Crickett 722 Precision Trainer Blued Bolt Action Rifle – 22 Long Rifle – 16.5in

Whether you’re teaching a new shooter the fundamentals at a Nashville range, introducing a youngster to the sport on a family farm near Knoxville, or simply looking to keep your own marksmanship sharp during the off-season, the Crickett 722 Precision Trainer offers a solid, no-frills platform for consistent practice. Tennessee’s diverse landscapes—from the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau to the wooded valleys of East Tennessee—provide plenty of opportunities to put a .22 LR to work, and this bolt-action trainer is built to deliver reliable accuracy without the high price tag. For a retailer like tn-guns.com, serving customers across the Volunteer State, this rifle represents a practical choice for anyone serious about building good habits at the bench.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Crickett 722 Precision Trainer is a single-shot, bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed primarily as a training tool for shooters of all experience levels. It is not a tactical carbine or a high-capacity plinker; rather, it is a purpose-built firearm that encourages deliberate, focused shooting—one round at a time. This makes it an excellent choice for new shooters learning the basics of trigger control and sight alignment, as well as for experienced marksmen who want to refine their technique without the cost of centerfire ammunition. While it can certainly be used for small game hunting (squirrels, rabbits, or pests on a Tennessee homestead), its core audience includes target shooters, 4-H or youth program participants, and anyone who values a low-cost, low-recoil training platform. It is not intended for home defense or concealed carry due to its size and single-shot action.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR) – the most affordable and widely available rimfire cartridge, ideal for high-volume practice.
• Action: Bolt-action, single-shot – requires manual cycling of the bolt after each round, promoting focus on each shot.
• Barrel Length: 16.5 inches – a compact length that balances maneuverability with sufficient velocity for .22 LR ballistics.
• Finish: Blued steel – a traditional rust-resistant finish that provides a classic, subdued appearance suitable for field use.
• Stock: Synthetic or hardwood (inferred from standard Crickett models) – check current inventory for specifics; typically a lightweight, durable stock with a raised cheekpiece for optics use.
• Weight: Approximately 3.5 to 4 pounds (unloaded) – light enough for younger shooters to handle comfortably, yet stable for bench shooting.
• Sights: None included from the factory – receiver is grooved for .22 scope rings (typically 3/8″ or 11mm dovetail), allowing easy mounting of a scope or red dot.
• Safety: Manual thumb safety located on the rear of the bolt – simple and positive engagement.
• Capacity: 1 round (single-shot) – no magazine; the bolt must be opened to load each cartridge directly into the chamber.
• Overall Length: Approximately 32 inches – compact enough for easy storage in a safe or range bag.

Feature Deep-Dive

The Crickett 722 Precision Trainer distinguishes itself from other .22 LR bolt actions through its focus on simplicity and precision. The 16.5-inch barrel is button-rifled from chromoly steel, a process that ensures consistent rifling twist and bore dimensions. This translates to better accuracy potential than many budget rimfire rifles, especially when paired with quality ammunition. The blued finish is evenly applied and offers adequate corrosion resistance for Tennessee’s humid summers, provided the rifle is wiped down after use. Unlike more expensive trainers, there is no frill here—just a solid barrel and action mated to a stock designed for stability.

The bolt-action itself is smooth but not overly polished, which is typical for this price point. The bolt lift is light enough for younger or smaller shooters to operate without struggling, and the cock-on-open design provides a clear tactile indicator that the rifle is ready to fire. The single-shot nature is a deliberate design choice: it forces the shooter to slow down, reload deliberately, and concentrate on each trigger press. This is valuable for training muscle memory and discipline, especially for those transitioning to larger calibers later. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounting, though the dovetail grooves are the standard method; we recommend a quality rimfire scope (like a 4x or 3-9x) to maximize the rifle’s accuracy potential.

The stock geometry on the Precision Trainer model is worth noting. It features a raised comb that aligns the shooter’s eye with a scope’s optical center, reducing the need for cheek risers or improvised padding. The forend is slim enough for a comfortable grip but wide enough to rest on a sandbag or a backpack. The overall fit and finish are utilitarian—no checkering or rubber grip panels—but the stock is bedded at the action screws to ensure consistent contact between the metal and wood. This bedding helps maintain accuracy over time, as the stock does not shift or warp with humidity changes typical of Tennessee’s climate.

Another practical feature is the easy-to-use manual safety. Located at the rear of the bolt, it is a push-button style that can be engaged or disengaged with the thumb of the firing hand. It locks the bolt and trigger, preventing accidental discharge when the rifle is being carried or stored. This is a sensible safety mechanism for training environments, as it is intuitive and does not require complex manipulation. The trigger itself is a simple, non-adjustable design, but it breaks cleanly at around 4 to 5 pounds out of the box—acceptable for a trainer. For those who want a lighter pull, a qualified gunsmith can polish the sear, though we advise leaving trigger work to professionals.

Finally, the overall build quality reflects Crickett’s reputation as a manufacturer of reliable, entry-level rifles. The 722 Precision Trainer is not a high-end competition gun, but it is a dependable tool that will function for thousands of rounds with basic maintenance. The blued finish will show wear over time, especially around the muzzle and bolt handle, but this is cosmetic and does not affect performance. For a Tennessee shooter looking to practice fundamentals without spending a fortune on ammunition or a premium rifle, this model offers a straightforward path to improvement. It is also an excellent choice for introducing children or new shooters to the sport, as the low recoil and simple operation build confidence quickly.

Ideal Use Cases

• Target Practice and Training: The primary purpose. Single-shot action forces discipline, and the .22 LR keeps practice affordable. Ideal for bench rest shooting or standing drills at a local Tennessee range.
• Small Game Hunting: Suitable for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game within 50-75 yards. The 16.5-inch barrel is easy to carry through brush, and the blued finish is low-glare in the field.
• Youth and Beginner Shooters: Light weight, low noise, and negligible recoil make it a safe first rifle for supervised instruction. Works well for 4-H, scout programs, or family outings.
• Pest Control: Effective for dispatching varmints like groundhogs or raccoons on Tennessee farmland, provided shots are taken at close to moderate ranges with proper bullet placement.

Not recommended for: Home defense, concealed carry, or competition requiring rapid follow-up shots (due to single-shot limitation).

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: Accepts standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. Avoid subsonic rounds if using a scope, as they may not cycle reliably in all conditions (though this is a bolt-action, so feeding is manual). We recommend trying a few brands (CCI Standard Velocity, Federal AutoMatch) to find what your rifle prefers.
• Holsters: Not applicable—this is a long gun, not a pistol.
• Magazines: None required. This is a single-shot rifle with no magazine well.
• Accessories: The receiver is dovetailed for 3/8″ or 11mm scope rings. Most rimfire scopes will mount directly. Additionally, sling swivel studs (if not pre-installed) can be added by a gunsmith. A basic cleaning kit and a bore snake are recommended for maintenance.
• Aftermarket Parts: Limited options exist for trigger upgrades or custom stocks, but most users will find the factory configuration sufficient for training purposes.

FAQ – Crickett 722 Precision Trainer

1. Can this rifle be shipped directly to my address in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for transfer. You must select a local Tennessee FFL dealer (such as a gun shop, pawn shop, or range) to receive the rifle. We will ship it to your chosen FFL after we receive their license information. Please ensure your FFL is willing to accept transfers from online retailers.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee customers?
After placing your order on tn-guns.com, you will need to provide the name and address of your chosen FFL dealer. We will contact that dealer to verify their license and ship the rifle to them. Once the rifle arrives, you will visit the FFL, complete a ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check (NICS). Transfer fees are set by the FFL and are not included in our price. You must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle from an FFL.

3. What type of .22 LR ammunition works best with this rifle?
The Crickett 722 Precision Trainer is designed to function with standard velocity and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. We have found that CCI Standard Velocity and Federal AutoMatch produce good accuracy in most examples. Avoid using .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) as these are not compatible. Subsonic ammunition may work but can result in inconsistent cycling if the action is not fully closed; manually cycle the bolt firmly for best results.

4. Does this rifle come with a warranty?
Yes, the Crickett 722 Precision Trainer is covered by a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer (Crickett/Keystone Sporting Arms). This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or aftermarket modifications. For warranty service, you must contact Crickett directly with proof of purchase. tn-guns.com will assist with any initial issues, but ongoing warranty support is handled by the manufacturer.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms for reasons other than a manufacturer defect or an error on our part (e.g., wrong model shipped). If your rifle arrives damaged or with a functional