Heritage Barkeep: Evoking Childhood Memories

After spending time with wheel guns recently, specifically the Heritage Barkeep, I think I may have grown up in the wrong time period. Or perhaps it's just a tool that evokes fond memories from my childhood. I vividly remember visiting my great-grandparents on Sunday afternoons in their tiny bungalow. Doc was always sitting in his recliner with the TV guide (folded to the current day), his giant cigar and a bowl of hard candy on the nearby end table. At the same time, Amma bustled in the kitchen, cooking pork with sauerkraut and baking a lemon pie. We all sat in the tiny living room watching “Gun Smoke,” “Bonanza,” or any other Western on the console television.

I used to be the official channel changer (IYKYK). I also remember finding a toy cowboy cap gun with a well-worn leather belt and holster in my grandma's attic while hunting for treasures one day. It belonged to my uncles, but I was allowed to bring it home – since they were all well past the age of playing with toy guns. I treasured the revolver, even sharing it with my boys when they were little. Oh, and the big clincher was growing up with my dad, uncles and even my grandpa, sometimes wearing Western hats while listening to Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson on the eight-track tape player. Yes, looking back, I realize that while I was growing up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, I was, as Barbara Mandrell put it, "Country when country wasn't cool." I believe that these fond childhood memories drew me to the Heritage Barkeep.

The Heritage Barkeep may not be an exact replica of a historical firearm, but this single-action, small revolver resembles some of the guns featured in the old Westerns I enjoyed watching with my great-grandparents and, more recently, my dad. It is based on the Colt Single-Action Army gun of the 1800s, particularly the Storekeeper's model. The short one-, two- or three-inch barrel makes it suitable for close-range shooting, unlike the long-barreled version that cowboys like Wyatt Earp used for shooting at a distance. Yes, I watched a lot of movies and read many books about Wyatt Earp, too.

Besides the length of the barrel, another option is the grip type. The Barkeep is available with either a birdshead or plow handle grip. The birdshead grip offers a smaller footprint, making it easier to conceal. Although many of the forums mention concealing the small revolver in a boot, I don't suggest that for safety purposes – unless you have some type of holster that secures it safely. For those with larger hands, the plow handle provides more surface area to hold onto while giving up some of the concealability. If you research online, you will find varying opinions and many diehards defending their preferred grip style. Note: The Barkeep with a one-inch barrel is called the Barkeep Boot and is the only version available with the birdshead grip. The two- and three-inch barrels are only available with the plow handle grip.

The version I received has the simulated case hardened finish with custom scroll grips. (item #BK22CH2WBRN10)

Specs include the following:

• Caliber: .22 LR (interchangeable .22 WMR cylinder option)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Sights: Fixed front sight, notch at rear sight
• Length: 7.95 inches
• Width: 1.5 inches
• Barrel Length: 2.68 inches
• Weight: 26 ounces

Note: This Heritage Barkeep arrives chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but an interchangeable cylinder (available on the Heritage website) chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum (.22 WMR) also fits this revolver.

Aside from the length of the barrel and grip style, the Barkeep offers other variations on the website. There are two different frame finishes: a black standard oxide finish (one with gold accents) and the simulated case hardened. Numerous grip options, including a US flag, gray pearl or black laminate, are also available. But don't let these options stop you from building your own personalized Barkeep.

Personalizing Your Heritage Barkeep

If you enjoy adding a bit of flair to your firearm, Heritage offers cylinders with a prism finish that features unique color variations – meaning no two are alike. You'll also find blue, gold, copper and purple cylinders. For those who prefer a more understated look, but still want to make a statement, various engraved cylinders are available. These designs appeal to a wide range of tastes, featuring themes from animals to Western motifs to intricate scrolls and more.

As for grips, Heritage offers 14 birdshead and 77 plow handle options, ranging in price from $24.99 to $35.99. At that price point, you could have a different set of grips for every outfit! (That's meant to be funny.)

Just imagine what you could create with all the grips and cylinders available; the combinations are endless. Picture adding a prism or purple cylinder and the purple laminate grips to your Barkeep. Too much?

Manipulating the Barkeep

As with other single-action revolvers, the hammer has four positions:

• The first click locks up the trigger and cylinder so the gun won't fire. This is the original old Colt "safety notch." Note: Heritage does not recommend using this hammer position as an only safety. 
• The second click places it in the "half-cock” position. This locks the trigger and allows the cylinder to spin freely in a clockwise rotation for loading or unloading. 
• According to the manual, the third click is of no consequence to the shooter. 
• The fourth click (when the hammer is pulled all the way back) puts the hammer in the "cocked" position. The Barkeep WILL FIRE if the hammer block is in the down (fire) position and a loaded cartridge is under the hammer.

When carrying the Barkeep loaded, Heritage recommends in its user manual to carry the revolver with an empty chamber under the hammer. Although loading the revolver is done in the traditional way, unloading is not so traditional. Because of the short barrel, an external ejector tool (supplied with the revolver) is used to remove the empty cases out of each chamber one at a time. Note: ALWAYS keep hands and fingers away from the muzzle when using the ejector tool.

On the left side of the receiver, the Barkeep comes with a modern external safety lever. The lever gets flipped up to put it in the SAFE position, blocking the hammer from striking the firing pin. I found it easy to maneuver with the thumb of my right hand, which is my strong hand. I'm not sure how a left-handed person would engage it. Although some may find it unnecessary, I think the external safety is a welcome addition, especially when working with new or inexperienced shooters.

A Plinker

Speaking of new or inexperienced shooters, the Heritage Barkeep is a great firearm to pull out when having a fun day plinking on the range (even for novice shooters). It's sure to evoke nostalgic memories for some and maybe even interest a younger generation in watching old Westerns. At an MSRP price point, averaging less than $200, it's easy on the pocketbook.

Now I think I'll don my cowboy hat and boots then watch “Tombstone.”

Check out the line of Heritage Barkeep revolvers at the Heritage website.

About the Author

Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, is a firearms trainer, writer, hunter and adventuress. She entered the firearms industry in 2011 as a national training company's co-owner, president and trainer. At the same time, she began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter.

Currently, Michelle is the managing editor at “Women's Outdoor News” and the author of numerous posts on the site. As a firearms trainer, she works with Apex Shooting and Tactics, instructing the Faster Saves Lives program in northern Ohio. Michelle also manages the social media for FASTER Saves Lives and Vera Koo. You can find more of her writings at “Shooting News Weekly” and the NRA's “Shooting Sports USA”.