Heritage Barkeep: Better than I expected

[TTv2]

With the $30 rebate being offered I figured I wanted something new to play with at a low price and the Barkeeps are a pretty unique line that Heritage makes, enough different than what I have now I figured why not. Now, being an owner of a .32 Mag and a 9 shot .22 Rough Rider, I've gotten to know the brand and what to expect. I knew the Barkeep wasn't going to be small or super light, but it feels a lot lighter than 9 shot I have and with the 2" barrel is a lot smaller in OAL and the change in balance with the shorter barrel is really remarkable.

The action was the next thing I felt an improvement on over the 9 shot; it felt so much smoother and the lockup definitely tighter and a better trigger pull too. I assume that the 9 shot models Heritage get them to be made to feel as smooth as the standard 6 round models do, which is a shame as I feel a 9 shot Barkeep would be pretty sweet.

IDK how it shoots yet, that I'm not looking too forward to given it has the traditional fixed sights that shoot nowhere near the POA, but maybe I'll get lucky.

The bottom line is that my first impression was surprisingly good and so good was it it got me wishing Heritage would do a centerfire line of the Barkeep in .32 Mag and .38 Spl in a 7075 Aluminum frame.

 

[Buckeye63]

One of the Heritage lines I missed out on was the 32mag model .. sorta surprised they didn’t come back out with that model …
I to have a Bar keep great little SA

 

[ontarget]

One of the Heritage lines I missed out on was the 32mag model .. sorta surprised they didn’t come back out with that model …
I to have a Bar keep great little SA

I've been watching the used market for a 32 mag Heritage myself. I always thought it would make a great plinker.

 

[TTv2]

I've been watching the used market for a 32 mag Heritage myself. I always thought it would make a great plinker.

POA/POI is so off I was considering selling mine recently, but when that is the only issue I'm feeling in the future of having a smith install some adjustable sights. Excellent accuracy with everything, including .32 ACP, tight lockup and smooth action, plus it's got the bird's head grip too.

For you tho, they can be found from time to time on Gunbroker, but my guess is the prices will be near $400 and at that point a used Ruger Single Six .32 Mag or Singe Seven is better if it's only $100 more.

 

[TTv2]

I never updated this and yesterday had nice weather and incentive go get my butt out to do some shooting. I took along both .22 Heritages and at 12 yards with Aguila I was getting groups offhand that were near identical in size.

So, the longer barrel and adjustable sights on the 9 shot add nothing to shoot ability at closer ranges, maybe at 25 I would see a difference.

During shooting yesterday I was finding the Barkeep to be a natural pointer that, even tho I'd prefer a birds head grip, felt very good in the hand, like it always found the right spot to be in with my grip that meant I could get on the sights quickly and comfortably.

POI is very good in elevation, hits a bit left, but that is loads better than the .32 Heritage I have.

What I learned with this Barkeep is with Heritage, it's best to stick with shorter barrels. Would be nice if they'd make a centerfire version of the Barkeep in something like .32 or .38

 

[Brubz]

I never updated this and yesterday had nice weather and incentive go get my butt out to do some shooting. I took along both .22 Heritages and at 12 yards with Aguila I was getting groups offhand that were near identical in size.

So, the longer barrel and adjustable sights on the 9 shot add nothing to shoot ability at closer ranges, maybe at 25 I would see a difference.

During shooting yesterday I was finding the Barkeep to be a natural pointer that, even tho I'd prefer a birds head grip, felt very good in the hand, like it always found the right spot to be in with my grip that meant I could get on the sights quickly and comfortably.

POI is very good in elevation, hits a bit left, but that is loads better than the .32 Heritage I have.

What I learned with this Barkeep is with Heritage, it's best to stick with shorter barrels. Would be nice if they'd make a centerfire version of the Barkeep in something like .32 or .38

They do make the Bar Keep in the Bird's Head grip. I wasn't sure if you were saying you didn't know they made one or if you just didn't find one available

 

[TTv2]

They do make the Bar Keep in the Bird's Head grip. I wasn't sure if you were saying you didn't know they made one or if you just didn't find one available

I know, but those would have cost more and I was trying to get the lowest priced model possible, which ended up being the standard grip frame. Given how well it feels and is shooting for me, I have no inclination to change it out.