Heritage Arms Settler .22 LR 20in Lever-Action Rifle, 15rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Arms Settler .22 LR 20in Lever-Action Rifle with 15rd capacity is a classic lever-action rimfire rifle designed for recreational shooting and small-game hunting that combines traditional styling with practical utility for marksmanship training and plinking sessions. This rifle features a 20-inch barrel with adjustable buckhorn sights and a simulation case-hardened receiver that delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. Chambered in .22 LR, it serves as an excellent platform for introducing new shooters to lever-action mechanics while maintaining enough precision for experienced users.
What is the Heritage Arms Settler used for?
This rifle excels at plinking, small-game hunting, and marksmanship training due to its low-cost .22 LR chambering and lever-action operation. The 15-round tubular magazine capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading, while the 20-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for consistent accuracy at 50-75 yard ranges. I've found it particularly effective for teaching lever-action fundamentals to new shooters who need familiarization before moving to centerfire calibers.
How does the Heritage Arms Settler compare to a Henry H001?
The Settler offers comparable function at approximately $150 less than the Henry H001, but features a simulated case-hardened finish rather than genuine color case hardening. Where the Henry provides slightly smoother lever cycling out of the box, the Settler delivers equivalent mechanical reliability with proper break-in of its alloy steel barrel and internal components. For budget-conscious shooters prioritizing function over premium finishing, the Settler represents better value per dollar spent.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.8 pounds and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel configuration. This weight distribution provides stable offhand shooting characteristics while remaining manageable for younger or smaller-framed shooters. The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters comfortably, though shorter-statured users might prefer our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact for better ergonomics.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for competitive precision shooting or tactical applications requiring detachable magazines and accessory mounting. The fixed 15-round tubular magazine limits rapid reloading compared to detachable box magazine systems like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win, and the buckhorn sights lack precision adjustment for match-grade accuracy. Hunters requiring immediate follow-up shots or long-range capability should consider centerfire alternatives.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with basic documentation and a factory-applied light stain on the hardwood stock, requiring immediate cleaning and lubrication before first use. Unlike some competitors, it includes no additional accessories, meaning you'll need to budget approximately $25-40 for a basic cleaning kit and lubricant. The hammer block safety is pre-installed and functional, but I recommend verifying its operation with snap caps before live firing.
Is the Heritage Arms Settler worth it at $408.99?
At $408.99, the Settler delivers fair value for a functional lever-action .22 LR with traditional aesthetics and reliable performance. The price positions it between entry-level bolt-actions and premium lever guns, offering mechanical simplicity that should withstand several thousand rounds with proper maintenance. For shooters wanting lever-action training without Henry-level investment, this represents a sensible compromise between cost and capability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 15-round tubular magazine capacity — 50% more than typical 10-round .22 lever actions
- Weighs 5.8 pounds — manageable for extended shooting sessions and younger shooters
- 20-inch barrel provides 1,150 fps velocity with standard .22 LR ammunition
- Simulated case-hardened finish resizes corrosion better than blued alternatives
Trade-offs
- Non-detachable magazine requires complete disassembly for thorough cleaning
- Buckhorn sights lack windage adjustment beyond basic drift correction
- Simulated case hardening shows wear patterns faster than genuine case hardening
- Lever mechanism requires 200-300 round break-in period for smooth operation
Key attributes
| upc | 727962708453 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | STR22LCH20 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| color | CASE COLORED/HARDENED |
| length | 32 |
| model | Settler |
| package height | 7.5 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer Block |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
| sights | Adjustable Buckhorn Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- The Settler cycles .22 LR ammunition exclusively and should not be used with .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges. Attempting to chamber shorter rounds can cause feeding issues and potential jams in the tubular magazine system. For mixed cartridge compatibility, consider a revolver or single-shot platform instead.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- The receiver lacks pre-drilled scope mounting points, requiring third-party adapter solutions that may compromise reliability. The buckhorn sights provide adequate accuracy for the rifle's intended 50-yard effective range. If optic mounting is essential, our Stevens 334 series offers drilled and tapped receivers for direct scope installation.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically require 7-10 business days for processing and transit via our standard shipping partners. Expedited 3-day shipping is available for an additional $35 fee, though FFL verification may add 1-2 business days regardless of shipping method selected.
- Is the magazine tube removable for cleaning?
- The 15-round tubular magazine is fixed rather than detachable, requiring disassembly of the forearm for thorough cleaning. Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes for complete disassembly and reassembly when cleaning carbon buildup from the magazine tube after several hundred rounds.