Heritage Barkeep .22 LR 6-Round Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Barkeep .22 LR 6-Round Revolver is a compact single-action revolver designed for straightforward handling and reliable function in recreational and training scenarios. It features an exposed hammer, six-round cylinder, and black oxide finish with gray pearl-style grips, delivering a classic shooting experience with minimal recoil. This revolver operates within the Title II/NFA framework, making it accessible for most shooters without special licensing.
What is the Heritage Barkeep .22 LR 6-Round Revolver used for?
The Heritage Barkeep excels in recreational range shooting, small-game hunting, and new shooter training due to its low recoil and simple single-action operation. Its 1:10 RH twist rate stabilizes standard velocity .22 LR rounds effectively for targets within 25 yards, and the manual safety provides an extra layer of security during handling drills. I recommend it for introducing beginners to revolver mechanics without the complexity of double-action systems.
How does the Heritage Barkeep compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Heritage Barkeep is better for close-range training and plinking, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers superior accuracy and power for hunting medium game at longer distances. The Barkeep weighs just 24 ounces and has a 3-inch barrel, making it more compact and easier to carry than the 7.5-pound Stevens 334 with its 20-inch barrel. For dedicated small-caliber practice, the Barkeep's lower ammunition cost and simplicity give it an edge, but the Stevens 334 outclasses it in terminal performance beyond 100 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Heritage Barkeep weighs 24 ounces fully loaded and measures 7.5 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel height. Its cylinder diameter is 1.4 inches, and the grip width is 1.1 inches, allowing for a secure hold even with smaller hands. These dimensions make it easy to store in a backpack or holster for field use, though the all-steel construction adds heft compared to polymer-frame alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
The Heritage Barkeep is not suitable for self-defense applications or high-volume competition shooting due to its limited capacity and single-action trigger. Law enforcement or tactical users should consider higher-capacity semiautomatics like the Stevens 334 Rifle for duty use, as the Barkeep's 6-round cylinder and reload time of approximately 15 seconds per round hinder rapid engagement. Hunters targeting game larger than squirrels may also find the .22 LR cartridge underpowered.
What's in the box?
The box includes the Heritage Barkeep revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. No additional accessories like a cleaning kit or spare grips are provided, which is typical for firearms in this price range. The manual includes specific torque values for grip screw installation (10-12 in-lbs) to prevent over-tightening and damage to the pearl-style grips.
Is the Heritage Barkeep worth it at $162.99?
At $162.99, the Heritage Barkeep offers excellent value for recreational shooters seeking a reliable, low-cost .22 LR revolver with classic aesthetics. Its all-steel construction ensures durability over thousands of rounds, and the single-action trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5 pounds, aiding accuracy for beginners. Compared to similar revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler, which retails around $200, the Barkeep saves nearly $40 while delivering comparable performance in plinking and training roles.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 24 ounces — 6 ounces lighter than all-steel competitors like the Ruger GP100
- 6-round cylinder capacity — standard for .22 LR revolvers with quick reloading
- Manual safety engages with a positive click — reduces accidental discharge risk during handling
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit adjustability — requires filing for windage or elevation changes
- Gray pearl-style grips lack texture — may slip during rapid fire or wet conditions
- Single-action only — not suitable for rapid follow-up shots compared to double-action revolvers
Key attributes
| upc | 727962704691 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BK22B3GPRL |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Black Oxide |
| barrel length | 3.0" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| product type | Single Action |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
| sights | Fixed Front, Notched Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Heritage Barkeep is designed exclusively for .22 LR ammunition and cannot accept .22 Magnum cylinders without modification. Attempting to use a Magnum cylinder may cause timing issues or cylinder gap problems due to differences in cartridge dimensions. Heritage does not offer a factory Magnum conversion for this model.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, the Heritage Barkeep fits most small-frame revolver holsters designed for 3-inch barrels and 1.4-inch cylinder diameters. I recommend checking holster specifications for compatibility with the pearl-style grips, which may require slightly more clearance than standard rubber grips. For custom options, brands like DeSantis and Safariland offer models tailored to this frame size.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items, depending on your location and FFL availability. The revolver must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for transfer, which adds 1-2 days for processing. Ironclad Armory uses UPS or FedEx with signature confirmation to ensure secure delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are generally final due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defects in manufacturing or damage during shipping. You must contact their support team within 48 hours of receipt to initiate a return, and the firearm must be unfired with all original packaging. Proof of FFL transfer is required for all returns.