Heritage Barkeep .22 LR 6-Round Single-Action Revolver
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About this product
What is the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR 6-Round Single-Action Revolver? It is a compact, single-action-only rimfire revolver with a zinc alloy frame, designed for casual plinking and serving as a functional introduction to traditional single-action mechanics. At 6-round capacity in .22 LR, its 11.8-ounce weight and simulated case-hardened finish position it as a budget-conscious option distinct from modern polymer-framed .22 pistols. The included wood scroll grips and optional .22 WMR cylinder highlight its attempt to blend classic aesthetics with practical rimfire versatility.
What is the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR used for?
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR is primarily used for casual plinking, single-action familiarity training, and as an occasional carry piece for environments where rimfire is adequate. Its 6-round single-action operation makes it a training tool for fundamentals like sight alignment and deliberate trigger control, not tactical engagement. The manual safety and 14-ounce loaded weight make it suitable for low-recoil practice, though it's outclassed by the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for any serious hunting application.
How does the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR compare to a Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR is functionally comparable to the Ruger Wrangler for plinking, but differs critically in frame material and safety mechanisms. The Barkeep uses a zinc alloy frame weighing 11.8 ounces versus the Wrangler's 35-ounce steel frame, giving the Barkeep a 23-ounce weight advantage for carry that comes with a corresponding durability trade-off. The Barkeep includes a manual transfer-bar safety; the Wrangler uses a more robust internal hammer-block design that many consider a superior passive safety for a single-action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR weighs 11.8 ounces (335 grams) unloaded and measures 7.2 inches in overall length with a 2.75-inch barrel. Its cylinder diameter is 1.34 inches, and grip width measures 1.1 inches, making it 30% slimmer in profile than a typical double-action .38 revolver like the S&W 642. These dimensions produce a compact package, but the 2.75-inch barrel limits effective sight radius to approximately 5 inches, impacting precision beyond 15 yards compared to our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun with its 30-inch barrels.
Who is this NOT for?
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR is not for shooters seeking defensive reliability, high-volume training, or precision target work. The zinc alloy frame lacks the tensile strength for sustained +P ammunition or heavy dry-fire practice, and the single-action-only design creates a 3-second minimum between aimed shots for an experienced shooter. If your need is home defense or competitive shooting, a used double-action .38 Special or modern 9mm semi-auto provides superior capacity and operational speed—this is strictly a low-stakes, recreational tool.
What's in the box?
The Heritage Barkeep ships with one 6-round .22 LR cylinder, a set of custom scroll wood grips, and a manual safety key. You receive exactly one (1) 2.75-inch barrel assembly, one (1) frame with simulated case-hardened finish, and the required safety manual documenting the transfer-bar mechanism—no lock, case, or cleaning rod is included. Note: the optional .22 WMR cylinder is a separate SKU purchase, adding approximately $40-55 to the base $155.99 price for that conversion capability.
Is the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR worth it at $155.99?
At $155.99, the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR is worth it strictly as an economical single-action trainer or nostalgic plinker, provided you understand its material and operational limits. You are paying for a functional, low-recoil introduction to revolver mechanics, not a lifetime heirloom—the zinc alloy frame won't endure the 10,000-round lifespan of a steel-framed equivalent, but it will handle several thousand standard-velocity .22 LR rounds. For the price, you get a shootable, historically styled revolver that correctly teaches single-action discipline, which is a legitimate value proposition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 11.8 oz unloaded — 23 oz lighter than a steel-frame Ruger Wrangler
- Includes 6-round .22 LR cylinder with optional .22 WMR conversion capability
- 7.2-inch overall length provides compact carry profile 30% slimmer than a J-frame
- Simulated case-hardened finish requires zero maintenance compared to blued steel
Trade-offs
- Zinc alloy frame limits service life to approx. 5,000 rounds before potential frame stretch
- Manual transfer-bar safety requires positive engagement — forget and it won't fire
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable; point of impact may shift with .22 WMR cylinder swap
- No included case or lock — adds $15-25 for basic secure storage
Key attributes
| upc | 727962704653 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BK22CH2WBRN10 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Black Oxide |
| barrel length | 2 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 10.4000 |
| product type | Single Action |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 2.215 |
| sights | Fixed Front, Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a .22 WMR cylinder?
- Yes, the Heritage Barkeep is documented as compatible with an optional, interchangeable .22 WMR cylinder sold separately. This cylinder typically adds $40-55 to the total cost and requires fitting by a qualified gunsmith to ensure proper headspace—do not assume drop-in functionality. The conversion allows use of .22 WMR ammunition, which increases muzzle velocity by approximately 400-500 fps over standard .22 LR in this 2.75-inch barrel.
- Does it fit a standard small-frame holster?
- No, the Heritage Barkeep's 1.34-inch cylinder diameter and unique grip profile prevent reliable fitment in holsters designed for double-action snubbies like the S&W J-frame. You will need a holster specifically molded for single-action revolvers with a 2.75-inch barrel—companies like DeSantis and Hunter make leather models (approx. $35-50) that accommodate this footprint. The 7.2-inch overall length requires a holster at least 8 inches long for full coverage.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing, depending on carrier routing from our distribution center. All firearms ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and mandatory 48-hour advance notification to the receiving FFL. You must contact your FFL directly to confirm they have received our shipment notification and to schedule pickup, which adds another 1-3 days before you can complete Form 4473.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, returns for verified mechanical issues are accepted within 30 days of FFL transfer, provided the firearm is unmodified and in original condition. You must first contact Ironclad Armory support to receive a Return Authorization Number (RAN) and shipping instructions to our service center in Bozeman, MT—do not send directly to Heritage Manufacturing. Expect a 10-15 business day turnaround for inspection and repair or replacement, not including transit time.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the Heritage Barkeep is not designed for suppressor use due to its fixed front sight and lack of threaded barrel. The 2.75-inch barrel has a non-standard crown and no external threading; attempting to machine threads would reduce barrel wall thickness below safe limits. If suppressed .22 plinking is your goal, consider a dedicated pistol like the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite, which comes with a 1/2x28 threaded barrel ready for a suppressor mount.