Heritage Barkeep Boot .22 LR Revolver, 6-Round, Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Barkeep Boot .22 LR Revolver is a compact, single-action, six-shot revolver built on a heritage Rough Rider-style Zamak frame, designed primarily as an affordable, lightweight plinking and training tool. Unlike many modern rimfire pistols, it uses a purely mechanical single-action design reminiscent of late 19th-century revolvers, requiring manual cocking of the exposed hammer for each shot. Its 6.38-inch overall length and 25.5-ounce weight make it one of the most pocketable centerfire-pattern revolvers on the market.
What is the Heritage Barkeep Boot .22 LR Revolver used for?
This revolver is primarily used for informal target shooting and introducing new shooters to single-action fundamentals, not for defensive carry. Its light recoil and simple, deliberate manual-of-arms make it an excellent tool for teaching trigger discipline and sight alignment without the cost and complexity of a semi-automatic. I most often recommend it for safe, low-volume range sessions focused on marksmanship basics, where its 6-round capacity and mandatory manual cycling between shots enforce a slow, thoughtful pace of fire ideal for coaching.
How does the Heritage Barkeep Boot compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Heritage Barkeep Boot is more compact and features a distinct, ornate grip, but the Ruger Wrangler is better for rugged, high-volume use due to its all-steel construction. At 36 ounces and 9.5 inches overall length, the Wrangler is over 40% heavier and significantly longer, making it more durable for extended sessions but less convenient for casual carry in a kit bag. The Barkeep's 25.5-ounce Zamak alloy frame and 6.38-inch length prioritize portability and a $171.99 price point over the Wrangler's heft and enhanced longevity under thousands of cycles.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Barkeep Boot weighs 25.5 ounces unloaded and measures 6.38 inches in overall length with a barrel length of approximately 3.5 inches. Its cylinder diameter is 1.3 inches, and the grip frame is 4.1 inches tall, giving it a profile roughly comparable to a large smartphone. This compact envelope, combined with the fixed notch-and-blade sights, creates a platform optimized for close-range drills inside 15 yards, not precision work at distance like you'd expect from a dedicated target pistol or a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, a high-volume training tool, or a precision instrument. The single-action-only design, slow reload procedure using the included ejector rod, and low-energy .22 LR cartridge render it non-viable for personal protection. Furthermore, the Zamak alloy frame and internal lockwork are not designed to withstand the tens of thousands of cycles expected from a dedicated rimfire training pistol like a Ruger Mark IV, making it a poor choice for instructors running multi-student courses weekly.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one six-round cylinder, and a Heritage-branded ejector rod with a wood handle for case removal. There is no case, lock, or additional accessories included—this is a bare-bones packaging consistent with its sub-$200 price tier. You must supply your own .22 LR ammunition, and I strongly recommend purchasing a basic cleaning kit and a secure storage container, as the black oxide finish offers minimal corrosion resistance in humid environments compared to the blued steel on many shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
Is the Heritage Barkeep Boot worth it at $171.99?
At $171.99, it is worth the cost strictly as an introductory plinking revolver or a collector's piece, provided you understand its mechanical and material limitations. You are paying for a functional, classic-styled single-action in an extremely portable format, not for durability or modern features. For the shooter who wants a handful of relaxing range trips per year with a historically evocative tool, it delivers. For anyone whose needs extend beyond that narrow scope, the investment is better directed toward a more robust platform, even at a higher price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 25.5 oz — over 10 oz lighter than a comparable all-steel Ruger Wrangler.
- 6.38-inch overall length — fits in a large coat pocket or compact pistol rug.
- Six-round capacity — standard for the single-action .22 LR platform.
- Distinctive burnt snake wood grips — provides a secure, non-slip hold.
Trade-offs
- Zamak alloy frame — not suitable for high-volume shooting; lifespan limited compared to steel.
- Single-action only — requires manually cocking the hammer for every shot, slowing rate of fire.
- Fixed, rudimentary sights — non-adjustable, limiting precision beyond 15 yards.
- No included case or lock — requires additional purchase for safe storage and transport.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962706770 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BK22B1BHWBRN2 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 1 |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 6.38 |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 5.4 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 2.055 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Notched Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Heritage Barkeep Boot is not compatible with factory .22 Magnum cylinders. It is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle. Do not attempt to fire .22 WMR in this revolver, as it is not rated for the higher pressure and will cause a catastrophic failure.
- Does the black oxide finish rust easily?
- Yes, the black oxide finish on the Zamak frame provides minimal corrosion resistance. I recommend applying a light coat of a protectant like Break-Free CLP after every handling or range session. In humid conditions, noticeable surface oxidation can appear within 48-72 hours if left untreated.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- No, there is no provision for mounting any optical sight. The sighting system consists of a fixed front blade and a simple notch milled into the top of the frame, which is not modifiable. Any attempt to drill and tap the Zamak frame for a mount will irreparably damage it.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to carrier pickup. Transit time to your selected Federal Firearms License holder varies by location but averages 2-7 additional business days for ground service, provided your FFL's information is on file with Ironclad Armory.