The Crickett Laminate Black bolt-action rifle in .22 LR is a practical choice for Tennessee families introducing young shooters to the fundamentals of marksmanship. Whether you’re teaching safe handling on a family farm outside Nashville, plinking at a local range near Knoxville, or pursuing small game in the woods of East Tennessee, this single-shot rifle offers a controlled, low-pressure learning experience. Its straightforward design and manageable caliber make it a sensible tool for building confidence without unnecessary complexity.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Crickett Laminate Black is a single-shot, bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is purpose-built for youth shooters, beginners, and anyone who values simplicity and safety in a training firearm. This rifle is not intended for home defense or concealed carry—it is a dedicated training and small-game hunting tool. Target shooters looking for an affordable way to practice fundamentals will appreciate its light weight and manual action. Collectors may also find value in its laminate stock, which offers durability and a distinct appearance. The rifle is especially suited for parents teaching firearm safety to children, as the single-shot action enforces deliberate, careful shooting.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Action: Bolt-action, single-shot
- Barrel Length: 16.125 inches
- Overall Length: 31 inches
- Weight: Approximately 3 pounds
- Stock: Black laminate wood
- Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver
- Sights: Fixed front and rear sights (drift-adjustable rear)
- Safety: Manual thumb safety
- Capacity: 1 round (single-shot)
- Length of Pull: 11.5 inches (youth-sized)
Feature Deep-Dive
The black laminate stock is a notable feature of this Crickett model. Laminate wood is more resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and impact than standard hardwood, making it a reliable choice for Tennessee’s humid summers and chilly autumn mornings. The layered construction also adds weight stability, which helps young shooters hold the rifle steady. The black finish is subdued, reducing glare in field conditions.
The 16.125-inch barrel is short enough for easy handling by smaller shooters but long enough to achieve acceptable accuracy with .22 LR ammunition. The blued finish provides basic corrosion resistance, though regular cleaning is still recommended. The bolt cycles smoothly with a 60-degree lift, allowing for quick follow-up shots when needed, though the single-shot design naturally encourages slower, more deliberate shooting.
The fixed front sight and drift-adjustable rear sight are simple, no-frills components that work well for short-range shooting. They are adequate for targets at 25 to 50 yards, which covers most small-game hunting and introductory range use. The sights are not adjustable for elevation, but the .22 LR’s flat trajectory at common distances makes this a minor limitation. For shooters who prefer optics, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though no scope is included.
The manual thumb safety is easy to operate with small hands and provides a clear visual and tactile indicator of the rifle’s status. When engaged, it blocks the trigger and locks the bolt. This safety is a practical feature for teaching young shooters to keep the rifle on safe until ready to fire. The single-shot action also means there is no magazine to manage, reducing the risk of accidental discharges during loading.
At roughly 3 pounds, the Crickett is light enough for extended carry during a morning squirrel hunt. The 11.5-inch length of pull is sized for children and smaller adults, but the rifle can still be used comfortably by larger shooters in a seated or prone position. The overall length of 31 inches makes it easy to store in a safe or gun case without taking up excessive space.
The bolt-action design is straightforward to disassemble for cleaning, with no complex internal parts. The extractor and ejector are reliable, handling a wide range of .22 LR ammunition from standard velocity to high-velocity loads. The trigger pull is predictable and breaks cleanly, which aids accuracy for new shooters learning trigger control.
Ideal Use Cases
Small-Game Hunting: The .22 LR is a proven caliber for squirrels, rabbits, and similar game. The Crickett’s light weight and short length make it easy to carry through brush, and the single-shot action encourages ethical shot placement. Tennessee’s small-game seasons are well-served by this rifle.
Target Shooting and Training: This rifle is an excellent tool for teaching fundamentals like sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and follow-through. The single-shot design forces the shooter to make each round count, building discipline. It is also a cost-effective option for high-volume practice, as .22 LR ammunition remains affordable.
Youth Introduction to Firearms: Parents in Tennessee looking for a safe, low-recoil first rifle will find the Crickett appropriate for children aged 8 and up, depending on size and maturity. The manual safety and single-shot action reduce the risk of accidental discharge, while the light weight prevents fatigue during range sessions.
Compatibility Notes
Ammunition: The Crickett functions reliably with standard-velocity, high-velocity, and subsonic .22 LR ammunition. Avoid using .22 Long or .22 Short cartridges, as they are not rated for this chamber. For best accuracy, try several brands to see what your rifle prefers.
Holsters and Magazines: This rifle does not use detachable magazines and is not designed for holster carry. It is a training and hunting rifle, not a sidearm.
Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases (typically #8-40 thread pattern). A variety of low-magnification scopes or red dot sights can be mounted, though the iron sights are adequate for most uses. A basic sling can be attached via the sling studs on the stock. Extra cleaning kits and bore snakes are recommended for routine maintenance.
FAQ
Q: Do you ship this rifle to Tennessee addresses?
A: Yes, we ship to all Tennessee addresses where firearm ownership is legal. We follow all state and federal laws. Your order will be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice for transfer.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
A: After you place your order, you must provide us with the name and contact information of a Tennessee-licensed FFL dealer who will receive the rifle. We ship the rifle to that dealer. You then visit the dealer, complete a ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check (NICS) before taking possession. Transfer fees vary by dealer and are your responsibility.
Q: What .22 LR ammunition works best with this rifle?
A: The Crickett cycles most standard .22 LR ammunition reliably. For target practice, standard-velocity or high-velocity loads from brands like CCI, Federal, or Winchester function well. For small-game hunting, hollow-point high-velocity rounds are recommended for clean kills. Avoid .22 Long or .22 Short cartridges.
Q: Does this rifle come with a warranty?
A: Crickett firearms are backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the original owner. If you experience a manufacturing defect, contact Crickett customer service for repair or replacement. Normal wear and tear, improper use, or aftermarket modifications are not covered.
Q: What is your return policy for this rifle?
A: As a licensed FFL dealer, we do not accept returns on firearms due to legal restrictions. All firearm sales are final. If there is a defect or issue, we will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve it under warranty. Please inspect the rifle at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.
Closing Call to Action
If you are a Tennessee shooter looking for a reliable, single-shot .22 LR rifle for training or small-game hunting, the Crickett Laminate Black is a straightforward choice. We ship directly to your chosen FFL dealer in Tennessee, with no delays. Order online today, and we will process your transfer quickly.
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