Crickett shotgun guide: what to know before you buy

Every Crickett shotgun we stock is a My First Shotgun in .410 bore. There are 4 versions from $149: one single shot and three pumps. All have an 18.5 inch barrel, a 3 inch chamber, a recoil-reducing chamber and a soft rubber recoil pad. They’re made for young hunters and small framed adults.

Why a .410 Crickett shotgun

The .410 is the smallest common shotgun bore, so recoil and noise are low. It’s enough for squirrels, rabbits and clay targets at close range. A new hunter has to get close and pick clear shots, which teaches good habits. Wikipedia has a short .410 bore history.

Single shot Crickett shotgun

The single shot My First Shotgun ($149) has a blued barrel and wood stock, weighs about 4.2 pounds and folds for storage. It has a 2 position crossbolt safety. This is the simplest choice for a first season.

The pump versions

The pumps hold more shells and take chokes. The black pump ($379) and Muddy Girl pump ($429) are 3+1 and weigh about 4.6 pounds. The Turkish walnut pump ($339) is 5+1 with a multi-choke barrel.

Crickett My First Shotgun Single Shot 410$149Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Black$379Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Turkish Walnut$339Crickett My First Shotgun Pump Muddy Girl$429

Fit and safety

Length of pull is about 11.75 inches on the single shot and 12 inches on the pumps. Check that the young hunter can shoulder it without leaning back. Teach muzzle control first, then pattern the gun on paper at 15 to 25 yards so they see how the shot spreads. Always supervise.

Which Crickett shotgun should you buy?

For a brand new shooter, start with the single shot. For a child who already handles a .22 safely and wants a second shot on rabbits, get a pump. Our My First Shotgun guide goes deeper on the differences, and the Crickett shotguns category shows every model.

Clay targets first, then the field

Most kids learn faster on clays than on game. Use a hand thrower and toss slow, straight away targets from beside the shooter. Once they break a few in a row, start throwing at angles. That teaches swing and follow through before the first real hunt, and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.

Care and storage

After each outing, run a bore snake through the barrel and wipe the outside with a lightly oiled cloth. On the pumps, check that the choke tube is tight before shooting and add a dab of grease to its threads now and then. Store the gun unloaded and locked, with shells kept somewhere else.

Ammo tips

Use 2.5 inch .410 shells for practice. They’re lighter on the shoulder than 3 inch loads. Move to 3 inch shells for hunting once the shooter is comfortable, and check your state rules for shot size and season dates.

Crickett shotgun FAQ