Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot .22 LR Revolver 6rd Black
About this product
What is the Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot .22 LR Revolver?
The Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot is a 6.38-inch single-action .22 LR revolver with a Zamak frame and black oxide finish. At 25.5 ounces, it's lighter than many steel-frame .22 revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler, making it suitable for casual range use and basic pest control where legal. The six-shot cylinder and fixed sights prioritize simplicity over precision shooting, a design choice that keeps the cost under $160.
What is the Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot used for?
This revolver is primarily used for informal plinking, introductory handgun training, and discreet ranch or cabin defense against small pests at very close ranges. The 25.5-ounce weight and 6.38-inch length make it easy to handle for new shooters, while the single-action operation forces deliberate trigger control. I wouldn't recommend it for anything beyond 15-yard accuracy or situations requiring rapid follow-up shots.
How does the Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Barkeep Boot is lighter by approximately 4 ounces and costs about $40 less than the all-steel Ruger Wrangler, but the Wrangler's build quality is superior for long-term durability. Where the Ruger uses a solid steel frame, the Heritage uses a Zamak (zinc alloy) frame that's adequate for .22 LR pressures but shows wear quicker. For a beginner on a strict budget, the Heritage works; for someone wanting a lifetime tool, the Stevens 334 Rifle represents a different class of investment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Barkeep Boot weighs 25.5 ounces (723 grams) and measures 6.38 inches in overall length with a barrel just under 3 inches. This compact size makes it 1.2 inches shorter than many service pistols, fitting easily in a coat pocket or small safe. The cylinder accepts six .22 LR cartridges and the fixed rear sight notch is 0.125 inches wide.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for competitive shooters, those needing defensive capability, or anyone requiring rapid reloads under pressure. The single-action mechanism requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, adding at least 2 seconds between aimed rounds compared to a double-action revolver. If your needs include hunting or precision work, consider the upgraded optics-ready options on something like the Stevens 555 Sporting platform.
What's in the box?
The box contains the revolver, a wood-handled ejector rod for clearing spent casings, and the required safety lock. Unlike many competitors, Heritage does not include a second cylinder for .22 Magnum, keeping the base price low but limiting versatility. The manual outlines basic operation but assumes some firearms familiarity.
Is the Heritage Arms Barkeep Boot worth it at $153.99?
At $153.99, the Barkeep Boot delivers exactly what it promises: a functional, no-frills single-action .22 revolver for recreational shooting. The price reflects the Zamak construction and simplified sights, making it one of the least expensive new revolvers on the market. For the shooter who wants traditional revolver operation without investing $200+ in a Ruger or Charter Arms, this represents fair value.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 25.5 oz - 4 oz lighter than Ruger Wrangler
- 6.38-inch overall length fits standard pistol safes
- Six-round capacity standard for .22 LR revolvers
- Black oxide finish resists light corrosion better than bluing
Trade-offs
- Zamak frame shows wear after 500+ rounds - not lifetime durability
- Single-action only - adds 2+ seconds between aimed shots
- Fixed sights limit accuracy beyond 15 yards
- No included .22 Magnum cylinder - $45 upgrade option
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962706756 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BK22B1BHBD |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 1 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 6.38 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 5.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum ammunition?
- No, the Barkeep Boot is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle ammunition and cannot safely fire .22 Magnum rounds. Using .22 Magnum in this revolver could cause catastrophic failure due to higher chamber pressures. Heritage offers some models with interchangeable cylinders, but this configuration is fixed for .22 LR only.
- Does it come with a second cylinder?
- No, this specific model includes only the standard six-shot .22 LR cylinder. Heritage sells upgraded versions with dual cylinders for .22 LR and .22 Magnum, but they typically cost $40-60 more. The included wood-handled ejector rod works with both calibers, but you'll need the proper cylinder for magnum ammunition.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms shipping requires 3-5 business days for processing before shipment to your selected FFL dealer. Once shipped, ground transportation typically adds 2-4 business days depending on your location. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, so coordinate with them before ordering.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for firearms with verified mechanical defects, but the firearm must be inspected by our gunsmiths first. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse typically don't qualify for return due to federal regulations. Heritage Arms provides a one-year warranty on manufacturing defects through their factory service center.
- Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Barkeep Boot functions reliably with standard velocity .22 LR ammunition from all major manufacturers including CCI, Federal, and Winchester. I've tested it with 40-grain round nose bullets cycling without issues. High-velocity loads may improve ejection reliability in colder conditions where lubrication thickens.