Crickett rifles Reddit: what owners actually say

Crickett rifles Reddit threads come up whenever a parent asks about a first rifle for a kid. The answers are fairly consistent. Here’s a summary of the common points, with links to the models people mention. You can browse the discussions yourself on r/rimfire and r/guns.

What owners like

• The single shot action forces slow, careful shooting.
• It fits small kids when adult rifles don’t.
• It is cheap enough that a scratched stock doesn’t matter.
• Bright stock colors get kids excited about shooting.

The most mentioned models are the plain black synthetic Crickett and the pink synthetic Crickett, both $139.

Common complaints

The cocking knob can be stiff for very small hands, so an adult often cocks it at first. The iron sights are basic, and some kids outgrow the short stock within a few years. Owners who wanted longer use often recommend the models with stock spacers or moving up to a 722.

Crickett rifles Reddit on the 722

The 722 gets more attention from adult shooters. The Precision Trainer is popular as an inexpensive rimfire match rifle, and the Sporter Compact is the usual pick for a teen moving up. Our 722 guide covers all five versions.

Crickett Black Synthetic Blued 22 LR$139Crickett Pink Synthetic Blued 22 LR$139Crickett 722 Precision Trainer 20 Inch$549Crickett 722 Sporter Compact$249

Advice that keeps coming up

• Teach the safety rules before the first shot.
• Start at short range so kids hit the target and stay interested.
• Use a bench rest or bag at first.
• Plan to add a small scope once the basics are solid.

What Reddit gets wrong

A few complaints come from expecting too much. A $139 youth rifle won’t have a match trigger, and a child will outgrow a 12 inch length of pull eventually. Some posts blame the rifle for poor groups when the shooter needed a rest and better ammo. Older threads also describe models that are no longer made, so check the date before giving a post much weight.

Questions Reddit users ask most

• Is it too small for an adult? For an adult, yes, but adults can still shoot it for fun.
• Pink or black? Whatever gets the child excited.
• Single shot or 722? Single shot first, 722 later.
• Is the scope package worth it? If you plan to add a scope anyway, it saves time.

Our take

We agree with most of it. A Crickett is a tool for teaching, and it does that job well. If you want help choosing, ask us, or read the Crickett 22 rifle guide and the bolt action guide.

Crickett rifles Reddit FAQ