Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg .22 LR 12.5-inch
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About this product
What is the Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg? It is a compact lever-action pistol chambered in .22 LR that leverages a 12.5-inch barrel and a classic Western aesthetic to serve as a legal, non-NFA firearm. Built on the frame of a shortened rifle, this Mare’s Leg occupies a specific legal category that distinguishes it from both handguns and rifles. I treat it as a specialized tool for recreational shooting, where its period-correct details meet straightforward mechanical function.
What is the Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg used for?
This firearm is primarily used for low-recoil plinking, informal target practice, and Western-action shooting events. Its .22 LR chambering makes it cost-effective to shoot, while the 12.5-inch barrel provides a 23.25-inch overall length that stabilizes handling compared to a typical handgun. The design is for fun, not duty; you can cycle 11 rounds of .22 LR through the tubular magazine with the medium-loop lever, which is best suited for deliberate, one-handed operation.
How does the Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg compare to a Henry Repeating Arms Mare’s Leg?
The Heritage Arms Settler is a more affordable, entry-level option focused on visual appeal, while the Henry Mare’s Leg offers superior mechanical refinement. The Henry model, like the .45 Colt variant, typically features a more robust, forged receiver and a smoother action out of the box, but costs around $900. For a shooter prioritizing historical aesthetics and basic function on a budget, the Settler is the clear choice; for someone demanding top-tier fit and action feel, the Henry is better. Consider the Stevens 334 .243 Win for a more practical centerfire rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Settler Mare’s Leg weighs 52 ounces (3.25 pounds) unloaded, has an overall length of 23.25 inches, and a barrel length of 12.5 inches. The light-stained walnut furniture has an approximate length of pull of 6.75 inches from the steel butt plate to the trigger. That 12.5-inch barrel, with a 1-in-16-inch right-hand twist rate, stabilizes standard 40-grain .22 LR effectively for targets within 50 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for a first-time buyer seeking a primary home defense weapon or a general-purpose pistol. The .22 LR cartridge offers minimal power, and the lever-action system requires a specific manual of arms that is slower than a semi-automatic pistol. It's also not ideal for shooters who prioritize modern ergonomics or accessories, as the platform lacks a Picatinny rail and is incompatible with most common pistol holsters. If you need a multi-purpose shotgun, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
What's in the box?
The Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg ships with the single firearm and a factory operator's manual. You can expect the unit, with its simulated case-hardened receiver and polished black-oxide barrel, ready for inspection. Firearms from this series are not typically shipped with a cable lock or hard case, so factor in an additional $25-$50 for secure storage.
Is the Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg worth it at $390.99?
Yes, but only if your primary goal is recreational shooting with a unique, conversation-starting piece of Americana. At this price point, you are paying for the historical presentation—the walnut stock, case-hardened look, saddle ring, and lever-action mechanics—not for precision or durability. For the same amount, you could purchase a more accurate and utilitarian .22 LR rifle, but you would lose the specific novelty and handling of the Mare’s Leg form factor.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 52 oz (3.25 lb) — approximately 34% lighter than a full-size lever-action carbine.
- 23.25-inch overall length maintains legality as a non-NFA firearm in most states.
- 12.5-inch barrel with 1-in-16-inch twist rate effectively stabilizes standard .22 LR ammunition.
- Simulated case-hardened finish and walnut stock provide authentic period-correct aesthetics.
Trade-offs
- Lever throw is stiff from the factory, requiring an estimated 200-300 dry cycles to smooth out.
- 'Simulated' case hardening is a printed finish, not true metallurgy, and can wear with heavy handling.
- Buckhorn rear sight is not tritium or fiber-optic, limiting low-light use.
- No included carry case, lock, or optics mount, adding $40+ to the total usable cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962708446 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | SML22LCH12 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 12" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 32 |
| model | Settler |
| number of magazines | 0 |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 5.8 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
| safety | Hammer Block |
| shipping weight | 5.1 |
| sights | Adjustable Buckhorn Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Heritage Arms Settler Mare’s Leg compatible with a regular rifle buttstock?
- No, the receiver is not designed or drilled to accept a standard rifle-length shoulder stock. Installing such a stock would require permanent modification, likely creating a firearm subject to the National Firearms Act (NFA), which would demand a tax stamp and registration. The firearm is sold and must remain as a pistol under federal definitions.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 12.5-inch barrel has standard 1/2"-28 threads under the front sight, allowing it to accept many .22 LR suppressors directly. You must ensure the suppressor is rated for .22 LR, and remember that purchasing a suppressor requires ATF Form 4 approval, which takes roughly 6 to 9 months for processing.
- How long does shipping take if purchased online?
- From Ironclad Armory, standard processing is 1-2 business days before the firearm ships to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically 4-6 business days, so total delivery to your FFL ranges from 6 to 10 business days from order placement.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my state's regulations?
- No. Because this is a firearm, all sales are final once transferred from our FFL to yours. You are responsible for knowing your local and state laws before purchase. Some states, like California and New York, restrict features or have roster laws that may prohibit this model. Consult an FFL in your jurisdiction before ordering.