Heritage Settler: She Channels Her Inner John Wayne, Sans Rifle Twirl

By Michelle Cerino

I have a passion for replicas of historic firearms. I enjoy researching their histories, spotting them in movies (especially old Westerns) and spending time with them on the shooting range. When I finally got my hands on a Heritage Settler, I couldn’t wait to put on my cowboy hat and start exploring the world of lever-action rifles.

According to my research, John Wayne frequently carried a lever-action rifle in his Western films and had a signature trick. He first showcased this trick in the film “Stagecoach” (1939), as the character Ringo Kid. His signature move involved spinning the rifle by its lever with one hand. I learned that he worked with stuntman and rodeo champion Yakima Canutt to create the trick using an enlarged, oval-shaped lever loop. 

After watching several clips from different movies of John Wayne performing his famous rifle twirl, I made the executive decision NOT to try it at the range I belonged to. Although it might be entertaining, I have a feeling others there would not have appreciated it, especially those standing behind me. I think it breaks at least two of the four firearms safety rules.

A First Look at the Settler

As I browsed the Heritage Manufacturing booth at the 47th annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), the Settler immediately captured my attention. The receiver’s finish resembled one that had been passed down over the years on a ranch, being carried by many hands during the day and proudly displayed above the fireplace each evening. Each of the Settlers on the wall display at the show had its own unique patina, which beautifully complements the dark, wood-grain forend and stock, as well as the polished black oxide barrel and buttplate. Additionally, the traditional buckhorn sights, featuring a tall brass bead blade at the front, enhanced the classic Old West appearance. I knew I wanted to add this rifle to my western collection.

Getting to Know My Settler

First and foremost, since the Settler is a rimfire rifle, it should NEVER be dry-fired. However, since it’s essential to become familiar with the operation of any new firearm prior to live fire, I knew I had to be extra careful since my norm is to get a feel for the trigger press right away. So, before visiting the range, I carefully read through the online instruction manual. I noted the push-button cross-bolt safety, but I was unfamiliar with the second option: the half-cocked hammer. Placing the hammer in a half-cocked position (slightly pulled back) disengages the trigger and prevents the rifle from firing, acting as an additional safety mechanism. I spent time practicing with the unloaded rifle, manipulating the hammer by cocking it to both full and half-cocked positions, and releasing it from the fully cocked position to both the half-cocked and down positions.

I then made sure I knew how to load and unload the firearm, as well as how to adjust the sights if needed. Now, with an understanding of how to manipulate the Settler, I was ready to head to the range.

On the Range

While on a ladies’ adventure weekend recently, I learned how to properly shoot a lever-action rifle from Olympian and Pro-Shooter, Lanny Barnes. She showed me how to keep my thumb to the side of the stock rather than wrapping it over the top. This change in my thumb placement allowed me to manipulate the lever more quickly and smoothly. I had to keep reminding myself where to place my thumb, but I know with more practice, I’ll get smoother every time, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

With a target set at approximately 30 feet, I loaded the Settler and began shooting. Since I had never used buckhorn sights before, I wanted to figure out what sight picture I needed to see. According to my online research, for close-range targets, I should place the front bead in the bottom notch. Then, as the distance increased, the bead would need to be moved up the rear sight. There is a way to adjust the elevation, but since this was my first time shooting the Settler, I didn’t want to make any adjustments; I simply wanted to practice manipulating it and get some shots on paper.

Final Thoughts

While working the lever action and focusing on the necessary sight picture to hit my targets, I had a lot on my mind at the range. I ended up firing many rounds of .22LR that afternoon, shooting 15 rounds at a time. The Settler is an excellent choice for plinking and for dealing with those pesky small varmints. Additionally, it’s an excellent option for teaching someone how to shoot a lever-action rifle. Shooting a .22 is simply enjoyable; wearing a cowboy hat and playing background music adds to the fun.

Happy trails to you, Pilgrim!

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.”