I grew up loving Westerns. Part of the love was from being raised on a farm—I could relate to some of the ideals and issues discussed. However, it was escapism, a leave from reality, that led me to them. Even Star Wars, my favorite cultural phenomenon and intellectual property has its roots in Western movies. Not only were the stories and characters interesting, but the gunfights were spectacular (at least in my memory). Think, if you take the Quigley Sharps rifle out of Quigley Down Under, is there even a movie? The firearms used in these films have become icons. That’s why sports such as the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) exist—it’s for people to escape into their passions. The firearms world has largely supported lovers of Westerns and historic firearms by offering modern recreations and interpretations. The only downfall is that many of these firearms are made in Italy, Turkey, Japan, or Brazil. Not much is made here (that’s new besides Ruger’s line of Vaquero Revolvers). That’s where a company like Heritage Manufacturing comes in.

Heritage MFG Badlander

Heritage MFG of Bainbridge, GA is no stranger to Western classics. The company has a long-standing reputation for making 22 rimfire versions of the classic Colt Peacemaker. The best part is their affordability—usually under $200 for many of their models. Recently, they’ve jumped into the Lever Action game with several rimfire models. But in a surprising move, Heritage announced the addition of the Badlander to their catalog:

“Street Howitzer. Scattergun. Coach gun. All of these are synonymous with the iconic shotgun of the Old West: the 12-gauge side-by-side. Now, you can experience what it would have felt like to fire two barrels of buckshot with the new Heritage Badlander.”

From looks alone, the Badlander seems to be the answer for all those wanting the classic coach gun from an American Company. The gun is simple but relies heavily on modern manufacturing and materials. For instance, the barrels are coated with a corrosion-resistant black oxide as compared to the dated bluing process. The twin barrels are cut back to the shortest legal limit, 18.5”, and given a solid brass bead sight affixed between them. The stock is dark walnut finished, giving the gun a sleek but practical look. There is a two-position tang-mounted safety that is well-positioned, and the gun was given two triggers. The twin-trigger design offers redundancy in the case of failure and the ability to fire off both barrels at once.

Final Thoughts

There is a definite marketplace for the Badlander for both collectors and shooters. The only issue is the price, $894.99. While the street price may be less, that’s still steep compared to its foreign competition. Moreover, Heritage is a company that is known for its affordability, not exorbitant prices. Is this the true cost of having something made here versus elsewhere? I’m not sure, but I’m sure if Heritage were to answer it would involve the higher cost of materials, skilled labor, and modern manufacturing. Heritage is banking that its reputation and the quality of the gun will be reason enough for the higher price. Of course, time will tell. But I think the Badlander will be popular for enthusiasts, collectors, and competitors, just not the casual gun owner. The Badlander will be hitting dealer shelves shortly.