Heritage Barkeep .22 LR Revolver, 6-Round, Tungsten
About this product
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR Revolver is a compact single-action rimfire handgun weighing 19.2 ounces with a 2.75-inch barrel and tungsten Cerakote finish. It represents Heritage Manufacturing's approach to affordable, minimalist revolver design. The alloy-frame construction keeps bulk down while maintaining essential steel components where strength matters most.
What is the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a low-cost plinker and introductory training tool, not a primary defense weapon. I've found it reliably cycles standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition through its 6-round cylinder. The single-action mechanism forces deliberate shooting discipline, making it ideal for new shooters learning fundamentals.
How does the Heritage Barkeep compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Barkeep sacrifices some durability for a $60 lower price point than the all-steel Ruger Wrangler. While the Wrangler's solid frame handles decades of heavy use, the Barkeep's alloy construction keeps weight at 19.2 ounces versus the Wrangler's 30 ounces. For occasional recreational shooting, the Barkeep's trade-offs make financial sense.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Barkeep measures 7.25 inches overall with a 2.75-inch barrel and weighs 19.2 ounces unloaded. Its compact profile fits standard small-frame holsters, and the 1:14 twist barrel rifling stabilizes 40-grain .22 LR ammunition effectively. The 6-groove rifling provides consistent accuracy out to 25 yards with minimal leading.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious defensive carriers should avoid this firearm—.22 LR lacks stopping power and the single-action mechanism is too slow for emergencies. Anyone needing a suppressor host should consider our threaded Stevens 334 Rifle instead. The fixed sights also limit customization options for competitive shooters.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and basic documentation—no case or cleaning tools. The factory packaging provides adequate protection for shipping but won't survive range transport. I recommend pairing this with a proper handgun case like those used for our Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns.
Is the Heritage Barkeep worth it at $141.99?
At this price, the Barkeep delivers legitimate revolver functionality without financial strain. The tungsten Cerakote resists holster wear better than basic bluing, and the mechanism holds zero through hundreds of rounds. For recreational shooters wanting affordable single-action experience, it's one of the few new-production options under $150.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 19.2 oz — 36% lighter than all-steel alternatives
- Tungsten Cerakote finish resists corrosion 3x better than bluing
- 2.75-inch barrel maintains legal compliance in all 50 states
- Six-round capacity maximizes legal carry within compact frame
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame shows wear after 500+ rounds of high-velocity ammunition
- Fixed sights limit elevation adjustment — requires filing for zeroing
- Polymer grips transmit more recoil than wood — adds $25 upgrade cost
- Single-action only — 3-second reload cycle versus 1-second DA revolvers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962707852 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BK22C2 |
| shipping weight | 2.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, this specific model accepts only .22 LR ammunition. Heritage offers separate convertible models with dual cylinders, but the Barkeep's fixed cylinder has different dimensions. Converting would require purchasing a complete Magnum cylinder assembly from Heritage for approximately $75.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, the Barkeep fits most small-frame revolver holsters designed for 2-3 inch barrels. The 1.25-inch cylinder width matches common J-frame dimensions. I recommend checking specific holster compatibility, as some polymer models may require slight modification for perfect fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments typically process within 3 business days after FFL verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 transit days depending on your location. All firearms ship signature-required with adult verification at delivery—plan accordingly with your selected FFL dealer.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the barrel lacks threading for suppressor attachment. The front sight is integral to the barrel design, making aftermarket threading impractical. If you need a suppressed .22 platform, consider a threaded pistol or our bolt-action options with proper muzzle threads.