The Heritage Settler Compact: Perfect for a Beginner

The Heritage Settler Compact: Perfect for a Beginner

Two of the most crucial things to consider when sharing the shooting sports with someone are safety and enjoyment. Many new shooters form a negative conclusion of the sport because of painful or unnerving first experiences. When introducing people to the sport, it is imperative that you ease them in – using an appropriate platform like the Heritage Settler Compact. 

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The Heritage Settler Compact 22 Lever Action Long Rifle (MSRP $499) is a great beginner rifle for anyone, a much gentler option than a 7mm Rem Mag or a .30-06. This lever action .22 long rifle comes equipped with open sights. Its description is in its name – Settler Compact. With a total length is 31.5 inches, and a total weight is just more than five pounds, it is the perfect rifle for starters. 

On the Range with the Compact Settler

I invited 15-year-old Abby Atherton to shoot some fun targets with me, with those aforementioned goals (safety and enjoyment) in mind. I've previously shared the airgun sport with her through target shooting with pellet and bb guns, but never firearms. When I received this rifle, I couldn't wait to take it to the range. I knew this lever action .22 would be more enjoyable with company, and it's a perfect platform for sharing.

The Heritage Settler Compact is equipped with front and rear sights, so getting range ready was simple. We packed all the things necessary, including a wide range of ammunition: Winchester Wildcat 40 grain LR (MSRP $41.95), Remington Golden Bullet 40 grain HP (MSRP $11.99), Remington Standard V 38 grain LR (MSRP $34.95) and CCi Stangers 32 grain LR (MSRP $17.99). We also packed eye and ear pro, a Ransom Rest Rifle Rest (MSRP $170.00) and some fun targets, including White Flyer Blackout Clay Targets (MSRP $19.99).

Before we loaded the first cartridge into the 13-round magazine tube, we did a thorough run-through of the parts and operation of the rifle. We began at the butt and worked our way to the muzzle, to give Abby a proper understanding of how the rifle worked and how to safely operate it. Knowing the different parts of the gun is extremely important. For example, if I said to Abby, "Keep your finger off the trigger," she could correctly follow instructions because she knew what and where the trigger is located. Firearm education is the start of a gun safe generation. 

Moving on to Shooting Clays

After getting acquainted with this platform, Abby and I took some shots on the rest to check accuracy.  We found the rifle liked the CCi 32 grain Stangers. After shooting at Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C Targets (MSRP $24.99), we decided to take some offhand shots at steel silhouette targets before setting up the clays. Once Abby was comfortable and confident cocking the lever action and shooting in the standing offhand position, we set up the clays and had a fun shoot. 

Along with the clays, we set up a few soda cans to add a little variety. We opted to stick with the clays because the soda cans didn't produce an obvious reaction and a reaction is what we wanted to see.

Abby asked if I would shoot first so she could watch and get some pointers. It's always helpful to demonstrate how to shoot a gun, as well. Of course, I obliged by hitting the cans a couple times and moving quickly through most of the clays before emptying the magazine. The only pointer I could give Abby was to relax. 

Abby shouldered the Settler and with an enthusiastic smile, placed her cheek on the stock. She directed her full attention to the White Flyers nestled into the dirt berm. She hit a few of the clays and it was obvious, even though she was nervous, she had a great time sending lead down range. That's what matters when introducing a sport, not perfect accuracy or performance. I hope to get many more opportunities to take Abby to the range and put the Heritage Settler Compact in her hands for even more practice and fun. 

What She Liked About the Settler

Abby's favorite things about the Settler were its size and weight, which fit her perfectly, and the lever action, which gave her a classic cowgirl feel. Now that she has had some experience with the rifle, the next time we go out, we'll nail down her cheek weld and trigger pull. I won't hammer her all at once with the things she'll need to correct to get consistent accuracy. Habits take time to change, and I hope to take the time with her to do so. Sharing the sport isn't always a one-time occasion; it's important to take the time to nurture and grow it in others. 

Learn more about the Heritage Settler Compact .22 Lever Action Rifle. 

MSRP: $499 

Source: The Heritage Settler Compact: Perfect for a Beginner