I feel like with all the questions about Heritage I should just make a Youtube video and run down my experiences with them instead of spending 10 mins to explain. Oh well, I like guns and always like to reveal my Truth.
I don't have the .22 model, but I have the .32 H&R 3.5" with the birds head grip. It's built on the same size frame as the .22's and for the caliber and size, I like it. The trigger is nice, the gun feels good in the hand, it groups well. The only issue I have with it is the fixed sights are off... way off and I can't adjust them. It shoots high and to the left, so I have to do a 4:30 hold with it.
Your kin's experience may vary with the sights.
I think for the money, especially the .22 models, they're unbeatable. Would a Ruger be better? Yup, but how much are you willing to spend for the subjective concept of "better?"
I don't have an issue with the safety, some people hate it, but to keep the price as low as possible, Heritage couldn't put in the transfer bar safety. Does it make the gun look ugly? Yeah, sure, but I'm sure the same people who hate safety would then just bash the blue finish.
I just wish that Heritage would offer more models with adjustable sights as right now, only the 6.5 inch models are available with them. I'd like to see the 4 inch models and especially the 9.5 inch model offered with adjustables.