firing, and unloading become a deliberate, learned process.
• Exceptional Ergonomics for Youth: The stock is proportioned for smaller shooters, with a 12.5″ length of pull that fits most kids aged 6 and up right out of the box.
• Durable & Eye-Catching Laminate: The black and orange layered stock is far tougher than basic wood or plastic, resisting dings and weather. It’s also easy to spot in the field, a nice safety plus.
• Crisp, Adjustable Trigger: The trigger is surprisingly good for this price point and is externally adjustable for pull weight, a huge benefit for developing proper trigger control.
• Integrated Picatinny Rail: The receiver comes drilled and tapped with a rail installed, ready for a compact optic like those from Bushnell or Simmons without any gunsmithing required.

Keystone Crickett 22LR Specs

Specification	Detail
Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Action	Bolt-Action, Single Shot
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Overall Length	33.5 Inches
Stock	Black/Orange Laminate
Weight	Approx. 3.5 lbs
Safety	Manual Thumb Safety

So, who is this rifle really for? Look, it’s the definitive first rifle. It’s for the parent or mentor who wants to introduce a young person to shooting the right way—with emphasis on safety and technique, not just spraying rounds. It’s also a brilliant, low-cost option for an experienced shooter wanting a quiet, accurate plinker for the backyard or small game. The total weight sits around a featherlight 3.5 pounds, making it easy for anyone to carry and hold steady.

Pros: Its primary strength is its focused purpose. It teaches fundamentals impeccably. The laminate stock is durable and provides a great grip. The 22-inch barrel gives standard velocity .22LR rounds a nice boost for better accuracy. And at $190.81, it’s an accessible investment. The fact that it’s drop-in ready for a scope is a major plus.

Cons: It’s a single-shot, so it’s not for high-volume plinking sessions. The action is simple, which is the point, but it lacks the refinement of a higher-end bolt gun. The open channel in the stock for the bolt handle can collect debris if you’re not careful in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the minimum age for this rifle?

A: There’s no legal minimum age to own a rifle, but this Crickett is physically sized for shooters as young as 6-7 years old with adult supervision. Its success depends entirely on the child’s maturity and ability to follow safety rules, which the single-shot design reinforces.

Q: Can an adult shoot it comfortably?

A: Absolutely. While the stock is shorter, the rifle is so light and the recoil so negligible that most adults can shoot it accurately, though it will feel a bit small. The longer 22-inch barrel helps balance it. I’ve used it myself to demonstrate shooting positions.

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?

A: With quality standard velocity ammunition and a solid rest, you can expect 1 to 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards, which is more than capable for tin cans and small game. The fixed barrel and solid bedding in the stock contribute to this consistent performance. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when ordering online.

If you’re looking for a responsible, effective, and affordable way to bring a new shooter into the fold, the Keystone Crickett does the job without fuss. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. See the full details on our site.