Skip to main content

Heritage Barkeep Boot Single-Action Revolver: A Beauty

The Heritage Manufacturing Barkeep Boot single-action revolver is a pocket gun beauty with a laminated grip custom-engraved with a snake. 

Heritage Barkeep Boot Single-Action Revolver: A Beauty

So-called “pocket guns” can be mighty handy, and one that has recently crossed my desk is a cleverly designed single-action handgun made by Heritage Manufacturing of Bainbridge, Georgia. Called the Barkeep Boot, this downsized gun chambered for the .22 Long Rifle may be just the answer for pocket or purse. With its 1-inch barrel it checks in at under 2 pounds with an overall length of a curt 6.5 inches.

On this particular model, the round butt features a custom-engraved “snake” laminated grip; plain black or gray pearl grips are available as well. With this type of grip, I found it much easier to cock the gun because the hammer was in comfortable reach of the thumb.

The hammer is stainless, finished bright and serrated. The smooth trigger gave me a reading of four pounds on the nose, with hardly any take-up before the sear broke. The squared-off trigger guard makes a handy rest for a weak-hand shooting position if needed.

For a gun at this price ($205), it’s well-finished and well-built. While the frame is aluminum, the cylinder, barrel, knurled base pin and screws are carbon steel with a satin finish. Since this is a no-frills gun, don’t look for fancy sights. It has a gutter milled into the top frame, machined out to the barrel/frame juncture. 


There is a swing-out loading gate on the right side that is easy to open and close. Pulling the hammer back to half-cock allows the cylinder to rotate for loading and unloading. The transfer bar is engaged by the safety lever on the left side when pushed upward. The safety lever is disengaged when in the rearmost and down position.

With such a short barrel, there is no room for an ejection rod, so Heritage supplies one in the form of a rod with a wooden handle. When you have fired off the six rounds, set the gun to the second notch, open the loading gate and push the spent cases out of the cylinder from the forward end.

Overall, I found the Heritage Barkeep Boot a great value. Rugged in appearance, it exhibited smooth operation throughout its cycles considering its moderate cost. The gun locked up tight every time, with the timing next to perfect and all without a ring around the cylinder periphery.


Heritage Manufacturing offers a full line of rimfire revolvers—almost 60 models—and I think the company knows what it’s doing. If you feel you would like something with a slightly longer barrel, the Barkeep is available with a two- or three-inch barrel complete with a front sight blade and a more traditional grip frame.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

First Look: Taurus GX4 XL

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

S&W M&P Shield Plus

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Beretta A1 Carry

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Bad Shooting Advice

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Skills Drills - 3 Second Headshot

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Shooting from Kneeling

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Taurus GX4

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Gear

Streamlight Wedge

Handguns Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Handguns App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Handguns subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now