Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett 22 LR 16.12in Pink/Black

The Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett 22 LR 16.12in Pink/Black is a youth-sized, single-shot bolt-action rifle built for introducing new shooters to the sport. It chambers the inexpensive .22 Long Rifle cartridge, pairs a stainless steel barrel with a pink/black laminate stock, and includes safety features like a rebounding firing pin and an EZ loader. This is the rifle I hand to parents who want their kids to learn marksmanship the right way—safe, simple, and fun.

Manufacturer	Keystone Sporting Arms
Model	Crickett KSA2226
Material	Stainless steel barrel, pink/black laminate stock
Compatibility	.22 Long Rifle ammunition (per manufacturer specs)
Finish	Stainless steel barrel, laminate stock
Weight	Approximately 2.5 lbs
Condition	New

Key features

• Single-shot bolt action — Why it matters: It teaches trigger discipline and shot planning, because each round has to count. No mag dumps, just focused practice.
• 16.12-inch stainless steel barrel — Why it matters: The shorter barrel keeps the rifle balanced for smaller shooters, while stainless resists rust from range trips or light rain.
• Adjustable rear peep sight — Why it matters: Lets you dial in windage and elevation for consistent hits at 25 to 50 yards, without needing a scope.
• Rebounding firing-pin safety — Why it matters: The firing pin retracts unless the trigger is pulled, so an accidental drop won’t fire a chambered round. Peace of mind for new shooters.
• EZ loader — Why it matters: A built-in slot that helps small hands push a .22 cartridge into the chamber without fumbling.

Who it’s for

This rifle is for parents teaching kids safe firearm handling, for scout troops running marksmanship programs, and for anyone wanting a low-recoil plinker that won’t break the bank. It’s also a solid choice for adult beginners who want a simple, no-distractions rifle to build fundamentals.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Lightweight at 2.5 lbs, easy for small shooters to shoulder; durable stainless barrel; built-in safety features; affordable .22 LR ammo.
• Cons: The single-shot action means slower follow-up shots—if you’re after a semi-auto for fast plinking, this isn’t it. Also, the peep sight takes a little getting used to if you’re used to a scope.

Comparison

Feature	Keystone Crickett Pink/Black	Zev Technologies Z22	Geissele Super 22
Action	Single-shot bolt	Semi-auto	Semi-auto
Barrel length	16.12 in	16.5 in	16.1 in
Weight	2.5 lbs	5.2 lbs	4.8 lbs
Stock	Pink/black laminate	Black synthetic	Black synthetic
Safety	Rebounding firing pin + EZ loader	Manual thumb safety	Manual safety
Best for	Youth/beginner training	Competition/range	Precision shooting
Price	$202.87	~$450	~$600

FAQ

Is this rifle safe for a child to use?

Yes. The Crickett includes a rebounding firing-pin safety that prevents accidental discharge if dropped. The single-shot action also means there’s no magazine to worry about. Always supervise young shooters, but this design is about as safe as a rimfire gets.

What kind of .22 LR ammo works best in this?

Standard velocity or high-velocity .22 LR works fine. Avoid subsonic or hyper-velocity loads—they can affect accuracy in the short barrel. I recommend CCI Mini-Mags or Federal AutoMatch for reliable feeding and consistent groups.

Can I mount a scope on the Crickett?

This model comes with a grooved receiver for .22 scope rings, so yes, you can add a small rimfire scope. The peep sight is good for close-range work, but a 2-7x scope will help at longer distances.

Is the stock durable enough for outdoor use?

The laminate stock is more stable than solid wood and resists moisture better. It won’t warp or crack from temperature changes, and the pink/black finish holds up well to scratches.

What age range is this rifle designed for?

Typically ages 8 to 14, depending on the child’s size. The 16.12-inch barrel and light weight make it easy for smaller shooters to hold and aim. Adults can use it as a training tool, but the length of pull is short.

Ready to start teaching the next generation?

Pick up the Keystone Sporting Arms Crickett 22 LR 16.12in Pink/Black today. It’s a safe, simple, and affordable way to introduce someone to shooting. Over 1 million Crickett rifles have been sold since 1996, making it one of the most trusted youth rifles in the country.

• ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✔ 30-day returns
• ✔ Secure checkout

Browse more in our Single Shot Rifles or Youth Rifles sections. Also check out Rimfire Rifles for other .22 options.

Last updated: April 2026