Description
You’re introducing a young shooter to the fundamentals. The moment is about focus, safety, and building confidence with a tool that fits. You need a rifle that’s light, simple, and scaled for a smaller frame—a dedicated first gun that makes learning instinctive. That’s the exact scenario the Keystone Davey Crickett Model 338 Youth .22 Winchester Magnum 16.125″ Barrel Blue Finish Walnut Stock is built for.
The Keystone Davey Crickett Model 338 is a single-shot, bolt-action youth rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). It features a compact 16.125-inch barrel, a classic blue steel finish, and a genuine American walnut stock scaled for younger shooters, making it an ideal and affordable first firearm for training and small game hunting.
When it comes to teaching marksmanship, you start with the basics: stance, sight picture, breath control, and trigger squeeze. A rifle that’s too heavy or long throws off a new shooter’s form before they even pull the trigger. The Crickett’s 16.125-inch barrel keeps the overall length manageable, and the youth-sized walnut stock provides a proper length of pull that lets a smaller shooter mount the rifle correctly. This isn’t an adult gun cut down; it’s engineered from the ground up for a youth or smaller-framed adult. The single-shot action reinforces discipline—every round is intentional, which is critical for safety and developing good habits. At just over three pounds, it’s easy to carry afield and steady offhand.
The chambering is a key feature. The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire offers a significant step up in power over a standard .22 Long Rifle. It delivers flatter trajectory and more energy downrange, making it a more capable round for varmints like prairie dogs or raccoons at extended ranges. It teaches the shooter to respect the tool while providing practical utility. The bolt action is simple, robust, and requires no gunsmithing to operate or maintain. The classic blued steel and walnut construction isn’t just for looks; it instills a sense of care and tradition that a polymer stock often misses.
Here’s the thing—this rifle is about as straightforward as it gets. It’s a single-purpose tool for a critical mission: foundational training. The price point of $164.11 removes a major barrier to entry, allowing you to invest in quality ammunition and range time instead. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) |
| Action | Single-Shot Bolt Action |
| Barrel Length | 16.125 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 32.5 Inches |
| Stock Material | American Walnut (Youth Size) |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Weight | Approx. 3.25 lbs |
Pros: Perfectly scaled for youth shooters; affordable initial cost; single-shot design enforces safety and shot discipline; .22 WMR offers greater range and power than .22 LR; classic materials and construction promote respect for the firearm.
Cons: Single-shot capacity limits rapid follow-up; .22 WMR ammunition is more expensive than .22 LR; outgrows the stock as the shooter gets larger (adult stocks are available from Keystone).
Who It’s For: This rifle is for parents, grandparents, or mentors looking to introduce a young person to shooting sports or hunting with a dedicated, safe, and appropriately-sized first rifle. It’s also a viable compact option for a smaller-statured adult seeking a lightweight, utilitarian small game rifle. It pairs well with standard rimfire optics from brands like Simmons or Bushnell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an adult use this rifle effectively?
A: Yes, particularly smaller-framed adults. The compact size and light weight make it a handy walking rifle for small game. For a more permanent fit, Keystone offers adult-sized replacement stocks.
Q: What’s the real difference between .22 WMR and .22 LR?
A: The .22 WMR cartridge is longer and more powerful. It uses a larger case with more propellant, resulting in higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, and more energy on target—making it suitable for slightly larger game at longer distances than standard .22 LR.
Q: Is the rifle ready to shoot when it arrives?
A: After completing the required FFL transfer for firearm purchases, the rifle is functional out of the box. You will need to supply .22 WMR ammunition. We always recommend a complete safety inspection and familiarization with the manual of arms before first use.
If your mission is to build a shooter’s foundation the right way, consider the Keystone Davey Crickett Model 338.
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