Crickett My First Shotgun guide: single shot or pump?
My First Shotgun from Crickett comes in four versions. Here is how they compare on price, weight and capacity.
Crickett My First Shotgun is a .410 built for new hunters. It has a recoil-reducing chamber, a soft recoil pad and a short stock, so a young shooter can handle it without flinching. We carry all four versions, from $149 to $429, and every one is in stock.
Crickett My First Shotgun versions compared
- Single shot, blued and wood: $149, 1 shell, about 4.2 lb, folds, crossbolt safety
- Pump, black: $379, 3+1, about 4.6 lb, Beretta style chokes
- Pump, Turkish walnut: $339, 5+1, multi-choke
- Pump, Muddy Girl camo: $429, 3+1, about 4.6 lb, Beretta style chokes
Why start with the single shot
A single shot shotgun keeps things simple. One shell, one decision. The break-open design shows at a glance whether it’s loaded, and folding it makes the gun easy to carry in a backpack or store in a small closet. It’s also the lightest of the group, which matters for a small child.
When the pump makes sense
The pump suits a young hunter who already handles a firearm safely. A quick second shot helps on running rabbits and flushing birds, and screw-in chokes let you tighten or open the pattern. The pumps also have a slightly longer 12 inch length of pull, so they fit a growing child for longer.
Crickett My First Shotgun Single Shot 410$149
Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Black$379
Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Turkish Walnut$339
Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Muddy Girl$429Getting ready for the first hunt
Pattern the shotgun on paper before the season. Shoot at 15, 20 and 25 yards and look at how the pellets spread. That shows a new hunter how close they need to be. Practice mounting the gun with the safety on, and walk through when to take a shot and when to let it go. Keep hunts short so it stays fun.
Single shot vs pump: a quick summary
Choose the single shot if the shooter is small, brand new or you want the lowest price. Choose a pump if the shooter already handles a gun safely, needs a second shot or will keep the gun for several years. The walnut pump holds the most shells and looks the most traditional; the black and Muddy Girl pumps are lighter.
Adding chokes
The pumps take standard Beretta style choke tubes. A modified choke is a good all round choice for small game. An improved cylinder opens the pattern for clays at close range. Check that the tube is snug before each outing.
Shipping and buying
Every version ships free to the FFL dealer you choose at checkout. Our US shipping guide explains the transfer. For more on .410 basics, read the Crickett shotgun guide, or see the .410 bore on Wikipedia.
Crickett My First Shotgun FAQ
What is Crickett My First Shotgun?
It is the Crickett .410 shotgun for beginning hunters, sold as a folding single shot and as a pump.
How much does it weigh?
About 4.2 pounds for the single shot and 4.6 pounds for the black and Muddy Girl pumps.
Which version is cheapest?
The single shot, at $149.
Buy Crickett My First Shotgun
Every version is in stock and ships free to your FFL dealer.
