Heritage Barkeep: Unboxing and Initial Review of the New 2021 Model
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ordering and Receiving the Gun
- Initial Inspection and Grip Issue
- Features of the Heritage Barkeep
- Comparison with Older Models
- Unloading and Reloading the Gun
- Shooting Experience
- Frustration with Customer Service
- Conclusion
Heritage Barkeep: A Review of the New 2021 Model
Hey folks, Rob here. I've been eagerly waiting for my new gun to arrive, and after a two-week wait, it's finally here. In today's article, I will be reviewing the new Heritage Barkeep from Heritage Manufacturing, a gun manufacturer Based in Bainbridge, Georgia. This model, released in January 2021, caught my eye when I first saw it, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. However, considering my past experiences with Heritage, I approach this review with a mix of excitement and skepticism.
Ordering and Receiving the Gun
I ordered the Heritage Barkeep from Kentucky Gun Company and waited for it to be shipped. It took around nine days for the gun to be shipped and an additional five days for FedEx to deliver it to my FFL dealer. The total waiting time amounted to approximately two weeks, which made the anticipation build up.
Initial Inspection and Grip Issue
Upon receiving the gun, the first thing I noticed was the loose grips. As I inspected it further, I found that the grips were extremely loose, far more than I expected. I hoped that tightening them would solve the issue. To my relief, I discovered that there was a Pin in place to prevent grip movement. However, it seemed that the hole corresponding to the pin was slightly larger than it should be, resulting in the loose grips. I tightened the grips and hoped that this initial issue wouldn't set a negative tone for the gun.
Features of the Heritage Barkeep
The Heritage Barkeep is a new addition to the Heritage lineup for 2021. This model is chambered for .22 caliber cartridges and is available only with the standard cylinder. Unlike some other models, it does not offer the option for a magnum cylinder. The gun features a single action mechanism and comes with a manual and a chamber flag indicator for safety. It also has a 2.6-inch barrel and a grip frame similar to older Heritage models.
Comparison with Older Models
To see how the Heritage Barkeep compares to older models, I compared it to my older six and a half-inch Heritage and my previous four and a half-inch Black Widow. The Barkeep has a noticeably shorter barrel, measuring 2.6 inches in length, and lacks an ejector rod housing. These design elements are reminiscent of the Colt Sheriff's Model, which was based on modifications people made to their 1873 Navies and other black powder guns to Create pocket pistols. The Heritage Barkeep carries on this tradition with its compact size and concealed carry potential.
Unloading and Reloading the Gun
To unload the Heritage Barkeep, You simply need to put it on half-cock and use the provided ejector rod to push out the cartridges from the cylinder. Each rotation allows you to remove another shell until the cylinder is empty. Reloading is a straightforward process of inserting a loaded cylinder back into the gun and securing it with the cylinder pin.
Shooting Experience
Unfortunately, due to the snowy weather and cold conditions, I haven't had the opportunity to take the Heritage Barkeep out for a proper shooting session. Once the weather clears up, I plan to test it outdoors and share my shooting experience in a future video.
Frustration with Customer Service
Before concluding this review, I must express my frustration with Heritage's customer service. While waiting for the replacement of my defective Black Widow, they sent back the grips without the gun. It's disappointing that they couldn't prioritize sending a replacement gun promptly, especially considering they manufacture these guns daily. They informed me that they will be sending me another gun at their convenience, but I hope this delay doesn't set a Precedent for their customer service in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Heritage Barkeep appears to be a promising addition to their 2021 lineup. Despite the initial grip issue, I remain hopeful that this gun will perform well and live up to its expectations. Stay tuned for my next video where I will take the Heritage Barkeep out for a shooting session and provide a more detailed review of its performance. Thank you for reading, and if you haven't done so already, don't forget to subscribe to my Channel for more content like this.
Highlights
- The new Heritage Barkeep from Heritage Manufacturing is a highly-anticipated addition to their 2021 lineup.
- This model is chambered for .22 caliber cartridges and features a single-action mechanism.
- The Heritage Barkeep is reminiscent of the Colt Sheriff's Model, known for its compact size and concealed carry potential.
- Despite a grip issue upon initial inspection, the Heritage Barkeep holds promise for a reliable and accurate shooting experience.
- Frustration with customer service regarding a defective Black Widow raises concerns about their responsiveness and efficiency.
FAQ
Q: Can the Heritage Barkeep be converted to use a magnum cylinder?
A: No, the Heritage Barkeep is only available with the standard cylinder and does not offer the option for a magnum cylinder.
Q: How does the Heritage Barkeep compare to older Heritage models?
A: The Heritage Barkeep has a shorter barrel length and lacks an ejector rod housing, distinguishing it from older models.
Q: What is the expected availability of the Heritage Barkeep?
A: The Heritage Barkeep was released in January 2021 and should be available for purchase from authorized dealers. However, availability may vary depending on demand and stock availability.